There is something about the first time your baby is placed on your chest, skin to skin, that feels almost holy. The fragile nature of it, feeling your baby for the first time, beginning to truly bond, whispering little words of love; it is magical. Amid the reality and harshness of the NICU, Kangaroo Care is one of the most loving, … Continue reading
Tag Archives: Neonatal intensive care unit
Preemie Support and Awareness
I am so honored that I was asked to write a Mother’s Day post for Preemie Support and Awareness. They do an amazing job providing support and resources to preemie families. Here’s a little snippet. There’s a link to their page for the rest of the post, and while you’re there check out the resources they … Continue reading
Dear NICU Doctor
There is an amazingly hopeful article in the NY Times about the survival of 22 weekers. I can’t begin to describe how I felt as I read that article. There are doctors who agree that viability could begin under 23 weeks. There is hope!! The following letter is sitting in envelopes ready to be mailed, … Continue reading
‘Thank You’ Will Never Be Enough
We’re always thankful for James. Not a day goes by that I’m not cognizant of the fact that our lives could be very different. That reality is clearer than ever now, as I’ve been researching prematurity and viability for a personal project. I expected to find controversy and a range of opinions regarding viability of the earliest micro preemies. I have … Continue reading
Quality of Life and Viability, The Debate Continues
I was getting ready to work on my blog, prepared to write about truly enjoying James’ third birthday without any of the anxiety that has come each year at this time, when I read End of Life, at Birth, an Op-Ed piece that appeared in The New York Times August 5th. The author, April R. Dworetz, is a neonatologist and an assistant professor … Continue reading
A Peek Into the NICU, Touch-Time for James
A little peek into the NICU. This video was taken when James was just over two months old. Assessments like this one were done every three hours throughout the day and night. This was referred to as a “touch time” and was the best time for us to interact with James. They grouped his care … Continue reading
Preemie Babies 101 – My Latest Post
My latest contribution to Preemie Babies 101, in honor of Father’s Day… Having a baby in the neonatal intensive care unit is a very personal experience. While we face many similar circumstances and the same uncertainty of what the future holds, how we cope from day-to-day can be different for each one of us. I’m … Continue reading
Bananas Over Mommy
So the blog has been a little quiet recently. We enjoyed a little mini-vacation visiting some of my family. Should be back on track for June. July will be a little hit and miss as James and I will be out of town for three weeks. I will try to keep it updated however, as … Continue reading
Kangaroo Care – The First Time I Held James
Originally posted on 22w6d:
Some of my favorite times of the day are spent snuggling with James. I love when he climbs into my lap and just wants to sit, or when he lays his head on my shoulder and gives me gentle little pats. He’s getting older now and will say, “hug” as he lays his head…
In Appreciation of All You Do, Our Amazing NICU Nurses
I’ve thought about writing this post many times. I haven’t been able to do it yet for a few reasons, mostly because I know it will be impossibly hard to say in words how much James’ NICU nurses mean to us. There are no words to describe how amazing they are, or explain the impact they had on our lives. This week is … Continue reading