Emmie Rose- born @ 23 weeks

[Tasha Nicholls]

I hope it's okay to post this here.

I just came across this story:

http://www.mlive.com/news/aanews/index.ssf?/base/news-19/1158388950317150.xml&coll=2

Parent's Blog:
http://23weeks.blogspot.com/

Does anyone know if there's anything that can be done to help this baby & family? If not, they may need NILMDTS services. :(

Tasha

[Angie Bocquin]

This just infuriates me:mad:

There are some photographers listed in Michigan. I am not sure of approximity (sp?)

Angie

[Catherine Colgan]

Oh My God! I just don't even know what to say!

[Tamara Scott]

Just to play devil's advocate.........before everyone gets up in arms about this case. I am a pediatric oncology nurse practitioner and I can tell you that medical professionals would not stop giving TPN unless they really feel there is no hope for the baby. As many of you know, this is a horrible situation and everyone copes differently. I have read a parents blog of one of our patients and I can tell you that what was written was not always how things were.........it was the parents perception of how they were. I can only imagine the pain of losing a child because I haven't experienced it first hand, but I have lost several little patients and it is hard. As a health professional, we know that people lash out at us because they are angry at God and the Universe for letting such a thing happen, but it is difficult for us to get "lashed out" at by the public who are only getting the parents perception of a situation. I'm not sure this is coming out right!! We only are seeing one side by reading this blog. I also know that 23 weeks gestation is VERY little to survive.
Off my soapbox now!
Tamara

[Catherine Colgan]

I'm sorry...but it is not the hospital's right to make decisions like that unless/until the parent's have given up hope and agree.

[HAINAngel2000]

Tamara, As a mom who lost a baby I feel that the doctors may feel there is no hope possibly but for a doctor to take away important food etc.. from a baby just because they feel like there is no hope is to me morally wrong. God chooses who lives and dies. I respect what you do to help others.
I am not attacking you of course. But being a mom I feel personally that the doctors shouldn't have that right to withhold food period.

Maybe to early for the baby to survive but why not keep trying as long as the baby is trying.
Anyway I hope I did not upset the board.
Blessings, Mary



Just to play devil's advocate.........before everyone gets up in arms about this case. I am a pediatric oncology nurse practitioner and I can tell you that medical professionals would not stop giving TPN unless they really feel there is no hope for the baby. As many of you know, this is a horrible situation and everyone copes differently. I have read a parents blog of one of our patients and I can tell you that what was written was not always how things were.........it was the parents perception of how they were. I can only imagine the pain of losing a child because I haven't experienced it first hand, but I have lost several little patients and it is hard. As a health professional, we know that people lash out at us because they are angry at God and the Universe for letting such a thing happen, but it is difficult for us to get "lashed out" at by the public who are only getting the parents perception of a situation. I'm not sure this is coming out right!! We only are seeing one side by reading this blog. I also know that 23 weeks gestation is VERY little to survive.
Off my soapbox now!
Tamara

[Kirk Kief]

I can foresee a deep seated discussion getting started here, and that's fine. However, I want to warn everyone that If I see this get a bit out of hand, I will need to step in and either tell everyone to go to their corners, or, close this thread.
I can fully understand where both sides of this conversation is coming from. It is very easy for us to side with the parents in feeling that the medical field is doing this baby a great misjustice. On the same hand, the medical field is far more qualified to make these decisions than we are. I'm sure that everything that can be done has been done, or tried.
So, everyone be nice to each other and discuss this as adults. Or, I'll be forced to put you in 'Time out'.

[Tasha Nicholls]

Really, I'm not trying to start something. I know it is a controversial subject, but what I'm trying to figure out is if there is any way we can help this family (emotionally) through this awful situation?

I did post a comment about Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep in their blog... I definitely wanted them to be aware of the services offered here, but other than that, I am not sure what else to do. I have never been in these circumstances and I'm sure I would be fighting just as hard for my baby girl. I just feel so badly and wish I knew what could be done to help support them.

I guess I was thinking that maybe some of you knew excellent doctor's that you could recommend... not that it will necessarily matter, but at least the family could work on exhausting all possible leads and if Emmie doesn't make it, they can at least be at peace knowing they fought to the bitter end. Also, maybe you know the right things to say or resources on the internet to go to for support. I can't imagine what they are going through right now... but unfortunately, I know many of you know exactly what they are experiencing.

What did people say/do that gave you at least a little comfort while your babies were struggling or while you were filled with anger and grief at the loss of your little one?

Tasha

[Angie Bocquin]

I was speaking w/some nurses today and was a pain management advocate (not real sure if that is the exact title, but she helps people deal w/the pain towards the end and explains options). It reminded me of a case Holly Smalley had posted here abput a baby that was sent home to pass and the parents were told to do not feed her.

The nurse said that sometimes they say that because of the sort of problem the baby has. If they are taking in fluid they will die a 'wet death' versus a 'dry death' which is much more comfortable for the baby. The liquid from feeding would fill the lungs and effectivly drown the poor baby. However, she did say that they can feed for comfort.

This helped me understand a few cases a little better but obviously is not the case her since she is being given sugar water and potasium,

Some of us may have different views but I know we all feel strongly about care of any baby and the parents who have to go through w/this.

Angie

[HAINAngel2000]

Emmie Passed away. Bless her soul. My heart breaks for this family. -Mary

[Jennifer Turner]

This is such a sad story and situation. None of us knows exactly what happened in this particular situation so I wont comment on this particular situation. I cant imagine the pain ffrom either side of this having to make these decisions. I pray that they are helped, on both sides, to heal and forgive. I can absolutely say that I am pretty blown away by the idea of helping a baby to pass by holding back food or meds, that part is shocking to me. It, to me, is not about IF she would make it...but we are not allowed to allow a cancer patient, or brain "dead" patient to die without a court order, how can this be ok?? As a parent, do we not have the right to decide "how" they should pass? Its one thing for a baby to die from the problems from their illness, but not eating is not what was going to kill her. I am not judging this particular situation, quite honestly, but it is a true and honest question. It just never occured to me that my doctor could allow my child to die without my consent.....