Leaving Your Heart Behind There are so many difficult things about the NICU, but I think one of the hardest things is leaving your sweet baby. No matter if you leave for a few hours, leave for the night, or have to leave for a few days, it feels like your heart is in that hospital. Since the twins were not my only babies, I couldn't be at the NICU every hour of the day. My … [Read more...]
Primary Care Nurse: Trust in the NICU
Primary Care Nurse Another term I had never heard used before my twins were in the NICU was Primary Care Nurse. Sure the term sounds self-explanatory, but I had no idea there would be one (or in our case 2) for my babies. Those first few days of the NICU were a bit of a blur. The day I gave birth, I was full of mixed emotions. Joy that my babies were both alive and fear … [Read more...]
An Older Preemie: Lindsey’s Story
Older Preemie As a mother, it's normal to wonder what your kids will be like as they grow-up and think about their future. When they are born extremely premature, it adds another layer of worry. I constantly look for stories about an older preemie to give myself reassurance that everything will be OK for them. Obviously, no child's future is guaranteed, premature or not. … [Read more...]
500 Grams: A Small Amount Makes a Huge Difference
500 Grams 500 grams is approximately 1.1 lbs. It seems like a very tiny amount, but it is such an enormous milestone when it comes to premature birth. Before having my twins, I had always measured in pounds and inches. It wasn't until I started having complications that I realized how important every single gram was. I will never forget when a doctor told me that my … [Read more...]
PTSD: A Very Real Complication of Premature Birth
PTSD The term PTSD, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, is a condition people associate with experiences in the military or surviving a catastrophic life-experience, like a natural disaster or an accident. It is not always associated with pregnancy, birth, and prematurity, but it is a very real condition for women who experience those life-changing events. Worrying every day of … [Read more...]
