Kingston’s story of hope, presented by Chick-Fil-A New Orleans

Demetria Miller recalls the moment she discovered she was expecting – a surprise that defied previous medical expectations. For all she knew, her doctor told her that conceiving might pose a challenge. 

“I spent a couple of years trying to start a family, and nothing happened,” said Demetria. “Numerous tests had indicated that I wasn’t ovulating. I had come to terms with the idea I might never conceive.” 

However, in November 2022, Demetria noticed the absence of her monthly period. When it didn’t arrive the following month, she decided to take a pregnancy test. It was then that reality suddenly struck her. 

“The pregnancy test displayed a positive result,” said Demetria. “I couldn’t believe it. I took two or three more tests just to reassure myself, and each one confirmed the same positive result. When I visited my OB-GYN a few days later, she confirmed I was indeed pregnant.” 

Demetria was four weeks along when she discovered the news. By the time she reached the 20-week milestone, she learned she was expecting a baby boy, whom she had already named Kingston. 

Throughout her pregnancy, Demetria experienced good health, with no signs of complications for her or her baby. Ultrasound scans consistently showed her son was growing and developing according to the expected schedule. However, at 25 weeks, Demetria began to experience unusual stomach pains. 

“I began having sharp, intense stomach pains, and at that moment, I was unaware that I was actually having contractions,” Demetria recounted. “I noticed a slight tinge of blood when I went to the bathroom. I immediately called my mom, and she advised me to head to the hospital without delay.” 

Upon her arrival at Terrebonne General Hospital, Demetria received startling news: her water had broken and she was already 8 centimeters dilated. She asked the nurses, “Could you please double-check? My due date isn’t until July. I was in a state of panic, and none of my family members were with me until about an hour later.” 

On March 30, 2023, Kingston decided to make his grand entrance into the world at only 25 weeks 6 days due to a premature rupture of membranes. He was tiny, weighing a mere 2 pounds and 6 ounces. 

“I remember taking a couple pushes and he just came out,” said Demetria. 

A challenging start 

The moment Kingston arrived; he faced a series of medical challenges.  

His underdeveloped lungs required immediate resuscitation, leading to intubation and a ventilator to support his breathing, and he was placed in an incubator in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). A few hours later, Kingston was transported by helicopter to the Level IV NICU at Children’s Hospital New Orleans, where he could access the specialized care required for critically ill and premature infants. 

The journey ahead would be arduous, but it was one that Demetria was determined to face head-on. 

“Doctors told me there would be both good and tough days ahead, but I knew my son was in the best possible place for care,” said Demetria. “The care team emphasized the importance of staying by his side, believing it would aid his recovery. Just having someone that he loves nearby would make a difference. My family and I just took it one day at a time. Even though I couldn’t touch him initially, my presence provided comfort. I occasionally placed my hand in the incubator to hold my baby’s hand.” 

Kingston’s medical journey in the NICU included multiple hurdles. A Grade A intraventricular brain hemorrhage, which refers to bleeding inside or around the brain’s ventricles, was one of the initial concerns. A team of NICU doctors and nurses at Children’s Hospital closely monitored his condition, and thankfully, the brain bleed resolved on its own. Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), a potentially serious eye condition that primarily affects premature infants, impacted Kingston’s vision. ROP occurs when blood vessels in the retina do not develop properly in premature infants. The timing and type of treatment, if needed, depend on the severity and stage of the condition. Dr. Alejandro Leon, a pediatric ophthalmologist, continued monitoring Kingston’s ROP and determined surgery was not needed at the time.  

Kingston also faced severe oropharyngeal dysphagia, making feeding a significant challenge ultimately requiring a gastrostomy tube (G-Tube) placement performed by pediatric surgeon, Dr. Mary Brandt. Babies need to suck, swallow and breath at the same time to consume nutrition by mouth. Since Kingston was born prematurely, he did not learn how to master those skills yet. This, combined with other health complications, meant Kingston spent a total of 93 days in the NICU gaining his strength. 

Throughout those three months, Kingston had the unwavering support of a dedicated multidisciplinary team. Doctors, nurses, and specialists worked together to provide Kingston with the best possible care. As each month passed, he grew stronger. He could breathe on his own and reached his milestones. 

“He had so many NICU doctors checking on him,” said Demetria. “The nurses were great and took great care of him. Three months felt like an eternity, but I was so happy once I was able to bring him home.” 

Kingston today 

Today, Kingston is thriving. At almost 6 months old, he’s an active, happy and giggly baby who brings joy to his family every day. Kingston is packing on the weight. He now weighs 12 pounds. 

He continues to undergo routine examinations with his pediatric ophthalmologist, Dr. Leon, to track the progression of his retinopathy of prematurity. In August, Dr. Oritsejolomi Roberts performed a right ventricular peritoneal shunt procedure on Kingston to address his post-hemorrhagic hydrocephalus, which refers to an accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain’s ventricles. A shunt is used to divert the excess fluid away from the brain to another part of the body to alleviate the pressure in the brain. 

Demetria’s journey into motherhood took an unexpected turn, leading to the early arrival of her son. Despite the challenges that lay ahead, Demetria’s unwavering love and the dedication of the medical team involved in Kingston’s care provided hope and strength throughout this incredible journey. 

“My baby’s story is a reminder that even the tiniest fighters can overcome the odds and thrive,” said Demetria. “I am grateful for all those involved in his care. Kingston’s has a bright future ahead of him.”

For more information about the NICU at Children’s Hospital New Orleans, visit this website: Neonatal Intensive Care | Children's Hospital New Orleans (chnola.org)