Haley Bulfer

Haley was happily pregnant with her first baby. Her biggest challenge was hyperemesis –– excessive nausea and vomiting to the point of dehydration and significant weight loss.

Most women get some morning sickness in their first trimester. “Mine was a step greater than that,” says Haley, who needed clinic visits at least three times a week to get fluids to stay hydrated.

When it continued beyond her first trimester, Haley got a PICC line inserted so she could administer IV hydration at home.

Medication helped too. “By my second trimester we knew what medications would help and what some triggers were, so most days it was under control,” Haley says.

An ultrasound at every pre-natal appointment showed that the baby was growing well. “Everything was normal, and I was so glad to hear that,” Haley says. “When I felt like I couldn’t care for my baby like other women could, it was really reassuring that they could check that the baby was okay.”

Still, a few major episodes – vomiting every 10-20 minutes for days on end – landed Haley in the hospital for IV medication and fluids.

“Every time I was hospitalized, the care team looked at the big picture, the baby’s health and mine,” Haley says. Each time, ultrasounds showed the baby was gaining weight, had a strong heartbeat and “was growing and developing beautifully.”

But the team was concerned about the impact on Haley’s body. “A baby will take what it needs from the nutrients in the mom’s system, so the mom is the one who gets left depleted,” Haley explains. “Most of the care was for me.

“I felt very thankful for Northfield Hospital,” Haley adds. “I didn’t feel well; I was frustrated and angry and had a lot of tears. They welcomed me even when I wasn’t at my best self. They showed me so much kindness when I was feeling low. Everyone – the nurses, OBs, front desk staff – were all so patient and empathetic. And there was always something else we could try, always a plan moving forward.”

Treating hyperemesis requires a lot of trial and error. Haley and her care team, led by certified nurse midwives Janelle Dahl, APRN, CNM and Brittany Cordes, APRN, CNM continued to reevaluate and adjust her care plan.

Then at 36 weeks, Haley was hospitalized again. Monitors tracked the baby’s heart rate and any contractions. As the team made a plan to get Haley and the baby through 3 more weeks, suddenly, the baby’s heart rate dropped. The team got Haley onto her hands and knees to reposition the baby, whose heart rate recovered.

Haley and her husband Josh had a decision to make. The baby was healthy, but Haley’s labs were concerning – gallstones, liver enzymes, white blood cell count. With recommendations from Janelle and OB/GYN Dr. Deb Suppes, “we decided to induce,” Haley says.

Labor and delivery “went beautifully,” and Louie was born hearty and hale. “He was three weeks early, but he had no issues. His lungs and heart were great,” Haley says. “He was 6 lbs., so a little bit small but mighty.”

“The moment he was born I began to feel back to my normal self,” Haley adds. “Now I feel so much better, so I can look back and say it was worth it.”

Her advice to queasy moms: “You know your body; trust your gut and reach out if something seems wrong. There are different remedies they can try, and they can always adjust the plan.”

And keep your eye on the prize. “Louie is so healthy, and he’s such a good baby. We feel blessed in light of the challenges we faced.”