Utah Mother Describes Son's Neonatal Meningitis Recovery

Ashley Morin, 29, said her third pregnancy with son Nolan differed from her previous two. Labor began two weeks early and lasted longer than expected. Nolan was born without immediate complications and was discharged at two days old. Within hours of discharge, Morin noticed Nolan refused feeds and had low blood sugar and elevated bilirubin.

The next day he experienced a seizure that she did not initially recognize. A scheduled appointment led to a second seizure and respiratory arrest during a blood draw.

Nolan was airlifted to a larger facility and remained unconscious for two days. A brain scan at one week showed multiple abscesses. Physicians told the parents his prognosis included severe limitations and suggested considering withdrawal of care. Tests later confirmed bacterial meningitis.

At eight days old Nolan regained consciousness and began breathing independently. He was discharged in July 2023 with a central line for ongoing antibiotics.

August 2023, swelling required three additional weeks of hospitalization. At three months he received a shunt to manage fluid buildup. He was later diagnosed with epilepsy, which is controlled by medication. Nolan will turn three on June 24. He walks, eats, communicates, and plays soccer. Morin shares updates online to illustrate outcomes that differ from initial medical predictions.