I did not have time to think or decide. The doctor came to tell me that I was going to lose my wife and child if I didn’t make a decision. Sumedha was rushed in for an emergency C-section. Our baby was born at 26 weeks. She was just about 600g. Both my lifelines were struggling to stay alive and they were carted away to the ICU while I dropped to my knees.
Our baby came to complete our family. We are scared that we will lose him
I’m Sumeet. Sumedha and I got married last May. We went against her parents and had a court marriage. Her family has not talked to her until this day because she married someone from another caste. I tried to make her happy as much as I could. Like any other couple, we were excited about this pregnancy and looked forward to having this baby. Our family was going to be complete.
Suddenly, her BP shot up. No matter what the doctor tried, it did not settle down. She began to bleed and there was no other option. The baby had to be delivered. She was so tiny and could not breathe on her own. She was in sepsis. I did not even get to see her for more than a few seconds. They carted her away into the ICU and she has been there for over a week. She needs to be there until she gains weight and begins to feed. It could take at least 2-3 months. If we don’t give her this time, she will lose her fight.
I try hard to look through the glass, to catch a glimpse of my baby
I don’t get to see our baby girl. Only Sumedha does. She has touched her fingers. Not me. I cannot even look through the glass. I’m her father and this pain is killing me!
Sumedha is recovering. Her BP is still high. She was discharged recently and visited the hospital once to see the baby. She has heavy swelling because she cannot feed. Our baby is not taking mother’s milk yet. So both of them have a lot of healing to get through.
"I know what a mother usually feels at such a time. She has carried our child for so many months. Not being able to hold her should hurt. But it hurts me more. I stand outside in the hospital lobby every day and don’t get to see my child".
We need to keep her under treatment
My parents take care of Sumedha at home. For now, my younger brother is working for Rs. 6000/month. I earn Rs. 14000/month for working as an office boy. My employers are helping as much as they can. The medical expenses have shot up more than we could have ever imagined. We have no other option but to keep the baby in the ICU until she is strong enough to come home with us.
Sumedha cries every day that her family is not with her through this pain. Her own brother is not coming for help. I’m not talking about money, but she could use emotional support, especially when she has come back from the brink of death and has a child who is still struggling to survive.
How you can help
Your support can help us save our baby girl. Her birth was supposed to be a happy occasion. Before we knew it, life swept us into this nightmare. Funds raised through this fundraiser will help to keep my baby alive.
Supporting Document
The specifics of this case have been verified by the medical team at the concerned hospital. For any clarification on the treatment or associated costs, contact the campaign organizer or the medical team.
