Story
Name
Willow Burns
Injury/Illness
Premature Birth
Willow came early and fast. Being 7 weeks early my hometown hospital sent me in an non-emergency transit to the UIHC hospital 1.5 hours away. I was not dilated at all when we left and experiencing small contractions. Half way on our journey after contractions quickly picked up I felt the urge to push. Sure enough I was already dilated to 10 and a decision had to be made. Stop at the firestation in the town we were passing through to give birth there waiting for the medical team to come to us or try to delay the birth. With no trained person to deliver the baby I decided I could hold out until we reached UIHC. Out of fear and strong will I was able to hold Willow in for 45 minutes until we reached the ER, no small feat. As I enter the room I ask if I can push and with the ok, half a push later Willow had arrived. I gave birth at 32 weeks and she came only 6 hours afyer my water broke. Willow does have a few heart defects that is being monitored and thankfully at this time won't need treatment or surgery. Otherwise she is perfectly healthy and happy just continuing to learn to feed and growing in the NICU. Mom stays in Iowa City and Dad drives back and forth 2 times a week. At this time we are facing financial strain not only because of our recent situation but ongoing struggles as well. Mom has many medical problems, unable to work and going through the long and laborious process of applying for disability. Ankle surgery was put off for Mom due to being pregnant (that's how we found out I was 5 weeks pregnant was going in for surgery). This is the 15th orthopedic surgery after a car accident 20 years ago and will finally happen this week. We also lost our trailer while still owing $7,000 on the loan and currently are living with Dad's parents until we pay off the loan. We did have to completly remodel Willow's bedroom at our expense. In our time of need I ask those who are able to help. Thank you 💗