It’s NICU Awareness Day!
The NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) is one of those departments you never want to visit but are so thankful it exists.
Lil Bird and Lil Koala both spent time in the NICU.
Lil Bird was born early and growth-restricted. She spent 19 days in a German NICU where they provided nutrition via IV, treatment for jaundice, and monitored a hole in her heart. It was stressful, and scary, and I am so thankful that modern medicine was able to save her and allow her to grow and thrive.
Lil Koala spent 11 days in a NICU in the US. She was also early and growth-restricted. The NICU also supplied nutrition, lung support via bipap, and treatment for jaundice. Her incubator allowed her to stay rolled up in a “bili blanket” rather than just a diaper under lights. And the nurses drew eyelashes on the mask they gave her to protect her eyes.
The NICU is a magical place. Miracles happen there. The NICU nurses are a whole different level.
As a parent, the hardest thing to do is leave the hospital without your baby. I am forever thankful that the NICU exists, and allowed my babies to grow and thrive!
