I had an extremely difficult experience convincing my doctor that I should be hospitalized.  I insisted on a second opinion that resulted in a diagnosis of a vaginal delivery at full-term.  I then insisted on a third opinion.  They diagnosed that I did not have a full vasa previa (the blood vessel being located 2 cm from the cervix) but did have a velamentous cord insertion.  They REQUIRED that I be hospitalized.  During my entire hospital stay I had many different doctors question the reason for me being there.  Many talked about the location of the placenta and when I mentioned the exposed blood vessel and cord insertion, they acted dumb-founded.  I believe many doctors are just not educated about this condition.  I then had a hard time convincing my doctor to deliver at 35 weeks.  She wanted to do it at 37 weeks and tried to scare me with associated risk factors for the baby at delivering earlier...breathing, nursing and temperature regulation.  I still insisted on 35 weeks.  I was extremely emotional and nervous going into the surgery because I was afraid we were making the wrong decision and our baby would suffer the consequences.  My husband reassured me that I knew best and we were making the right decision.  Lyla came out screaming at the top of her lungs.  She breathed and nursed perfectly.  She did not require any additional care and resembled the health of a full-term baby.  The doctor determined that I DID have a full vasa previa after all with the velamentous cord insertion.  The cord was also wrapped around her neck.  The doctor said if it weren't for the vasa previa, we would have attempted a vaginal delivery and because the cord was so short due to the low placement of the placenta, the baby probably would have been strangled.  She's our miracle baby!

     I did suffer quite a bit of blood loss.  My blood count was half of what it should have been.  I was confined to the bed for several days after delivery and suffered a lot of pain around the incision due to low blood circulation.  I finally agreed to a blood transfusion and within a couple hours was up and moving.  I'm still anemic and feel weak and tired.  However I can handle all of that knowing the baby is fine.

     My husband and I owe so much thanks to all of you for your advise and support.  I must admit there were a few times that I felt I was overreacting.  I mean, these are medical doctors who are supposed to be educated about this.  And to all of you who have lost a little baby to this condition, we owe you the most thanks.  It is because of your stories and experience that our baby lives today.  It must take a lot of bravery and tugging at the heart to share something so personal and devastating to help others.  Many times when I am nursing Lyla or see her smile while she drifts off to sleep, I think about all of you and only wish you could share with me this wonderful gift.  We owe you our hearts and will feel forever connected to you. 

Love always,  Gina Diabate