This Incredible Mum Won’t let ICU Stop Her From Pumping Milk For Her Preemies
Melissa is one extraordinary mum. Despite her own health crisis, which has placed her in ICU, she has gone above and beyond to ensure her twin boys get the breast milk they need, after being born premature at 26 weeks.
When Melissa was 22 weeks pregnant, she developed preeclampsia, which is a complication experienced during pregnancy. Those that experience the condition will have high blood pressure and may experience damage to their liver and kidneys. Melissa was admitted to hospital when it was first diagnosed, but it developed into HELPP syndrome.
Despite Melissa’s health complications, she gave birth to twin boys, Maverick and Manning. But both mum and the bubs were in a critical condition after the birth.
Melissa’s sister, Amanda, took to Facebook to share a photo of Melissa in ICU, pumping breastmilk for her baby boys.
Part of the post read, “I know it’s not been easy for her with everything going on, but even when she physically struggles to pump, she still does with the help of others. Here is her pumping while I assisted. She was on 4 different IV meds as well as many other orals. She even was refusing pain meds to try and make sure there was no concerns with the milk her micropreemies got. She is amazing. Please everyone keep her and her boys in your thoughts as they fight hard through this long and emotional fight for their lives.”
The photo was shared on the Breastfeeding Mama Talk Facebook page, where comments of support were sent Melissa’s way.
Unfortunately, the post was updated with news on the 23rd August, saying Maverick Johnson Churchill had passed away at 7:30pm the previous night. Maverick passed away peacefully in his mother’s arms at 5 days old.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to support the family as they now have to pay for funeral expenses, while trying to keep financially afloat while Melissa recovers in hospital, and Manning continues to get care in NICU. There has been talk Melissa may need a liver transplant.
The link to donate is here.
We send our condolences to the family with the loss of Maverick, but also pray for Melissa and Manning’s recovery.
