September 23, 2014

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By Lindsey Gooding

I never thought I’d be able to forget the exhaustion that accompanied my son, William’s, four-week stay in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Texas Children’s Pavilion for Women in April 2012. William has reached so many exciting milestones since he left the NICU two years ago.

The progress William has made between his first and second birthday still amazes me. At his first birthday, he wasn’t walking, he had no teeth and he had no interest in solid food. By his second birthday, he was a walking, talking, food-loving little toddler who finally had seven teeth.

I’d be lying if I said I didn’t worry about him not being on the growth charts for so long and his speech being delayed compared to others his age. When William turned two years old, I had him evaluated by a speech therapist because he wasn’t saying 50 words. They told me what I had known deep down in my heart. He didn’t qualify. He was learning a little more every day. William was doing things on his own timeline and that’s okay.

William is his own person. He was a preemie who has made remarkable progress. All we can do is love him, teach him and encourage him. He has met all his milestones. A few were several months behind but he’s done it and that’s what matters. He can kick a ball, he repeats things he hears, he knows all his body parts, he plays make-believe and he’s more independent with each day that passes. We couldn’t be more pleased with his progress.

Although a NICU stay can be exhausting, there were several things that made it an awesome, positive experience. The car seat education program was priceless. I got to have a little baby for longer than most. The nurses were so informative and helped me perfect my “mom skills.” Gordon and I enjoyed going out to dinner a couple of times which most new parents don’t get to do (and we had the best babysitters in town!). Since William received donor breast milk while in the NICU, I knew I had to give back by donating myself!

Gordon and I would love to add another little Gooding into our family. If we are ever blessed enough to welcome another baby into the world, we will be more prepared for a NICU stay. It won’t be easy but being a parent never is. Every NICU family has a different story. Some are harder than others. I try to always put things into perspective. Find the silver lining. My motto is: You have to embrace all the days, good and bad. In their own unique way they are very precious moments. It may not be what you envisioned but sometimes that’s okay.

September 16, 2014

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By Rosanne Moore, Bump Watch Editor​

Putting together a diaper bag for a baby may feel like packing for a weeklong vacation! How many diapers do I need? Is one pacifier enough? What other baby gear essentials should I take with me?

For new mothers, leaving the house takes on a whole new meaning. Preparation is key, even if your out-of-the-house excursion means running a few errands with your infant (or infants, in the case of twins!) in tow.

To help make the process easier for new parents, we asked several Bump Watch mothers to share their tips on what to pack in their newborn’s diaper bag. After all, you need to be prepared for any surprises.

Top 15 list of diaper bag essentials:
1. Diapers (at least two per child) and plenty of wipes
2. Boogie wipes (unscented) for the nose and face
3. Travel changing pad
4. Munchkin diaper disposal bags, like this one. They are scented which is a Godsend when baby has a dirty diaper.
5. Small tube of Triple Paste diaper rash cream
6. Pacifier and pacifier sanitizing wipes
7. A favorite teether/toy for baby (such as a Sophie or a rattle)
8. Extra change of clothes in case baby has a blowout
9. BabyGanics stain stick (in case baby stains clothing, you can pre-treat it right away)
10. Blanket or “hooter hider” cover for nursing
11. Pre-measured formula/water if you are formula feeding so you can prepare a new bottle on the go
12. Lightweight blanket for baby
13. Extra bib
14. Burp cloth for spit ups
15. Ziplock bag (so that if baby soils clothing, you can keep it contained away from the rest of your things)

September 9, 2014

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By: Sherrell Ogletree

Our son, Jaxon Robert Ogletree, was born on July 25, 2013 at Texas Children’s Pavilion for Women. Dr. Katharine Bolt was my obstetrician and she did a phenomenal job!

