Lola-Claire is one of Scott and Carley Fleming’s greatest blessings in life.

Lola-Claire was conceived through in vitro fertilization. Midway through her pregnancy, Carley developed preeclampsia—persistent high blood pressure that can cause swelling, high levels of protein in the urine, headaches and life-threatening complications.

Even after several weeks of bedrest, Carley’s condition worsened, and she was admitted to North Mississippi Medical Center Women’s Hospital.

A Fragile Beginning

Lola-Claire was born by C-section 11 weeks early in October 2024. “When you have a preemie baby and nothing is going according to your plans, it is terrifying,” Carley said. “Especially when that baby is your IVF ‘one shot’ baby.”

The Women’s Hospital team was attentive and answered all the Flemings’ questions. “When I got admitted and began to cry, fearing the unknown, they held my hand and reassured me through everything,” she said. “Several staff members checked on me and prayed with me.”

Because Carley was so sick herself, she couldn’t accompany Lola-Claire in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. “When I was able, they took me up to the NICU to see her,” she said. “Thanks to the Hey, Baby camera system, I was able to watch her through an app on my phone even though I wasn’t able to stay with her at first.”

Lola-Claire spent the first two months and four days of her life in the NICU. “God placed me in the best possible place with the best possible doctors,” Carley said.

Her parents were able to take her home on Christmas Eve, which was the best present ever.

Another Scare

Just as the Flemings were settling into life at home, Lola-Claire gave her parents another big scare.

“In February, when she was 4 months old, Lola-Claire got a viral infection. She was having trouble breathing and turned slightly blue around her lips,” Carley said. “Because she is a preemie, we’re overprotective anyway. When we had to take our little miracle baby to the Emergency Room, it was overwhelming.”

Although the ER was packed that night, the staff assessed Lola-Claire quickly and began treatment. “Respiratory therapist Blakely Lewis quickly assessed her, sent us to X-ray and got oxygen on our baby, as she wasn’t doing so great breathing on her own,” Carley said. “Although swamped with patients, she made sure to have eyes on Lola-Claire often.”

Dr. Val Serio further impressed the Flemings. “Dr. Serio was incredible. He quickly assessed the situation, formed a plan and kept us updated,” Carley said.

Lola-Claire was admitted to the hospital and spent two nights. “The Pediatrics Unit is outstanding—absolutely top-notch,” Carley said. “They could tell I was exhausted because I had only had about an hour of sleep. They told me to sleep, and they would take care of her. They allowed me six restful hours of sleep. I would wake up if she started to cry, and I could already see them in the room soothing her and giving her what she needed. I can’t tell you what that meant to me.”

Growing in Gratitude

Now a thriving 9-month-old, Lola-Claire is rolling over, smiling, babbling, playing, trying solid foods and learning to pet her dog, Banks, who is her protector.

This spring she enjoyed cheering on her “brothers” from Saltillo High School to a 6A baseball state championship. Both parents teach at SHS, and Scott serves as an assistant baseball coach.

The Flemings are grateful for the care they received through North Mississippi Health Services, where they felt not only seen, but also heard.

“I am overly protective of our baby, as it has taken a ton to bring her into this world,” Carley said. “This place is special—your team saved our lives, and we are forever indebted.”