Happy Place When most people think about the NICU, they don't think about a happy place. It can be scary and unknown. However, it is also the place where babies' lives are saved, and where families spend a great deal of time. I'll admit, when my twins were first born, I didn't even want to go to the NICU. I was so afraid of everything about it. The tubes, the wires, the … [Read more...]
NICU Bonds: How Hospital Time Impacts Relationships
NICU Bonds The NICU bonds you in ways you never expected. It tests relationships, strengthening some, while weakening others. The relationship with your baby (or babies) is something that is different for everyone. Not being able to hold your baby right away, watching them fight for their life, and all the bad news thrown at you can affect each person in their own … [Read more...]
NICU Dads: An Advocate and Support System
NICU Dads While I often talk about the struggle we have as premature and NICU moms, there is another person who is a big part of this journey. NICU dads play such an important role that is sometimes overlooked. Even though it is not their body, watching the mother of your child go through pain, both physical and mental, is excruciating. Not being able to do anything to stop … [Read more...]
Constant Monitoring during Pregnancy: Fighting IUGR
Constant Monitoring During Pregnancy During an uncomplicated pregnancy, while you visit the doctor often, and you may have a few ultrasounds, the remainder of the time you live a normal life. With high risks and/or complications, constant monitoring during pregnancy can be a life-saver. For me, constant monitoring during pregnancy was the thing that saved my twins' lives. … [Read more...]
NICU During Holidays: Celebrating While They Fight
NICU During Holidays Being in the NICU is hard at any time, but it is especially hard to be in the NICU during holidays. Whether you are in the NICU with your babies, or you are somewhere else with other members of your family, it feels impossible to really celebrate. There is guilt from not being able to be with everyone you love, the fear of missing something important, … [Read more...]