Mayah Joy's Story

In January 2007, we decided to start our family.  We were excited and we talked about names.  We loved the name Mayah Joy and decided that if we ever had a girl, that is what we would name her.  We found out that we were pregnant on 8/18/09.  It was a surprise!  We weren't expecting it and we had actually registered to attend an adoption seminar.  We were so excited and so happy.  We had just purchased our first home and it was just such perfect timing.  When we found out that we were having a girl, everything just fell into place.  Mayah Joy would be such a welcome addition to our little family. 

On Wednesday 11/25/09, the day before Thanksgiving, I came home from work, very excited that I was going to be off work for several days.  Miguel went to class and I had dinner and went upstairs.  When I used the restroom, there was a big gush of fluid and I saw some blood.  I was scared and called Miguel.  He said that he would come home.  Fluid continued to leak and saturated several pads.  When Miguel came home, we rushed to the ER at Kaiser in Baldwin Park.  The doctor came in and checked and said there was no doubt, my water broke.  I was wheeled up to labor and delivery and settled into a bed.  The doctor said that Mayah's heartbeat was still strong, but there was almost no amniotic fluid left.  The nurses were so nice and caring.  I was blessed to have them.  The next morning, another doctor came and they did an ultrasound which showed that Mayah's heartbeat was still beating strong.  They said that there was a tiny chance that the sac might fix itself and then refill with fluid.  But that was the tiniest of chances.  But that is what we prayed for.  The nurses monitored my vital signs, especially my temperature because they were very concerned about infection.  We spent several days in the hospital, praying for a change.  Our family and friends came and encouraged us.  They were such a blessing.  After being in the hospital for 3 days with no changes, the doctors said that I could stay there and they would give me medication to induce labor or I could go home.  I chose to go home.  I was not willing to have labor induced because in my mind that would be kiling my baby by taking away any chance for a miracle.  We went home.  I spent the day in bed monitoring my temperature.  The next morning, I had a slight temperature and cramping discomfort in my lower back. Miguel called the hospital and was told to bring me in if the cramps became unbearable.  That evening, we went back to the hospital.  We went straight to labor and delivery and I was checked in.  I was already dilated to 2cm.  My body took care of it and I didn't have to make the decision.  I was in labor.  I was taken into the delivery room and they gave me medication to induce labor to make it happen more quickly.  I got an epidural and was able to sit in relative comfort.  Miguel's sisters and the dear ladies from our life group came and sat with us.  When it was time, Mayah Joy was born and given to Miguel.  Her little heart tried to keep beating.  Miguel held her up to heaven and gave her to her Father in heaven.  I believe that He took her to Him at that time.  Our friends came in and sang a hymn,  How Great Thou Art.  The nurse wrapped Mayah up and we were able to spend a long time with her.  The hospital gave us a little memory box with pictures of Mayah, her footprints, and her blanket.  I was taken to a recovery room and we left the hospital the next day. 

When I went to the doctor for my 6 week check up, she said that tests had been run and there was nothing wrong with Mayah.  She said that there hadn't been anything wrong with me either.  The diagnosis was pre-term premature rupture of membranes (PPROM).  She said that sometimes this just happens, but that it is very rare.  I was so sad because for me, it wasn't rare, it was 100%.  She said that there wasn't any reason to think that it would happen again.