For Hazelle, what began as an exciting pregnancy quickly became a journey filled with uncertainty. After her 20-week ultrasound, Hazelle learned that her pregnancy was at high risk. Her local care team in PEI determined both she and her baby needed specialized care from the IWK.
Hazelle, her husband Jerick and their daughter Sunflower made the journey from PEI to Halifax week after week for ultrasounds and specialist appointments. During one of those visits, the IWK team discovered that Hazelle was experiencing placental insufficiency. This serious complication meant the placenta was no longer delivering enough oxygen and nutrients to support her baby's growth.
The news was devastating and frightening.
Hazelle was admitted to the IWK, where daily ultrasounds and monitoring helped the care team keep a close watch on both mother and baby. Each night brought the possibility that their little one might arrive earlier than expected, and the family never knew what the next day would bring. “I kept saying, I will do everything we can do to save the baby,” Hazelle remembers.
At just over 27 weeks' gestation, they welcomed their beautiful baby boy, Santino. As a tiny baby in need of big care, Santino's IWK journey was just beginning. He needed specialized support in the IWK's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) for more than 50 days. During this time, his healthcare team monitored the many holes in his heart, and he required the support of a CPAP machine to help him breathe.
For Hazelle, the care they received at the IWK was more than just medical treatment. “From the doctors to the nurses to the social workers, we remember every single person and their incredible kindness,” says Hazelle. “The care and encouragement from all of the IWK staff gave us hope during a very difficult time.”
Having a baby arrive so early is an experience no family expects. The uncertainty, worry, and many unknowns can make an already difficult time feel overwhelming. For Hazelle, Jerick and their family, the compassion of the IWK team helped them navigate some of the most frightening moments of their lives.
Santino's story is a reminder of just how important specialized neonatal care is for our region's tiniest and most vulnerable patients.
