At nearly 25 weeks pregnant with her first child, Brooklyn Frederick experienced one of the scariest moments an expectant mother can face — a fall down a flight of stairs. Brooklyn was uninjured, but just five days later, she woke up bleeding and rushed to Marshfield Medical Center-Eau Claire with her partner, Rob Juarez.
“I was admitted right away,” said Brooklyn. “The doctor looked at the ultrasound for barely two seconds before telling us that the placenta was almost completely detached, I was bleeding out and my baby’s heart rate was dropping.”
Less than an hour after arriving at the hospital, baby Benson was born via c-section, weighing just over one pound. When Brooklyn woke up from surgery, she had just enough time to sign paperwork and see Benson briefly before he was transported to the NICU.
“It was such a whirlwind,” said Brooklyn. “The doctors told me my fall had nothing to do with the placenta detaching, but it was still so stressful and I was so worried. My care team was amazing and when you look back at that day, we were so lucky that the transport team was already there and everything went smoothly.”
Staying Connected During Recovery
Because Brooklyn had to remain hospitalized for her recovery, she was unable to join Benson in Marshfield for a few days. But thanks to NicView cameras made possible by philanthropy, she was able to watch live video of Benson in his NICU isolette.
NICU staff also provided ongoing updates to the couple on Benson’s condition until they could travel to Marshfield.
Seeing Benson in the NICU for the first time was a surreal experience.
“I looked at him and just started crying,” said Brooklyn. “I thought, ‘how is he even surviving right now?’ It was shocking for both of us.”
A Challenging Journey
Benson had many hurdles to overcome: stage 4 brain bleeds, a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), respiratory challenges requiring an ET tube until 32 weeks and laser eye surgery to prevent blindness.
The NICU, a Level III facility connected to Marshfield Children’s Hospital, was there every step of the way, even performing tests and surgeries at his bedside to help reduce risk of complications.
“So many of his issues felt like mountains at the time,” said Brooklyn. “But even though he was at risk for so many things, he really did end up with the best-case scenario for a lot of it. He surprised everybody.”
The Long Road Home
With the help of the NICU care team, Benson steadily improved. After 99 days, he celebrated his NICU graduation and his parents brought him home for the first time.
As part of the Marshfield Clinic integrated system, providers continue to coordinate Benson’s care near his home in Eau Claire and at Marshfield Children’s Hospital. Benson is still at risk for development issues and potential blindness later in life, but so far, he is doing well.
Though traveling to Marshfield was challenging, Brooklyn and Rob are grateful for specialized care in a rural community.
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We are very grateful and fortunate to have Marshfield Clinic. Having Benson in the NICU is our worst memory, but it’s our most favorite memory at the same time because of the care we got as a family.
Benson’s Mom
While Benson still has mountains to climb, he continues to prove his strength.
“Our motto is ‘Benson strong,” said Brooklyn. “We are Benson strong.”
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