The Pavilion for Women was an amazing experience. My labor and delivery room was beautiful and my favorite amenity was the spa-like showers. The staff was very friendly and I even got a celebration cake when Jaxon was born. The nurses were super and the rooms were extremely clean. My room was so huge and the atmosphere really made it feel like home. I am so happy that I was able to have that wonderful experience with my last child.

91014BWjaxon2Once Jaxon was born, I was so excited to hold him and I couldn’t imagine what life would be like without him. He is the sweetest baby and is always full of joy. Having three boys is definitely an adjustment. Sometimes my husband and I look at each other and realize we are outnumbered.

Football season in my house is crazy. The boys rule the television and every so often you will hear yelling as their team scores a touchdown. Jaxon still holds on to his mommy for now but soon I know he will convert.

By Sherrell Ogletree

Being a mother of three boys has brought so much joy and chaos at the same time. After having Jaxon, I decided to start work as a nurse practitioner and I currently work in the Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology department at Texas Children’s. Adjusting to the new position has been great and spending more time on the weekend with the kids has been even better. I still haven’t learned the concept of balance and I still feel like the term is not real. Instead I choose to place my faith, family, and friends as my priorities and everything else seems to fall into place.

Some of the tips that I have for moms are:

  1. Take joy in the good and the bad. It’s a learning experience in which you and your family grow.
  2. Make sure that you make time for your children EVERY day. Life can be hectic but be sure to sit down and spend time with your kids every day. Make sure it is quality time in which they have your undivided attention. That goes for your husband as well.
  3. Never skip date nights. I believe strong marriages build strong families.
  4. Be flexible. Things will go wrong sometimes but you just have to be adaptable and resilient.

Jaxon is getting so big. Recently, he just got his first hair cut. Since he learned how to walk last month, his adventures have included running from mommy and trying to climb the stairs when no one is looking.

He is still learning how to talk but can clearly let you know when it is time for him to eat. He is such a bundle of joy and smiles every chance he gets. He has six teeth and is learning how to bite more than food.

Life is great for me and my husband and I couldn’t be more grateful for my three boys. I am looking forward to the future.

September 3, 2014

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By Dr. Charles Hankins

As a Texas Children’s neonatologist, I have treated many premature and critically-ill infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). When babies are born prematurely, their lungs and other organs are still developing. They are entering the most critical stage of their young lives. Their parents entrust their newborns to us to provide the highest level of care possible.

Our mission at Texas Children’s Hospital has always been to build a healthy community of children. In some cases, this begins in premature and critically-ill infants. To achieve the best neonatal outcomes, Texas Children’s has partnered with community NICUs in the Greater Houston area to ensure these patients receive the right care at the right time and in the right place.

As chief medical officer for Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus, I serve as the primary medical liaison to community physicians and work closely with them to expand access to patient care in the community setting, which is particularly important for the families of our NICU patients.

With a commitment to family-centered care, every effort is made to keep these infants close to their families in the community. Texas Children’s provides these local NICUs with administrative and clinical support, giving patients access to the latest treatments available in neonatal and pediatric care, state-of-the-art equipment and pediatric subspecialists.

If a child is born in one of the community hospitals and needs care offered only in a Level IV NICU, that baby is transferred immediately to our main campus at Texas Children’s Newborn Center, ranked No. 2 in the nation. When these babies graduate to a lower level NICU, the family can request transfer back to their community hospital and maintain the continuity of care which is so vital to helping these newborns thrive.

Texas Children’s is proud to work with these hospitals to provide high-quality care to newborns:

  • Houston Methodist West Hospital
  • Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital
  • Houston Methodist San Jacinto Hospital
  • Houston Methodist
  • St. Joseph Medical Center
  • CHI St. Luke’s Health – The Woodlands Hospital
  • CHI St. Luke’s Health – The Vintage Hospital

More than 2,000 NICU infants are cared for each year at Texas Children’s Newborn Center, making us one of the largest, most experienced NICUs in the country. Partnering with community NICUs in the Greater Houston area will ensure our critically-ill babies receive high-quality care, while helping us carry out our mission of creating a community of healthy children.

