Tag: NICU
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Navigating the Emotional Landscape of Premature Birth
Read more Experiencing a premature birth can elicit a whirlwind of emotions. You may find yourself cycling through shock, grief, anxiety, love, and even guilt. Amidst the joy of welcoming your little one, feelings of fear and concern can overshadow positive emotions. Many parents describe this journey as a roller coaster, filled with highs and…
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Understanding Premature Baby Categories, Prognoses, and Challenges Based on Birth Week
Read more Navigating the journey of having a premature baby can be daunting. Knowing the category of your preemie can help you understand their potential length of stay in the NICU and possible complications. Fortunately, medical advancements have significantly improved outcomes for preterm infants over the years, giving even the tiniest babies a better chance…
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Our NICU Journey: Transforming Me into a Resilient Mother
Get Pregnant Fast Leaving my newborn in the NICU was one of the most heart-wrenching experiences of my life. Our daughter, born at just 31 weeks and 4 days, had a long road ahead. Her lungs were too immature to provide her with the oxygen she required, and her underdeveloped suck reflex meant she couldn’t…
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Is the Saying “Once a Preemie, Always a Preemie” True? Not Always
Parenting Get Pregnant Fast As we gathered near the entrance, my daughter, Emma, eagerly scanned the bustling room filled with excited children. It was her first day of preschool after a long summer, and she was thrilled to reconnect with friends. In her excitement, she struggled to voice her question, repeating it multiple times. Nearby,…
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The Unique Connection Among NICU Moms: A Bond We Rely On
Get Pregnant Fast As I reached out to the mother who had just entered our shared NICU space, I could hear the raw emotions spilling through the thin curtain that separated us. The sounds of fear, blame, and overwhelming confusion filled the air. “I’m not leaving here without her,” she cried to her partner, who…
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Volunteers Craft Delightful Halloween Costumes for NICU Infants
Get Pregnant Fast The experience of having a newborn in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) can be overwhelming for parents. To bring some joy during this challenging time, the March of Dimes organizes a heartwarming Halloween costume event each year. Custom-made costumes are designed for the tiniest patients, and professional photographers capture these moments…
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My First Mother’s Day in the NICU: Lessons Learned
Get Pregnant Fast Six years ago, I found myself holding a small onesie adorned with an elephant, embroidered with “Mommy and Me,” tucked away in my purse. I had carefully modified it, cutting holes in the feet so that the medical probes monitoring my son’s heart rate and oxygen levels could remain visible and secure.…
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Half of My Maternity Leave Was Spent in the NICU
Read more When I first learned I was pregnant, it was during a casual outing with my husband, enjoying a game at a local bar. A sudden aversion to the smell of beer prompted a stop at the pharmacy where a pregnancy test confirmed what I suspected. As my pregnancy progressed, we diligently prepared for…
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Parents Capture Amazing Photos of Preemie Born En Caul During Hospital Commute
Get Pregnant Fast Every parent’s childbirth experience is unique, with some following a planned route and others taking unexpected turns. A mother from Pennsylvania is especially grateful that her baby was born en caul—inside the protective amniotic sac—believing it played a crucial role in saving his life. Jessica Thompson’s second child, Noah James, arrived earlier…
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Heartwarming Photos Capture Essential Cuddle Time for NICU Mothers
Get Pregnant Fast Menu Lifestyle Heartwarming Photos Capture Essential Cuddle Time for NICU Mothers by Emily Carter May 14, 2023 Images by March of Dimes/Schaumburg Photography These stunning photographs highlight the importance of skin-to-skin contact for mothers and their babies in the NICU. For many mothers, the most cherished moment during childbirth is the first…