Our NICU Chapter

“September will always hold a special place in my heart, as it was my original due date. After a joyful 4th of July celebration with family, I began experiencing discomfort in my side that I initially dismissed. By morning, the pain persisted, and I decided to take the day off work and call my provider. My husband quickly returned home to take me to the hospital, where I was admitted. What followed was a blur — from the constant monitoring, the beeping of the baby monitor, to the doctors explaining the plan to prolong the pregnancy. My condition worsened as my blood enzymes elevated due to preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome.

On July 9, 2024, the doctors decided an emergency c-section was necessary for both my safety and the baby's. I received a steroid shot to protect her lungs. I vividly remember being surrounded by an all-female medical team and the emotional moment I heard my daughter cry for the first time. Eliana Arciga was born at 11:15 AM at 32 weeks gestation and weighed 3 pounds 0.3 ounces and dropped to 2 pounds.

Holding her for the first time was difficult — I had to wait two days. Eliana began her NICU journey dependent on oxygen, received a blood transfusion for anemia, and was treated for jaundice. I’m forever thankful to the NICU staff for their compassion and care. On August 12, 2024, Eliana was finally discharged. It was a bittersweet moment — filled with joy, yet shadowed by the reality that I’d be returning to work in just two weeks.

Adjusting to motherhood, recovering physically, and preparing to return to work was one of the most challenging transitions of my life. But this journey has made me stronger, more resilient, and deeply grateful. Eliana’s story is one of courage, love, and the power of hope.” NICU mama, Gisela