August 26, 2014

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By Dr. Jennifer Arnold

Soon after adopting Will and Zoey in 2013, our lives were thrown a major curveball when I was diagnosed with Stage 3 choriocarcinoma. After months of treatment and finally kicking cancer into remission, I went back to work this spring as medical director of Texas Children’s Simulation Center. Returning to my job has been a big adjustment for our entire family, but it’s also worked out for the best! It’s really important to me to raise our kids as independent go-getters who work hard to achieve their goals in life. I hope that by seeing Bill and I enjoying our careers – despite obstacles that have come our way – they will learn the value of perserverance and overcoming challenges.

Being a mom is the toughest and most rewarding job. I know everyone says that, but it’s true! It’s not easy to keep up with everything at work and at home when we have so much going on – in fact, it’s a constant challenge. Here are some of the ways that I try to balance it all:

Take things one step at a time
No matter how much is going on, I have to take a deep breath and think to myself, I can only accomplish one thing at a time. Personally, I believe my perspective has changed since becoming a cancer survivor. I don’t sweat the small stuff anymore but instead move towards the things that really matter. I also try not to get caught up in what other people think. I know that work didn’t stop while I was away, and I’m still trying to catch up. I’m really focused on getting back to some important initiatives we are working on in the Simulation Center. I am staying focused on what I think is important for the program and our institution. I’m constantly honing in on what needs to get done one step at a time in order to achieve our larger goals.

Prioritize and organize
Making lists and setting a routine works really well in my work and home life. Before kids, I didn’t think life could get any busier – well I was wrong. Life is crazy busy and it’s getting more difficult to keep up. I am not sure whether it’s residual “Chemo Brain,” the fact that I have turned 40, or becoming a new parent of two toddlers, but it is so easy to lose track of all the work and home “To Do’s” that need to be addressed. With my love-hate relationship with technology, I am trying to better harness tools to help me stay organized. There are so many new applications for your smart phone, tablet, and PCs that you can access anywhere to keep lists and project documents close at hand. Sometimes I have to do work from unusual places, so making everything easily accessible is key. When it comes to everything at home, it helps that Bill and I are pretty good about dividing and conquering! Prioritizing family, health and work is sometimes a struggle, but Bill and I try to keep each other in check. It’s hard for both of us to be away from the kids during work, but it’s easier because we have a good system in place with a fantastic nanny and family support.

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Don’t feel guilty for not doing it all
Sometimes you have to say no, and sometimes it’s ok to just be “good enough” rather than perfect. My best friend recently sent me a card describing how to do this. It’s a trait that I don’t think any mother is good at, but I try to remind myself that no one is perfect. This is tough for me to wrap my head around as I am a perfectionist – both as a professional and as a mom. I have to accept I can’t do everything, and I certainly can’t do it on my own. I’m lucky to have a great support system and so many people to rely on for help. First, my husband has been my sounding board when times were tough getting back into work. Second, my parents and nanny have been essential for helping us take care of the kids. Third, all of my colleagues have been so supportive and welcoming – which has helped me transition back into the swing of things. All of these people have made it possible for me to keep my family and my career on track.

Treat yourself
This one may come as a surprise, but I think it’s important to stay balanced and happy. I need to do this more often when I am stressed out. I try to make time once in a while for something that makes me happy. It can be something as small as watching my favorite TV show or getting a manicure – but I find that attending to my needs and putting myself first every once in a while makes me better equipped at dealing with everyone else’s expectations and the demands of being a working mom. Even though I often complain to Bill that filming our TLC television show on the weekends feels like one extra burden on our very busy lives, it allows us to take time to enjoy life and do fun stuff. Instead of just hanging out at the house with the kids on a Saturday afternoon, we can do something fun we might not otherwise do. I have learned that it is ok to reserve the weekends for quality family time since I’m not around much during the weekdays. I think we’re able to appreciate our time together as a family more since we have less of it with the busy demands of my career. I still feel tired at the end of the day, but at the same time, I’m so happy to get into a routine and just be boring for awhile.

