Preeclampsia Baby Thrives in NICU

Saint Luke’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit had just opened when I was born two months early on September 16, 1980. My mom developed preeclampsia, which caused her blood pressure to spike and her entire body to swell.

Since this condition is extremely hard on fetuses, the team of doctors decided it was best to deliver me early. I weighed 3 pounds, 9 ounces and spent my first two months of life in the NICU. Both my mom and I nearly died, as births of this kind were extremely touch-and-go at that time.

Such a dramatic entrance into this world plays a definite role in one’s development. The preemies I know are fearless. I believe my fight to live in my first few hours literally gave birth to the drive and ambition I am blessed with today. The around-the-clock attention and affection from the staff, and from my parents, gave me confidence and set the groundwork for who I am today. I’ve always felt like I belonged to a special club of survivors.

So my start was scary, but in a good way since it taught me to overcome obstacles at an early age.

I grew up to be a very active child, playing softball, basketball, and volleyball. After receiving a journalism degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia, I worked for the Kansas City Royals and took numerous jobs within the sports marketing industry. I now work as a building management specialist for the U.S. General Services Administration. Off duty, I enjoy playing recreational sports around town and spending time with family.

Being a preemie has kept me especially close to my parents.

Every year on September 16, we take out “The Birthday Book” with my newborn pictures. We all get pretty emotional as it reminds us of my scary start, but also reminds us to be grateful for our good health and for the care we received at Saint Luke’s. I still rely on Saint Luke’s for my health needs. It feels like home to me. After all, it was my first home.

—Lea-Suzanne Avila, Saint Luke’s Class of 1980

About 500 babies every year come into the world at Saint Luke’s Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. As a Level IIIb NICU—the state's highest designation for care—we offer the full continuum of care from preconception to childhood and beyond. Our neonatologists, neonatal nurses, pediatric anesthesiologists, lactation counselors, and dedicated neonatal pharmacists on hand 24/7 give the most fragile newborns the most remarkable gift…the chance for a normal, healthy life. And we host annual reunions to give our NICU alumni the chance to share the stories of their lives.