May 27 Email Update

Friends,

I've had lots of questions about how Claire & Jeff are doing, so I thought I'd send out a quick update.

They had their appointment with the perinatologist this morning, and that sweet baby boy is still growing and strong. The kidneys, though, are still not functioning at all. Basically then, no change in the baby's health.

I've had lots of people ask how the baby can survive with damaged lungs and kidneys that are not functioning... and the answer is that he really doesn't need either lungs or kidneys to survive in utero. It sounds crazy, but the kidney's main function in utero is to process fluid, which turns into amniotic fluid. The amniotic fluid is what allows the lungs to develop normally; he is not producing amniotic fluid, hence the lung issues. [Any doctors reading this, please disregard that kindergarten-level interpretation :) ]

Claire & Jeff were able to see the baby on the ultrasound this morning, so it was obviously an emotional time for them.

The doctor is encouraging them to come with us to Hilton Head, for our annual family vacation with Goggy & Pop (our parents). He said he thought that would be the best thing for them at this time, to get away and enjoy time with family. He does not expect that Claire is going to go into labor anytime soon. If there were to be a change regarding the baby, she would know it, as she has been feeling his strong kicks pretty constantly.

Between the perinatologist and the ob/gyn, they will prepare a letter and a medical report for her to bring with her, in the unlikely event that she would need to go to any hospital other than Northside.

Thank you for your continued prayers and thoughts. We are so appreciative of everything-meals, cards, calls, etc.- that you all have done for Claire, Jeff and Lydie during this hard time.

Thanks
Kathie

P.S. Lots of people have asked about the Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep Foundation... if you are interested, the website is www.NILMDTS.com but I will warn you, it is a difficult thing to see. For me, it made the experience that Claire & Jeff are having much more 'real'. It is a wonderful support for families experiencing the loss of their baby.
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