The medical team celebrated Rollins’ progress throughout her recovery. Dr. Thompson recently had the opportunity to see her former patient during a reunion visit.
BEAUMONT, Texas — A Beaumont mother is sharing her story of hope during National NICU Awareness Month after her daughter received life-saving care following a premature birth at 32 weeks.
Jesi Jones, a mother of five, delivered her daughter Rollins in November after experiencing a uterine rupture while under the care of Dr. Smith. The emergency required Jones to have a C-section in Houston, where Rollins was born weighing 5 pounds, 6 ounces.
“I had no experience with a premature baby. I didn’t know what I was doing,” Jones said.
The premature birth presented unexpected challenges for both mother and baby.
“I naively thought that having a 32-week baby, the main thing we had to worry about was her size and her weight,” Jones said.
Rollins faced multiple medical complications requiring specialized care in the neonatal intensive care unit.
“She couldn’t eat, she couldn’t breathe. She required special positioning. I had no idea you had to hold them a certain way to try and feed them,” Jones said.
After 10 days separated from her family while receiving care in Houston, Jones sought options to transfer closer to home. Rollins was moved to the NICU at Christus St. Elizabeth under the care of Dr. Lauree Thompson, a neonatal physician.
“We also want as much care to be able to be done at home, close to home, where people can be with their families,” Dr. Thompson said.
The transfer allowed Jones to reunite with her husband and children while Rollins continued receiving specialized medical attention. During their month-long stay at St. Elizabeth, Rollins reached several important developmental milestones.
“She was not needing any oxygen anymore, and then when she was also not having any of the episodes where she would either drop her oxygen level or her heart rate,” Dr. Thompson said.
The medical team celebrated Rollins’ progress throughout her recovery. Dr. Thompson recently had the opportunity to see her former patient during a reunion visit.
“Oh, it’s amazing to see how the babies grow and how much, how big she was, and now that she’s talking and so interactive. It just, it makes you feel really good to see that,” Dr. Thompson said.
Rollins was able to go home in time for Christmas, allowing the family to spend the holiday together. Now 10 months old, Rollins continues developing normally and is approaching her next milestone.
Jones reflected on the difficult period while expressing gratitude for the medical care her daughter received.
“It’s very hard to be here when I know how sweet it is to be home with your newborn cuddled up on the couch. Nobody wanted to be home in that time more than me,” Jones said.
The experience has left Jones with lasting appreciation for the NICU staff who cared for her family during their most challenging time.
“Our hands are full, but our hearts are full,” Jones said.
According to Jones, Rollins is continuing to grow and is getting close to walking.