Layla is from Columbia. She is 13.
Diagnosis: Preemie- Born on November 21, 2012 @ 31 weeks
Layla (twin to Suzi Myers) was born at 31 weeks gestation. There were no complications with the pregnancy. In fact, mom felt great during pregnancy and remained active. Labor was spontaneous; a regular doctor appointment saw us being sent via wheelchair to labor and delivery. Layla was sent directly to NICU upon birth.
Layla was born at 3 pounds 13ounces. She was intubated at birth, but moved to room air within 24 hours. Within the first 15 hours, she was able to start kangaroo care- amazing since she had more tubes and wiring that her little body weighed. Within 48 hours, Layla had no oxygen assistance. Layla stayed in the NICU for 8 weeks. Over the course of the 8-week stay, there was regulating of her kidney’s output, stabilizing her body temperature and weight. She spent several days under the billi light for jaundice, had a bad intestinal virus that involved a heavy round of antibiotics and NPO for a week (sick little girl during this period), and then the majority of the time feeding and growing. She had an EEG and swallow study while in the hospital due to bad reflux. Layla struggled to take her feeds by mouth and maintain her body temperature. While Layla was the healthier of the 2 at the beginning of life, towards the end of hospitalization, she was a bit of the sicker one. She was discharged at 8 weeks, having spent almost her entire stay in a Giraffe Omni bed. These life-saving beds are a must, and have been funded by Radiothon donations. Our girls spent the first 24 hours of life in a radiant heater bed waiting for a Giraffe Bed to become available.
Her parents are Danny and Molly Myers.