You’re not alone in this experience. Hear from other parents who have walked a similar path and shared their challenges, hopes and milestones along the way.
"Alyssa was born in August and went directly to the NICU after birth. She was born with gastroschisis, where her intestines, fallopian tubes, ovaries, bladder and gall bladder were on the outside of her body. She was in the NICU for 68 days (although it seemed like a lot longer). She was in an incubator, needed a spinal tap and blood transfusion during her stay. There were times she was doing well, and we thought we’d be able to go home, then she would have a setback. However, at the end of October, we were able to go home. " - Sarah D.
"Isaac John was born at 32 weeks and 3 days gestation in December. He weighed 4 pounds 10 ounces and was 18 inches long with a bunch of dark hair! He stayed for 27 days in the Bronson NICU and received the best care. He needed CPAP and the bilirubin surfboard for a couple of days. He progressed wonderfully in his eating and growth! He had a hard time regulating his body temp so he went in and out of the incubator a couple of times. We, his parents, visited him every day. We did as many care times for him that we could. The nurses and neonatologists that we saw each day were so helpful to Isaac and to us, physically and emotionally. We now have an energetic and smart 2-year-old who is all caught up!" - Nancy N.
"Joshua and Gabrielle were born at 25 weeks, weighing 1 pound 3 ounces and 1 pound 5 ounces. The first six weeks by far the most difficult for all of us. Each baby had their own health issues due to their extreme prematurity. Joshua was very ill, and there were moments when we did not know if he would pull through. As many micro preemies, they had numerous procedures and tests throughout their stay. After five months, Gabby was able to come home with a feeding tube and on oxygen. Joshua came home after seven and a half months with a vent and trach as well as a feeding tube." - Amy D.
"Our twin boys were born at 32 weeks in Marshall, MI and transferred to Bronson’s NICU. Although this was quite a few years ago, and our boys are big and healthy today, we often think about and recount many of the experiences of our stay at Bronson’s NICU. During our stay, we had many highs and lows. There were days that were filled with sadness, but there were also many days that were filled with happiness and new milestones for our babies. My biggest piece of advice to NICU parents is to start each day with a prayer that it will be a good day, and if it happens that it's not, just keep praying for a better day tomorrow. Take it one day at a time." - Ashley S.
Visit the Bronson Positivity website to read more patient stories.
Note: You can filter NICU stories on the Bronson Positivity website by selecting Neonatal Intensive Care under "Filter by: Services".
