Parent Blog: Kim and Jared Irish
In their words
Kim and Jared Irish
Potosi, Wisconsin
Our story is kind of lengthy, as it doesn't just have to do with the premature birth of our son. My husband and I attempted to get pregnant for two years prior to conceiving our son. We got pregnant with fertility treatments in Dubuque, Iowa. At our six-week ultrasound, we found out we were having twins. We were ecstatic. Our appointments were going according to schedule until we got to our 16-week appointment. We found out that we lost Baby B. He was what they call a vanishing twin. We were incredibly sad, but so thankful to still be lucky enough to have one child.
I woke up in the middle of the night on October 26, 2015. I was wet and couldn't figure out why. After standing up, I realized that my water had broken. I woke my husband and called the doctor. I was immediately taken to our local hospital where they quickly triaged me and arranged for my transfer via ambulance to University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics. I was terrified but did my best to stay strong. They tried to stop my labor and did for a few days. In the end they were unsuccessful, and I delivered my son, Mason, at 30 weeks on Oct. 29, 2015, weighing 3 pounds, 8 ounces. We stayed at University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital until Dec. 22, 2015.
From the minute I arrived, I knew that I was in good hands. Every single professional that entered my room was so nice, encouraging, and compassionate. All of the staff made me feel like I was a person with feelings and they treated me as such. After delivering my son, I can't tell you how much I cried. There was a specific nurse who went above and beyond. I sobbed to her, because I didn't understand, after so much that my husband and I had already gone through, why this and why now. She was so incredibly comforting to me.
I continued to have extreme anxiety for a few days. A nurse gave me so much comfort and reassurance. They asked the psych department nurses to come see me, which they gladly did. I was so thankful to get this short counseling session with a nurse who could understand my frustrations. I didn't attend the parents’ night options that they had as support, because I just couldn't bear it, but I was happy they offered it as an option. The people that organize activities for the kids in the hospital, as well as collect books, etc. for them, melted my heart every single time.
There is no way I would have trusted anyplace else but UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital to care for me and my son. I truly cannot say enough good things about the hospital.