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“Waiting for Dekar to be born, in the O.R., Dr. Mann, Sue, and I were aware that he had Trisomy 18 and a hypoplastic left heart ventricle.  We knew this meant that he would probably not survive for very long, or possibly not even be born alive.  His parents, Marge and Cortney, had known for some time about Dekar’s condition, and had come up with a very carefully thought-out birth plan.  Our priority as the health care team was, upon delivery, to take care of Dekar’s immediate needs as quickly as possible so that Cortney and Marge could hold him and spend as much time with him as possible..  We all watched as Dr. Jeakle lifted Dekar out of Marge’s womb and cut the cord.  We listened for that first cry, which didn’t come.  Dr. Jeakle brought him to the warming island–he was so blue and barely breathing.  But I remember noticing how sweet he looked–tiny, with lots of dark hair. 

Many thoughts raced through my mind as I dried him off—He’s so tiny–He looks so perfect–PLEASE BREATHE.  Dr. Mann listened to his heart beat.  He tapped the heart rate out–at first around 100, but very quickly dropping to 70’s, then 60’s.  Dr Mann asked me to give him some positive pressure ventilation.  I gave him several breaths, while Dr. Mann continued to listen to his heart and tap out the rate, which continued to drop into the 50’s. 

At this point, Sue, Dr. Mann, and I all thought that Dekar was not going to make it.  So we quickly wrapped him up and took him over to meet his parents.    When Cortney held him and Marge started talking to him, is my first recollection of hearing him cry.  This is when it seemed to us that he started trying–fighting–once he was near Marge and Cortney.  We could see him become more vigorous with his parents.

At this point, Sue, Dr. Mann, and I felt conflicted.  Dekar probably could have stood to be suctioned, but his heart rate was still very low, and we were reluctant to take him away from his parents.  We were still thinking that it didn’t look like he would survive.  At that time, though, Marge thankfully asked if we thought he should be suctioned.  We quickly took him to the island, suctioned him, and listened to his heart rate, which was actually starting to rise.  He returned to his parents, where he continued to have more effective breathing efforts, and a little stronger cry.  By this time Dr. Mann got a heart rate between 130’s and 150’s, but Dekar’s color was still pretty blue.  We were able to give Dekar some supplemental oxygen by mask while he remained snuggled with Marge and Cortney during the completion of the surgery.  His color did improve, and his heart rate stayed in the 130’s to 140’s.  Dr. Mann, Sue, and I were becoming cautiously optimistic that this little guy would get to meet his siblings.

Once Marge’s surgery was completed, every one returned to her room.  Dekar was carried by Cortney.  He appeared at that point to be holding his own, without the supplemental oxygen. 

It was a real privilege and honor to be present while Dekar got to meet all his siblings.  He truly seemed to respond and be aware–there was so much love in the room for that little baby!  After a couple of hours, with Dekar continuing to hold his own, I was given the opportunity to weigh, measure, and bathe him.  His sister, Rachel was right by my side, watching everything I did.. 

I will always be grateful for the chance to meet Dekar and your whole family–and to be able to share in this special, yet difficult time in your lives. 

May God bless you all. 

Kathy D. RN”