Growing up in the Valley, I’ve always known, and taken for granted, that Children’s Hospital Central California (formerly Valley Children’s Hospital) was the best place for kids with serious, or emergency, health conditions.
With the birth of my oldest son 16-years ago, I was comforted by the fact Children’s was just down the road. If anything [...]

The magnesium didn’t hit like a Mac truck. Instead it wound lazily through my veins radiating warmth. OK, I could handle a flush of heat and a bit of weirdness. This wasn’t so bad. At 30-weeks pregnant and in antepartum with outrageously high blood pressure, I needed something to work. My baby needed more time [...]

Anxiety burned my senses like stomach acid. It was too much. I was 30-weeks pregnant, in the hospital with escalating preeclampsia and being treated by strangers. For the first time I had no influence over my situation.
What was going to happen to the baby and me? I wanted my doctor. He was my anchor, the [...]

Getting to the hospital room had been a challenge. I was 30-weeks pregnant, battling preeclampsia and ready to drop. The risk I’d deliver my daughter prematurely was as high as my blood pressure. And that was the best-case scenario.
After I had changed into a gown and climbed into the air-pressurized bed, I wanted to sleep [...]

At 30-weeks pregnant, even I had to admit my health was disintegrating.
“How do you feel?” The nurse asked as she prepared to take my blood pressure.
“Terrible.” It was difficult to explain. I felt a massive pressure on my chest and it was so bad I slept propped on pillows to breath easier. Conversations were exhausting. [...]

My daughter is a miracle. From conception to birth she battled to be born. Even now, as we gaze into each other’s eyes when she nuzzles and nurses, I’m amazed she is really, truly here.
Still, I can’t get enough of her and nibble her tender toes, cheeks and belly. Her skin is warm and sweet. [...]