Make a Gift

Inspire hope by making a monthly or yearly commitment to support Maryland families.

Holland's Story

Gino was my third pregnancy, I had minimal issues with my older children, so I thought I was in for another uneventful 9 months. At my 12 week anatomy scan the doctors found a small subchorionic internal bleed, so I was put on a lifting restriction and modified bedrest. At my 20 week checkup the doctors told me I had partial placenta previa and put me on pelvic rest. I had it before with my oldest and it resolved itself within a few weeks, so I was sure it would happen again this time around. However, things ended up taking a different turn. 

At 30 weeks I was put on hospitalized bedrest and would remain there for the duration of my pregnancy. Over the next month I was given IVs, shots and medication to ensure I would not go into early labor due to the internal bleeding and previa causing contractions.

Early in the morning on Friday, October 30th I started to hemorrhage and had to be taken into an emergency c-section immediately. 

My son was born at 35 weeks, he was a solid 6 pounds and appeared to be healthy. Then in the recovery room they noticed he wasn't able to latch, and was "grunting." It became clear that he was not transitioning well outside the womb and needed to be given oxygen and a feeding tube.  Gino would be in the NICU for the next 6 days learning how to eat and breathe on his own. This was the hardest 6 days of our lives, and I know a longer stay would have been even harder. Gino is now 2, and although we still face some challenges, we are so grateful and proud of his strength. 

I came out of this with a whole new perspective on life. I often remind myself that I was given a second chance and I need to make sure I am making the most of it. As part of the Project Sweet Peas organization I hope to provide support and comfort to families during such a difficult time.