Rachel Taufer’s newborn has grit and determination from day one thanks to Red Cross assistance
WHEN Northmead mum Rachel Taufer met her daughter Estelle for the first time, the most she could do was reach for her baby’s finger as she laid in her crib of the Neo-natal Intensive Care Unit.
Parramatta
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WHEN Northmead mum Rachel Taufer met her daughter Estelle for the first time, the most she could do was reach for her baby’s finger as she laid in her crib of the Neo-natal Intensive Care Unit.
“She grabbed on to my finger and her grip was really strong,” Ms Taufer said. “I knew she was a fighter.”
Ms Taufer and her daughter survived a pregnancy journey turned horrific by placenta percreta, a complication where the placenta grows through the uterus and attaches to the bladder, causing severe blood loss.
“There are women that die from this,” Ms Taufer said. “It’s important to have public awareness about it and the only way to survive it is through education and research and blood donors.”
Ms Taufer endured months of bleeding, strict bed rest, and clutching to life as long as possible before the birth of her premature child could not wait any longer at 26 weeks gestation.
“I accepted that I might not wake up and that if I did, I would be told that Estelle didn’t make it,” she said.
Ms Taufer lost five litres of blood while giving birth to her daughter as doctors called the Red Cross requesting more blood donations.
Fourteen units of blood for Ms Taufer and two transfusions for her daughter saved their lives.
Ms Taufer said she had a great deal of gratitude for the donors who allowed her to live and continue raising her four children; Bethany, Amelia, Patrick and Estelle.
“Without [blood donors], our children would be growing up without a mum,” she said. “It would be a very different story.”
Ms Taufer and Estelle visited Parramatta Blood Donor Centre in February to celebrate the toddler’s birthday and mark their “survivorversary” — two years since Ms Taufer woke from a coma to find out both she and Estelle had survived.
This Easter weekend, the Parramatta Blood Donor Centre needs more donors to prevent a seasonal shortage.
Ms Taufer said those in need of blood would not have the luxury of celebrating the holiday.
“Patients don’t take a break from being sick. If you are healthy and able to donate, it’s something quick and easy that you can do to help mums and babies.”
Donors can make an appointment to give blood at 22 Oak St, Rosehill on Thursday, Saturday and Monday by calling 13 14 95 or visiting donateblood.com.au
Read more on Mrs Taufer’s experience at mummyminute.com
HOW IT’S USED
● Every blood donation can help save three lives
● The blood you donate can be made into 22 different treatments
● One third of blood donations help treat people with cancer
● Eighteen per cent is used in surgical patients
● Only two per cent is used in trauma including road accidents.