82714BWJArnold640-3Be prepared
Having a Plan A and a Plan B makes me feel very comfortable about immersing myself back in work. Thankfully, we have an outstanding nanny. Kate is great with Will and Zoey, and with her background in child life, I feel comfortable that we have an expert to help care for our kids. But having my parents close by as a backup is also very reassuring. Zoey is much more comfortable, and she and Will are growing so much. They start school this fall so I am nervous, and at the same time, excited to see them flourish outside of our family unit.

Cancer kept me from my work for too long, but the silver lining was a lot more time with our newly adopted kids. When I returned to work, I was nervous about leaving them and not being around as much. It took me a few weeks to adjust, but I am comfortable knowing that little day-to-day issues won’t be a distraction since we have support and a plan (and a backup plan) in place.

August 19, 2014

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By Amber Jacques

Recently, we celebrated our daughter’s first birthday. It’s so amazing how fast time flies! Fourteen months ago, I remember my husband, Sam, and I, rushing to Texas Children’s Pavilion for Women for the birth of our beautiful daughter, Sydney. The contractions were getting pretty intense, but I was determined not to deliver in the car. As manager of Security Services at the Pavilion, I’ve seen moms deliver right as they pull up to the concourse. Fingers crossed, I didn’t want that to happen to me. I instructed my husband, “I am not having this baby in the car, and I don’t want to have this baby without medication. Hurry!”

82014BWfamily640 - 2Sure enough, we arrived at the hospital 35 miles later. The security guard placed me in a wheelchair as we headed up to my labor and delivery room. By that time, I was nine centimeters dilated. The nurses were wonderful and made sure I got my epidural like I requested. After a couple of pushes, Sydney made her grand debut! Our daughter was born June 8, 2013, at 7:55 p.m. weighing 8 pounds, 4 ounces and 21 inches long.

For my husband, Sam, and me, Sydney is our miracle baby.

At a very early age, I knew getting pregnant would be impossible. While in my mother’s womb, an ultrasound revealed that my right ovary was severely cystic and doctors removed it when I was a mere 10 days old. As a teenager, I remember my mom telling me, “Maybe we should look into freezing your eggs if you decide to have children one day.” But, I vetoed that idea because it was a non-issue back then, since I wasn’t thinking about children.

Fast forward to 2008 when I faced another health scare that jeopardized my chances of having a baby. Out of nowhere, I started having debilitating headaches, eye pressure pain, teary eyes and uncontrollable nose bleeds which spewed out of me like a fire hydrant. The emergency room doctor diagnosed me with severe allergies and suggested I take over-the-counter medication for relief. He also discovered a tiny polyp inside my nose, but didn’t treat it at the time. So, I just packed my nose with ice to stop the bleeding.

It wasn’t until later, when my symptoms got worse, that I realized this polyp in my nose was growing out of control. When I arrived at the University of Michigan Hospital, doctors performed an MRI and noticed the tumor in my nose had grown behind my eyes, punctured my dura and grew across my face into my sinus cavity. The tumor had ruptured which caused the profuse bleeding in my nose.

I underwent two surgeries to remove the tumor and a frozen biopsy revealed it was cancer. I had a subcranial resection where I was cut from ear to ear. Surgeons cut a big chunk of my forehead and part of my nose. I ended up losing my sense of smell and taste in the process, but I was so happy to be alive.

The lengthy surgery, which lasted for 15 hours, was nothing compared to the burning pain from the radiation treatments.

I underwent radiation for my head and neck to ensure there were no miniscule cancer cells lurking, since this type of cancer – estheseioneuroblastoma – can easily spread to the thyroid gland.

Although I successfully beat cancer – which I am grateful for – the radiation treatments damaged my pituitary gland, which impacted my left ovary’s ability to function normally.

