COVERstory
true miracle! Once she was moved to the High Dependency Unit, a massive weight was lifted from our shoulders and with each day our confidence grew.
I assume that Hannah’s development is being closely watched. How is she progressing and are there any special considerations in parenting her?
She is doing remarkably well. I’ve been told that premature babies like Hannah are usually very small. However, Hannah’s weight and height are normal for her age, which is incredible. The only real concern is the possibility of her catching respiratory infections due to her Liversidge initial lung1950’s problems. If so, Digger she would be required to go back on oxygen for a short while. Apart from that, we will be treating her exactly the same way as our first child, Zoe. We will not be wrapping her in cotton wool!
How do you plan to spend Hannah’s first Christmas?
A quiet lunch with family and most probably spoiling her rotten! VERONICA’S STORY… Veronica is a mum and a medical researcher. She has experienced first-hand the complications that can occur during pregnancy. Her specific area of interest is preeclampsia, which she developed in her first pregnancy. Preeclampsia, also known as toxaemia, is a condition that can occur in pregnancy, and is associated with high blood pressure and fetal growth problems. Veronica is now expecting her second child. She is passionate about research and finding the cause of preeclampsia.
As a mother and as a researcher, what are your hopes for the future?
My hope is for all mothers to have safe pregnancies and healthy babies. Preeclampsia still causes the deaths of many mothers and babies worldwide, particularly in developing countries. Even in Australia preeclampsia remains a very significant problem. As a researcher I can help find solutions to problems that affect pregnant women. Although the Australian Government provides funding for research, more funds are needed. Research makes a difference by bringing understanding to what is currently unknown, giving hope to those who have been affected by hopelessness and providing answers where is currently only angst. Discoveries here, in Australia, can have the potential to help millions of women across the world.
Given your knowledge of preeclampsia and the related what emotions This has obviously been a very complications, you feel when you were emotional time for you and your did diagnosed with preeclampsia? family. Has your outlook on As a mother, all you ever want is to What are you and your family life changed as a result of have a healthy baby. Knowledge of doing to celebrate Christmas? this experience? pregnancy-related complications Christmas is a big celebration in I could never have done it without the strength of my wonderful husband. It has made our marriage much stronger - I know there is nothing we cannot face together.
I do find it amazing how it takes only a few seconds to turn your whole life upside-down and yet we pulled through. I have a new respect and admiration for the wonderful doctors who save the lives of babies like Hannah, and for that matter – mine! These are everyday, truly incredible people and I can never thank them enough. Several medical practitioners told us that had this occurred 30-40 years ago, it is almost certain that all three of us would have died. 20 LIVING LOCAL MAGAZINE SUMMER 2011
can be both a blessing and a curse. Although aware that many women develop preeclampsia, never did I expect that I would be affected. I became slightly concerned during the latter part of my pregnancy, because I had very swollen legs and feet. At about 36 weeks I decided to go to hospital for a check-up as I had some concerns. Once there, I was told I had preeclampsia. The obstetrician decided it was best if I remained in hospital until the birth of my baby. I was overjoyed that we were both okay. Holding her for the first time made me realise how lucky we were. I am so thankful that in Australia we have such good medical care.
our family with grandparents, aunties, uncles and plenty of young cousins joining in the festivities! Abigail is especially looking forward to having Santa Claus visit. This year she has asked Santa for playdough! We will also spend time at the beach. Abigail loves making sandcastles and swimming in the ocean. JENNY’S STORY… Jenny is mum to Oliver, who turns two in February. Her pregnancy was uncomplicated with Oliver being born at 39 weeks weighing 3.23 kg. As well as a mother, Jenny is a postdoctoral scientist researching why some pregnancies are affected by preeclampsia.