Defying Odds

"I have had two NICU journeys, both very different but each one had a lasting impact.
My oldest was born at 34 weeks, which was terrifying to me as a first time mom, but thankfully our daughter was able to come home after 12 days in the NICU! Fast forward to my last baby, my son.
The pregnancy was riddled with complications that culminated in a chronic placental abruption at 21 weeks which had me hospitalized and facing some incomprehensible decisions and scenarios. I am incredibly lucky to have already been at a hospital that considers 22 weeks viability. My son and I held on for an additional week when I experienced a complete abruption and my son was born at 22 weeks and 3 days at 500 grams and 11 inches.
My son faced so many challenges including Necrotizing Enterocolitis twice, sepsis, brain bleeds, fungal UTI, aspiration pneumonia, more blood transfusions than I could count, and two surgeries to name a few. He spent a total of 255 days in the NICU between his birth hospital and Boston Children’s Hospital.
While my son fought for his life, the NICU staff not only cared for him, but they cared for our whole family. My son’s home NICU had an elf on the shelf for my son (and really his big sisters) and every birthday/holiday that passed with their brother in the hospital was made so special for them. They celebrated with us, they cried with us, they held me when I needed it, and loved my son when I couldn’t be there. I will never have the words to express the gratitude that I feel for everyone in those NICU’s. It’s because of them that my son is home and thriving!" NICU Mama, Alanna