My husband and I tried for five years to have a baby, but we realized we needed help. When we moved to Houston in 2009, my OB-GYN recommended that we meet one of Texas Children’s fertility specialists, Dr. William Gibbons. She said, “I really want you to meet him. He’s not only the best in his field, but he’s just fantastic to work with.”

When we met Dr. Gibbons for our consultation appointment at Baylor Clinic – before the Family Fertility Center opened in the Pavilion – he reassured us, “It may be tough, but we’re going to make it happen. I have no doubts that we will be successful.” That’s the encouragement my husband and I so desperately needed.

Before we started fertility treatments, I underwent surgery to remove scar tissue that built up in my right fallopian tube as a result of the ovarian removal surgery I had as an infant. Dr. Gibbons wanted to make sure my fallopian tubes were flowing freely before we started intrauterine insemination (IUI).

After three rounds of IUI, which took us a year to complete, I got the miraculous news that we were waiting to hear, “You are PREGNANT!” Sam and I were so excited and shocked at the same time. After taking a whole bunch of home pregnancy tests, we called Dr. Gibbon’s office, and sure enough, an ultrasound confirmed we were expecting!

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Since the first day we laid eyes on her, Sydney has brought our family so much joy. At 14 months, she’s learning to walk, so we’re locking down the house at this point.

Sam always makes fun of me and says that I’m a paparazzo because I take so many pictures and videos of our miracle baby. But, you have to, because she is growing up too fast!

Every day, I am grateful for Dr. Gibbons and his team for helping me, and other families, conceive their dream of motherhood.

Sometimes life throws obstacles in our path, but we are bigger than any obstacle. We can triumph over any circumstance by staying positive and focused on achieving our goals.

August 12, 2014

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By Shelly Lopez-Gray

August is National Breastfeeding Awareness Month, and every time I go online, I’ve seen pictures of different celebrities breastfeeding their babies. The last one I saw was of Olivia Wilde, perfectly perched in what looks like a diner’s booth, her dress flowing around her, breastfeeding her naked 4-month old baby. The picture is really, really lovely, but I never had one of those moments.

The first time I breastfed my NICU baby, I was so nervous. He was so little, and he was covered with all these wires and tubes and I was afraid I’d hurt him. But I knew that he needed me and I really felt like my breast milk was the medicine he needed to get better. I was so thankful that he was such a great breastfeeder for such a little guy! As a registered nurse and lactation consultant, I know breast milk alters to meet your baby’s needs. I genuinely believe that I helped him get better faster by breastfeeding him.

When I went back to work, breastfeeding became more of a challenge. There were times I couldn’t wait to give it up. Because Texas Children’s Pavilion for Women offers designated spaces for employees to pump, it was never hard finding a place to pump once I came back to work. But it took so much effort to clean the parts, store the milk and make the bottles. It was so much easier to just put him to my breast! But I kept breastfeeding and pumping because I loved being able to do something that would give my baby the very best start.

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My baby is almost a year old now. He is no longer breastfeeding, but I miss it, and if I could still do it, I would. Although I know I never looked like Olivia Wilde perched in that chair, I loved having him so close to me. I loved feeling every breath he took. I loved feeling the weight of his little baby body next to me, and I loved the way he fell asleep in that breast milk coma after I nursed him.

Breastfeeding is beautiful and selfless, and it’s a gift that only a mother can give to her baby. It’s not always the easiest thing to do, it’s not always the most convenient, but it’s one of the most important things you can do for you baby.

If you know in advance that you are going to have a NICU baby, or if you are surprised with one after delivery, the most important thing you can do is pump as soon as possible after delivery to help establish your milk supply. If you are considering whether or not to breastfeed your baby, know it’s not as glamorous as it might look in some pictures. But every ounce of effort is worth it when you hold your baby close and share a moment with him that can only be had between mother and her baby.