• About Me
  • Privacy Policy and Disclosure Policy

Shann Eva's Blog

A peek into my messy life with 3 boys

  • Home
    • My Delivery Story
    • Twin Pregnancy
  • Work with Me!
  • Money-Saving Links
  • Blog
    • Shann’s Favorites
    • Shopping
    • Birthdays
    • Health
    • Micro Preemie Mondays
  • Submit Your Story
    • Share an Update
  • Twin pregnancy
You are here: Home / Blog / NICU Survivors: Life at Home

NICU Survivors: Life at Home

March 12, 2018 By Shann Leave a Comment

NICU Survivors

NICU Survivors are amazing. No matter how long or how short your stay, getting to go home is a momentous occasion. That homecoming day is one you will always remember.

But, what comes next?

How do you go back to “normal” life with NICU survivors? Is it possible?

Perhaps, not right away. When we got home from the NICU, we had a nurse visit our house weekly for weight checks. We also had doctor visits, physical therapy, developmental clinics, and eye check-ups.

Plus, the threat of germs to a baby who has been in the NICU is very real. Often times, there is a period of isolation in order to avoid a re-hospitalization.

We isolated ourselves for 2 Flu/RSV seasons.

Hope at Home

While I think it’s so important to keep sharing micro preemie stores and NICU stories, I also want to share with you stories of what happens after with our NICU survivors.

While you’re in the thick of the NICU experience, you don’t even know if there will be an after. But, at some point, the lucky ones realize that they will go home, and the panic sets in.

How do you take care of your baby without the help of all these nurses and doctors? How do you know your baby is doing OK? How do you avoid going back to the hospital?

So, I’ve decided to share some updates on our NICU survivors, along with new stories of families that have been home at least a year.

I want to give hope to those still in the NICU, and a realistic picture of what life looks like once you get home.

Meet Holly

I’m excited to introduce you to Holly, as told by her mom, Heather.  In an awesome coincidence, she shares a birthday with my twins!                                                                                          NICU Survivors. What happens when you get home from the hospital? A realistic, yet hopeful look. #NICU #NICUsurvivor #preemie #micropreemie #hospital #homefromthehospital

My daughter, Holly was born on May 4, 2016. She was born at 24 weeks exactly, weighing 1 lb 5.2 oz, and 11″ long.  She was born due to a placental abruption, although I had been on bedrest for an Incompetent Cervix, had an emergency cerclage placed at 19 weeks.  We were told the abruption was unrelated.

nicu survivors

Holly was in the NICU for 138 days.

1. How long have you been home from the NICU?

We have been home from the NICU for about a year and a half.
nicu survivors
Photographer- Sara Brick Photography

2. What has been your biggest challenge since being home from the NICU?

Our biggest challenge has been the isolation.  While were in the NICU, we had a wonderful hospital support system. Yes, family was there as well, but we had so much support from the March of Dimes, the doctors and nurses, and volunteers at the hospital.  Since being home, we’ve been on isolation to avoid germs. Family comes to visit and talk, but it’s so hard going cold turkey on support groups, etc.  It feels like there’s not a lot out there in the way of support once you leave the NICU.  Going from round the clock nurses to help with your child’s care to just being on your own is tough!

3. What are you most proud of or what has your little one accomplished that you want to share?

I am the most proud of the strength and resilience my daughter has shown.  We knew she was a fighter from day 1, but since being home she has just flourished.  She loves being home with our family, spending time with the dogs, and playing all day.  She keeps pushing and learning and I am amazed every day how far she has come.  I love seeing how she fiercely loves me, my husband and our dogs!

nicu survivors

4. What advice do you wish you had when you started your NICU journey?

When we started our NICU journey, I wish someone had told me that we will live again.  I couldn’t see past the day that we were in, I couldn’t even imagine a time when we would ever leave the hospital with our daughter.  I couldn’t imagine a time when my husband and I would be whole again.  I know it’s hard, but there will come a time when you can breathe again, when you can find joy in everyday things. Not only that, but you will find MORE joy.  You will love your child more than anyone has ever loved their child.  You will find a strength in yourself that you didn’t know existed.

5. What advice do you have for parents of older NICU survivors?

My advice for parents of older NICU survivors: no matter what the challenge you’re facing that day, just embrace your child for who they are.  Even with setbacks, medical appointments, your child is so strong and so are you.  Don’t neglect yourself. It’s so easy to do.  It took me way too long, but I have started to get help for the PPD and PTSD I have from my daughter being in the NICU so long.  They told me all the time in the NICU that I have to take care of myself before I can take care of my daughter, and it took me a year and a half for that to sink in.

NICU Survivors
Photographer – James Davis
Thank you so much to Heather for sharing her sweet baby girl, as well as their experience at home since the NICU. Please leave any supportive comments or questions below.
NICU survivors

Filed Under: Blog, Micro Preemie Mondays, NICU Tagged With: emergency cerclage, home from the NICU, homecoming, incompetent cervix, micro preemie, NICU survivors, placental abruption, PPD, preemie, ptsd

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Meet Shann

Shann Hi! I'm a mom, writer, and dancer. I love sharing my parenting experiences, my healthy living tips, my money saving ideas, and our travel plans. My passion to help other women inspired this blog. I hope you'll stay a while and come back often.

Need Help Finding Something?

Follow Me

Subscribe to Blog

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Recent Posts

  • Middle Mom: Changes and Challenges February 21, 2023
  • Writing as Therapy May 16, 2022
  • COVID: The (Not) Good, The Bad, and The Ugly Guilt August 20, 2021
  • Healthy Lifestyle: Making Baby Steps Back July 27, 2021
  • 2020 Year In Review: The Highlights December 31, 2020

Facebook

Facebook
MKE Moms Blog
Copyrighted.com Registered & Protected 
M6VU-YLWL-D4JY-XAO4

Copyright © 2023 · Blog Design by Quality Websites On A Budget

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
Cookie SettingsAccept All
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT