Devon’s Story, Part 2: Motherhood

In this episode of the Healthful Woman podcast, Dr. Nathan Fox speaks with Devon about life after the birth of her son. In Devon’s Story, Part 1, she shared how fetal growth restriction shaped her pregnancy and delivery. Part 2 picks up right after birth and covers her son’s NICU stay, early feeding struggles, Devon’s severe postpartum anxiety, and how she feels looking toward another pregnancy.

Devon’s Story

Devon’s son was born weighing about 5 pounds. First, Devon and her husband, Will, held him together. “It was the happiest hour of my life,” she said. Soon after, the team noticed he was pale, and he was diagnosed with anemia. A scalp hematoma from delivery was thought to have contributed. A brain ultrasound also showed a grade 1 germinal matrix hemorrhage, which is a small bleed. A blood transfusion was discussed, but he never needed one, and his anemia improved over time.

Pathology on the placenta offered more clues. The placenta was small, and roughly 40% of it was covered by a blood clot. Devon remembers the term “localized abruption,” a finding often discussed alongside placental abruption. Her OB suggested the placental findings and a short umbilical cord of about 15 cm may have been connected to her son’s anemia. Dr. Fox also mentioned fetomaternal hemorrhage, when fetal blood passes into the mother’s circulation, as another possible cause.

Her son spent just under a week in the NICU. His mouth was too small to latch at first, so nurses helped Devon set up a pumping schedule. She used a nipple shield for over a month and did “triple feeding,” rotating nursing, bottles, and pumping every 2 to 3 hours. Weighted feeds were stressful. “Every number feels like a verdict,” she said. These kinds of breastfeeding challenges are common after a NICU stay. Dr. Fox noted how much NICU staff do for families: “It’s not just the babies. They take care of the parents.”

Later, her son had surgery for an umbilical hernia at about 4 months and a tendon transfer for a congenital thumb difference at 1 year, along with therapy for developmental delays. Today he is almost 3 and doing well.

Devon developed severe postpartum anxiety with hypervigilance. “The NICU environment with the monitors and the beeping, it all got into my nervous system,” she said. Sleep deprivation made her symptoms worse. At her 6-week postpartum visit, her OB started her on an SSRI. She also saw therapists and got better sleep with Will’s help, and her sleep improved at around 5 months. When Devon described guilt over her son’s small size, Dr. Fox called it “such unnecessary guilt.”

Devon and Will are now trying for a second baby with help from a reproductive endocrinologist. Devon trusts her instincts more now, and motherhood taught her “how little control you have.”

Understanding Postpartum Anxiety After a NICU Stay

Why NICU Parents Are at Higher Risk

Postpartum anxiety is one of the most common mood conditions after birth, and parents whose babies need NICU care are at higher risk. Separation, constant alarms, medical uncertainty, and pressure around feeding can keep parents on high alert, and sleep loss makes it worse. Symptoms can include racing thoughts, constant worry, and hypervigilance that continues after the family goes home.

How Postpartum Anxiety Is Treated

Postpartum anxiety is treatable, and early support makes a difference. Common approaches include therapy, medication such as SSRIs, many of which can be used while breastfeeding, and practical support with sleep and baby care. Parents don’t need to wait for the postpartum visit to raise concerns. Anxiety in a later pregnancy after a complicated first one can go either way, as Dr. Fox noted, so a care team that knows your history can help you plan ahead.

Learn More

Listen to the full Healthful Woman podcast episode to hear Devon’s story in her own words.

If you’re navigating a high-risk pregnancy or have questions about fetal growth restriction, NICU care, or postpartum anxiety, Carnegie Imaging for Women provides specialized maternal-fetal medicine care and support throughout every stage of pregnancy. Contact Carnegie Imaging for Women through the online contact form to schedule an appointment.

Carnegie Imaging for Women blogs are intended for educational purposes only and do not replace certified professional care. Medical conditions vary and change frequently. Please ask your doctor any questions you may have regarding your condition to receive a proper diagnosis or risk analysis. Thank you!