March for Babies Families: The Robidoux Family

Introducing Sadie Rachel Robidoux! As Sadie’s mom, Jennifer, says, “Sadie is my 28 week miracle!”  After 10+ years of fertility treatments Jennifer and her husband were overwhelmed with joy to find out they were finally expecting.  At 20 weeks, Jennifer was diagnosed with pre-eclampsia and things went downhill.  At 28 weeks and 4 days Sadie Rachel made her entrance into the world via emergency c-section.  She was 2 lbs 4 ounces and 13 ¾” long.  She was intubated for just eight hours and then put on c-pap for a few weeks. After that, she was on room air for the remainder of her NICU journey.  Sadie spent 76 long days in the NICU at Brigham & Women’s Hospital.  Jennifer says, “Those 76 days were the scariest and happiest days of my life.  I watched my beautiful daughter grow stronger every day.  The amazing nursing staff became like family to us and taught us to care for Sadie.  On the 76^th day of our NICU stay, Sadie was finally discharged!!!” 
 

Of her NICU experience, Jennifer says, “Looking back on those 76 days I can see how important the March of Dimes is and what they are doing for these babies and their families.  My life was turned upside down.  I did everything right during my pregnancy and without warning my pregnancy came to a screaming stop.  You can take for granted the everyday moments of motherhood, until you are faced with the reality that your baby is too sick, or too little to do those things.  I remember the first time I got to hold Sadie, she was 6 days old.  I remember kissing her little face and thinking how unfair life seemed.  There were days in the NICU I would forget to eat or drink.  I spent countless hours praying and then crying.  I wondered why my baby was healthy as I watched other babies fighting for life.  I made friends with other parents and with the nurses. The support they offered was unlike anything I could have ever imagined.  There is no doubt in my mind that without the March of Dimes support, our NICU experience could have been very different.” 
 

Today Sadie is a happy and healthy 15 month old toddler.  She is crawling and even beginning to take a few steps.  She loves to eat; her favorite food is pasta!  She enjoys playing with other children, especially her cousins.  Jennifer says, “Sadie has overcome so many hurdles and continues to amaze us every day. Sadie is a true blessing and a constant reminder of just how special life is.”  

Written by: Lindsay Atherton, Mission Mom and Guest blogger and Jennifer Robidoux, Mom of Sadie!