Child's Birth Year
2024

State/Province/Territory
Florida

NICU Hospital for my journey
Northwest Medical Hospital

My NICU Graduate's Journey
Lauren was born at 22 weeks and 5 days, the doctor’s told me if she had any complications they couldn’t intervene by law until 23 weeks. I was in bed rest for 5 full days in active labor when she was born at 1:38am one Tuesday morning. She was born in the sac, placenta and all! The doctors told me we were just waiting for my water to break, but it never did. She stayed in the sac as the medical team sprang into action- they were able to intubate her and she’s been fighting ever since! She does have a Grade 3 and Grade 4 brain bleed, but thankfully the doctor’s see no need for medical intervention yet 🥰 she’s 2 months old now, and getting bigger every day. I couldn’t be more proud!

What makes you proud of you NICU graduate?
From in the womb, Lauren has always been extremely active. Wiggling around in her own little way.. she’s always displayed such spirit! Such a will to live. She has no idea what lies outside of that little incubator, but she chooses everyday to fight still. She’s been trying to suckle lately, and a feeding specialist is helping her with pacifiers. I just know she’s going to take each new challenge head on, and her Dad and I have her back 200% of the way. She’s going to be just fine.

Weight at Birth (lbs. or Grams)
1lb

Weeks Gestation
22 Weeks

Time spent in the NICU (Specify Day, Month, or Year)
63 Day & Counting