Embracing the Unseen: Daniella's Miraculous Arrival

 "The sound of a newborn's breath is a gentle whisper of life's greatest miracles."

Miracle No. 2: The Birth of Our Beautiful Baby Girl Daniella

I often say I haven't experienced three weddings and a funeral, but rather three miracles and a funeral. You already know about the first miracle—meeting and marrying Schalk. Now, I want to share the story of our second miracle: the birth of our beautiful baby girl, Daniella.

When Schalk and I first met, he knew the chances of us having children were slim to none. Despite this, his unwavering response was always, "I have you; I don't need anything else." Schalk, as you might remember from earlier stories, was relentless in seeking the best medical advice and treatments for me. He bombarded doctors with questions, researched new treatments, and kept hope alive. And amid all this, I kept asking, "Can we think about having a child?" Every time, the doctors’ responses were the same: no. They believed my lung function wouldn’t allow me to carry a pregnancy to full term.

Yet, as I approached 28, the urge to become a mother grew stronger. I walked into Dr O'Brien's office one day, determined and hopeful. I told him I wanted to try for a child, just once. He first looked at Schalk, assuming it was his idea. But it was all me. Dr O'Brien finally agreed, giving me a three-month window to conceive before starting a new medication that would prevent pregnancy due to its severe side effects on a fetus.

Miraculously, I fell pregnant within those three months. It felt like a divine sign. Given the high-risk nature of my pregnancy, Dr O'Brien recommended Dr Johan Theron, a pulmonologist at Panorama Hospital, to monitor me closely.

The journey was far from easy. Admitted at 26 weeks, my pregnancy was a continuous balancing act between hope and fear. Instead of decorating a nursery or choosing cots, I spent the last seven weeks of my pregnancy in the hospital on oxygen. But the toughest challenge came before Daniella's birth. I contracted MRSA, a superbug picked up in the hospital. I was isolated, and only immediate family could visit, fully sanitized and donned in protective gear. This was a particularly tough time. I was told I wouldn't be able to see my newborn until I tested negative for MRSA.

At 30 weeks, I begged Dr Theron for a C-section, but he insisted we wait to ensure our baby girl was strong enough. Every day was a struggle, but we held onto hope and faith. Schalk, and my family were my rock, always by my side, assuring me that everything would be okay.

Finally, on a Saturday morning at 33 weeks, Dr Theron came in and asked if I was ready. I called Schalk immediately. At 8:45 AM, Daniella was born via C-section, seven weeks premature but with the healthiest pair of lungs. The constant cortisone treatments I had been on, which typically help premature babies’ lungs, had made her lungs strong. Despite concerns, she was perfect—no cleft palate, just pure perfection.

Daniella, too, was tested and treated with antibiotics. I clung to the photos my family took of her, desperate to see my baby. On the third day, I was allowed into the NICU to finally hold her. It was a miracle from the Lord above.

Discharged from the hospital while Daniella stayed in the NICU, I spent my days pumping milk and visiting her. After three and a half weeks, Daniella was healthy enough to come home. Having my mom, an experienced labour ward sister, made the transition easier.

Raising a preemie isn't easy. Keeping her warm, avoiding public outings, and mastering infant CPR were all part of the journey. Despite the challenges, Daniella thrived. She was a healthy, blessed baby girl.

Throughout this journey, our family played a pivotal role. My parents, Schalk's parents, my brother, sister, and sister-in-law all stepped up to help with Daniella whenever I was sick or Schalk had to work. Their support was unwavering. My mother-in-law would travel from Mossel Bay to stay with us for two weeks at a time, helping me care for Daniella after hospital stays. My mom and dad were always there, ready to fetch and carry Daniella at any time of the day.

Daniella had a special bond with my brother Mark, who treated her like his own daughter. She quickly learned that her uncle would do anything for her and buy her anything she wanted. If Schalk and I said no to something, she would just call Uncle Mark, knowing he would grant her wish.

A few months later, I was sterilized. I had put Dr Jan Vermeulen and Dr Johan Theron through enough stress! Panorama Hospital became a second home for us, and Daniella knew the staff well.

Despite the trials, the pregnancy was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Schalk and Daniella's lives, too, were touched by this miracle. And I would do it all over again in a heartbeat.

There were times I felt inadequate as a mom because I couldn't do everything other mothers could. I couldn't run after Daniella, attend all her hockey games, or walk far in shopping malls. The hardest part was knowing she never asked for this, but I did give her all the love I could. At the end of the day, that love made everything worthwhile. My family’s support and the love I shared with Daniella helped me realize that being a good mom isn't about being perfect; it's about being present and loving unconditionally.

"In the tapestry of life, the threads of hope and love weave miracles beyond our imagination. The birth of our beautiful Daniella is one such miracle—a testament to unwavering faith, relentless determination, and the boundless power of love. Every heartbeat and every breath she takes is a reminder that miracles do happen, even in the most unexpected ways." Schalk & Tanya

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