STANDISH – In October 2010, mother-to-be Deja Peppers of Standish was sitting on the couch, 25 weeks pregnant, when she started feeling stabbing back pains.

“She called and said, ‘Mom, I’m having really bad pain in my back, I’m having trouble breathing,'” said Kelly Pride, Peppers’ mother. “I was concerned she might be having back labor so I picked her up and took her to the hospital.”

At first glance, a doctor at Maine Medical Center diagnosed Peppers with a pulled muscle and prescribed a muscle relaxant, but on her way out an admissions representative called staff in the labor and delivery department just to be safe. Peppers was sent immediately to see the prenatal specialist, as her case sounded eerily familiar to a similar case that had happened weeks before.

“A nurse on that unit had recently been diagnosed with HELLP during her pregnancy and they recognized the symptoms,” Pride said. “They told us if we had taken Deja home she may have had a seizure or died in the night.”

With a diagnosis of HELLP syndrome, Peppers faced life-or-death decisions. Now, one year later, a grateful family is counting its blessings.

HELLP syndrome is a life-threatening pregnancy complication usually considered to be a variant of pre-eclampsia. It causes hemolytic anemia, elevated liver enzymes and low platelet counts in pregnant women. It is often a life-threatening complication for both the mother and child. In Peppers’ case, she had an enlarged liver and was forced to make a decision to let the pregnancy continue, which would cause the baby to die, or deliver the baby via Caesarean section at 25 weeks and give her a small chance at life.

“It was such a horrible decision she and Shane [Wescott, Peppers’ boyfriend] had to make,” said Pride. “I just told them, whatever decision you make I’m here to stand with you, but they had to give her a chance and delivering was the only way to give her that.”

Born on Oct. 14, 2010, Phoenix Wescott weighed only 14 ounces and was 10.5 inches long. A full-term baby usually weighs between 6 and 9 pounds and is 18-20 inches long.

“She was just so tiny and they didn’t think she would make it through,” said Pride. “The first few months, weeks especially, were touch and go.”

Phoenix was treated with oxygen, blood transfusions, steroids and a host of other medications in the first few months of her life. She suffered kidney failure and enzyme and electrolyte issues and the going was tough for her or her family.

“It was absolutely crazy,” said Pride. “It was quite a ride.”

With all the ups and downs her baby was facing, ultimately Peppers knew her baby would make it.

“They prepare you in the hospital for your baby not to make it,” said Peppers. “I was hoping and praying she would make it through. It doesn’t make sense, but I always knew in the back of my mind that she would make it.”

After nearly five months, Peppers was able to bring her baby home, and credits not only the hospital, but her neighbors, as well.

“I have to thank everyone who supported us,” Peppers said. “Everyone’s thoughts and prayers for her were amazing and now I am able to say, ‘Happy Birthday, baby girl!'”

Pride agreed.

“We are not an overly religious family,” said Pride. “But we are so thankful for all the prayers from our friends and family and everyone in the community. Everyone was so supportive and we really need to thank them.”

Baby Phoenix will celebrate her first birthday with family and friends this week. Other than being small for her age group – she weighs just over 13 pounds – she shows no signs of sickness or side effects from her dramatic entrance into the world.

“She’s a normal, happy baby with the brightest blue eyes and biggest smile,” said Pride. “She is definitely our miracle baby.”

A happy and healthy Phoenix Wescott, delivered at just 25 weeks
because of her mother’s health crisis, is turning 1 this week.
(Courtesy photo)
At birth Oct. 14, 2010, Phoenix Wescott weighed 14 ounces and
was 10.5 inches long. (Courtesy photo)