Our sweet and innocent little boy, Jaxton, was born on December 7, 2011 at 7:49 pm. He was completely healthy and passed all the newborn tests. He had his first bath at 2 hours old and came back to us in his cute little airplane pajamas. He was perfect. At 4 hours old he began to make a painful grunt/cry each time he took a breath. He was taken for observation for 2 hours then was sent to the NICU... for more observation.
The next morning we were told he had some type of severe blood infection and to prepare for the worst. He fought valiantly for another 4 days and was improving each day significantly. We had high hopes he would pull through and beat this awful infection. Our last night with him he was moving around and seemed to be doing so much better. We left that night feeling overwhelmed with peace and comfort.
One hour after we left we received a phone call we will never forget. We were told he had taken a turn for the worse and to get there as soon as possible. We drove there as fast as possible. We hit every red light the entire way there. Ry dropped me off at the entrance and I ran in as fast as possible. I had no idea where the stairs were so I stood in front of the elevator pushing the button a thousand times. Ry ran in just as the elevator opened. We got to the second floor and ran as fast as we could down the long hallway to the NICU. There were nurses waiting outside the NICU for us. The Neonatologist had us sit down and then he told us Jaxton's heart had suddenly stopped beating a half hour after we left. They did CPR and everything possible for 25 minutes, then his heart began to beat again. He was on life support and we were told his heart would stop beating again at some point. It may take hours or a day but it would happen again and each time it happened would be harder on him and more painful. He gave us the option to continue the life support or take him off it and let him pass peacefully in our arms. We made the decision to take him off the life support, which was the hardest decision we will ever have to make.
He passed away that night at 11:02 pm in my arms. He was and will forever be an example of strength and love to all. He endured more than most people ever will have to endure in their lifetime. We love and miss him so much. The pain is indescribable.
In his honor we want to spread the word about Group B Strep. It is completely preventable and treatable if caught early. I was tested way too early at 33 weeks instead of the recommended 35-37 weeks. Many hospitals now test before inducing to ensure that you are negative. Also, there are many signs to look for in your newborn that are Group B Strep related.
Take your baby to the emergency room or call your baby's doctor immediately if you notice these signs:
— Stephanie Worthy, UT, USA
Please help Stephanie in spreading the word about Group B Strep. Share this page with everyone you know in honor of sweet Jaxton.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jaxtons-GBS-Fight/291127850948120#!/pages/Jaxtons-GBS-Fight/291127850948120
http://ryanstephanie.blogspot.com/
The next morning we were told he had some type of severe blood infection and to prepare for the worst. He fought valiantly for another 4 days and was improving each day significantly. We had high hopes he would pull through and beat this awful infection. Our last night with him he was moving around and seemed to be doing so much better. We left that night feeling overwhelmed with peace and comfort.
One hour after we left we received a phone call we will never forget. We were told he had taken a turn for the worse and to get there as soon as possible. We drove there as fast as possible. We hit every red light the entire way there. Ry dropped me off at the entrance and I ran in as fast as possible. I had no idea where the stairs were so I stood in front of the elevator pushing the button a thousand times. Ry ran in just as the elevator opened. We got to the second floor and ran as fast as we could down the long hallway to the NICU. There were nurses waiting outside the NICU for us. The Neonatologist had us sit down and then he told us Jaxton's heart had suddenly stopped beating a half hour after we left. They did CPR and everything possible for 25 minutes, then his heart began to beat again. He was on life support and we were told his heart would stop beating again at some point. It may take hours or a day but it would happen again and each time it happened would be harder on him and more painful. He gave us the option to continue the life support or take him off it and let him pass peacefully in our arms. We made the decision to take him off the life support, which was the hardest decision we will ever have to make.
He passed away that night at 11:02 pm in my arms. He was and will forever be an example of strength and love to all. He endured more than most people ever will have to endure in their lifetime. We love and miss him so much. The pain is indescribable.
In his honor we want to spread the word about Group B Strep. It is completely preventable and treatable if caught early. I was tested way too early at 33 weeks instead of the recommended 35-37 weeks. Many hospitals now test before inducing to ensure that you are negative. Also, there are many signs to look for in your newborn that are Group B Strep related.
Take your baby to the emergency room or call your baby's doctor immediately if you notice these signs:
- High-pitched cry, shrill moaning, whimpering
- Marked irritability, inconsolable crying
- Constant grunting as if constipated
- Projectile vomiting
- Feeds poorly or refuses to eat, not waking for feedings
- Sleeping too much, difficulty being aroused
- High or low or unstable temperature; hands and feet may still feel cold even with a fever
- Blotchy, red, or tender skin
- Blue, gray, or pale skin due to lack of oxygen
- Fast, slow, or difficult breathing
- Body stiffening, uncontrollable jerking
- Listless, floppy, or not moving an arm or leg
- Tense or bulgy spot on top of head
- Blank stare
- Infection at base of umbilical cord or in puncture on head from internal fetal monitor
— Stephanie Worthy, UT, USA
Please help Stephanie in spreading the word about Group B Strep. Share this page with everyone you know in honor of sweet Jaxton.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jaxtons-GBS-Fight/291127850948120#!/pages/Jaxtons-GBS-Fight/291127850948120
http://ryanstephanie.blogspot.com/
To learn more about Perinatal & GBS Misconceptions, click HERE.
To learn more about the Signs & Symptoms of Preterm Labor, click HERE.
To learn more about the Signs & Symptoms of GBS Infection, click HERE.
To learn more about Why Membranes Should NOT Be Stripped, click HERE.
To learn more about How to Help Protect Your Baby from Group B Strep (GBS), click HERE.
To learn more about the Signs & Symptoms of Preterm Labor, click HERE.
To learn more about the Signs & Symptoms of GBS Infection, click HERE.
To learn more about Why Membranes Should NOT Be Stripped, click HERE.
To learn more about How to Help Protect Your Baby from Group B Strep (GBS), click HERE.