Child's Birth Year
2020

State/Province/Territory
Washington

NICU Hospital for my journey
Legacy Salmon Creek Hospital

My NICU Graduate's Journey
Elliot was born suddenly at 35 weeks via c-section on Good Friday. He was born the night the hospital went into lockdown due to Covid. I was able to hold Elliot for a few minutes before he was sent to the NICU for help to breathe. His health began to decline over the next few days. Eventually needing intubated for three days. He had holes in his lungs, fluid in his lungs and he struggled to breathe. He had several procedures to put tubes in his lungs due to these issues. After these issues resolved Elliot struggled to go down in oxygen levels for many days. And then struggled to get the feeding tube out and eat on his own for many days. Twelve of the days Elliot was in the NICU, only moms were allowed. This was very difficult on our family as I was healing as well and we were having to make many tough decisions with Elliot’s health. Elliot was in the NICU 21 days total. A long challenging journey that we will remember forever and one he has continued to deal with health wise since his birth.

What makes you proud of you NICU graduate?
Elliot is a warrior. He battled through so much pain and so many procedures. I wasn’t able to hold him for nine days. It was the toughest part for both of us, I think.

Weight at Birth (lbs. or Grams)
5 lbs 12 oz

Weeks Gestation
35 Weeks

Time spent in the NICU (Specify Day, Month, or Year)
21 Days