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...]
25 Weeks Gestation: Ephraim’s Story
25 Weeks A full-term pregnancy is roughly 40 weeks. When a baby is born at 25 weeks, which is about 15 weeks early, they miss an entire trimester of development in the womb. It is a very scary time for everyone involved, and these babies have the odds stacked against them. My twins were born at 25 weeks, 5 days. I still remember the neonatologist giving us the statistics on … [Read more...]
Smiling through the Fight, Dior’s Story
Smiling We've all heard that "attitude is everything." In an extremely difficult place like the NICU, it can be really hard to remain positive and hopeful all the time. Just smiling can require great effort on the part of a parent that is so worried and scared for their baby. However, as the mother of today's micro preemie points out, we are their support system. We need to … [Read more...]
Little celebrations, Kaleb’s story
Little Celebrations There is never a typical day in the NICU. Each day brings new challenges, and unexpected developments, but it can also be a time for little celebrations. Those little celebrations can help you get through each day, and really give you hope when you need some. I remember when my little P finally opened just one of his eyes, I was ecstatic. Both of his … [Read more...]