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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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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How I Advocated for Pregnancy Loss Leave After My Miscarriage
Read more Every nurse in my unit now has access to the same essential benefit I needed. When I experienced a miscarriage at five weeks along, it felt like my world had shattered. I knew I needed time off to heal—and I believed that others facing similar losses would also benefit from support. A brief…
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Understanding the NICU: A Guide for Parents of NICU Babies
Read more When you find out that your baby will spend time in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), it can be an overwhelming experience. Approximately 78 out of every 1,000 babies born in the U.S. each year require care in these specialized nurseries, with many being premature. Since 1 in 10 newborns arrive before…
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I Ran 147 Miles to Honor My Son’s NICU Journey — And Raised $50,000 for Premature Babies
Read more When my son Caleb was born at just 23 weeks into my pregnancy, the odds were stacked against him. His survival seemed unlikely, and yet here we are, celebrating him as a vibrant and curious 6-year-old today. During the early weeks of my pregnancy, I experienced significant bleeding and even thought I had…