Arika Hall
Arika Hall went into labor two weeks before her due date.
When Arika Hall discovered she was expecting a second child, she decided immediately on the Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children at Presbyterian St. Luke's.. She had already heard great things from her friends and family about HCA HealthONE Presbyterian St. Luke’s. Plus, Arika knew she was at high risk for a premature birth because she’d delivered her first child three months early.
She wanted the reassurance of being surrounded by a team of outstanding physicians and pediatric specialists, just in case anything went wrong.
An unexpected delivery
Two months before her due date, Arika went into labor. Terrified of another premature birth, she knew the challenges she’d face if she gave birth too soon. She was rushed to HCA HealthONE Rocky Mountain Children's at Presbyterian St. Luke's by her fiancé, and when she found out she was dilated, she knew it was time. Shortly after she arrived at HCA HealthONE Rocky Mountain Children's at Presbyterian St. Luke's, Arika quickly and unexpectedly gave birth her son, Wilson.
“Everyone around me was shocked and panicking, but I felt relaxed and confident from the beginning. Although Wilson was born two months early, I knew that my son and I were in great hands, with the best possible team of healthcare professionals there to support us.”
Confidence in the care team
Because Wilson was born prematurely, Arika and her family were quickly relocated to the level IV neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). There, Wilson was cared for by an interdisciplinary team of specialists trained to provide the best care for high-risk mothers and their babies.
“While Wilson and I were in the NICU, everyone was so supportive and knowledgeable, from the physicians to the support staff. It can be very stressful to have a baby in the NICU, but the HCA HealthONE Rocky Mountain Children's at Presbyterian St. Luke's team made sure I felt comfortable and gave me constant updates on Wilson. Most importantly, my son is doing great and hasn’t had any growth or developmental concerns as result of being born prematurely. I’ve been blessed with two happy, healthy kids.”
Returning to HCA HealthONE Rocky Mountain Children's at Presbyterian St. Luke's to support other families
Arika has stayed involved with the community of staff and families at the hospital. She recently returned to the NICU to participate in a Christmas giveaway for the families that were staying at HCA HealthONE Rocky Mountain Children's at Presbyterian St. Luke's over the holidays. Arika donated winter clothing, baby essentials, toys and support to the parents of children in the NICU.
“I like helping other families at HCA HealthONE Rocky Mountain Children's at Presbyterian St. Luke's because I’ve been through it and I know how tough it can be. It’s a very difficult experience to have a child in the NICU, and I’ve found that being able to talk to someone who can relate is a huge blessing. It gives parents confidence and gives them hope.”
For more information about the excellent care for premature babies at HCA HealthONE Rocky Mountain Children's at Presbyterian St. Luke's, call us today at (720) 754-1000.