Child's Birth Year
2006

State/Province/Territory
Montana

NICU Hospital for my journey
St Vincent Medical Center

My NICU Graduate's Journey
Lauren was born via c-section at 38 weeks, weighing in at 7 pounds. Unfortunately her lungs were not developed and both lungs eventually collapsed and she was flown to Billings, Mt when she was 26 hours old. She had three chest tubes inserted, a PICC line, and was given oxygen. A nurse told her dad that even though she was the biggest baby in the NICU, she was also the sickest baby. After 11 days in the NICU, Lauren was discharged and was able to come home with dad, mom, an older sister and 2 older brothers.

What makes you proud of you NICU graduate?
Lauren has been a fighter since day one. She has always been on the go chasing after her older siblings. She is currently finishing her junior year of high school. She has been involved in different sports throughout junior high and high school and has always worked hard. But we are most proud of her for joining FFA where she has learned so many different things and competed in several different Leadership and career development competitions. She will be serving as our local FFA chapter president during her senior year.

Weight at Birth (lbs. or Grams)
7

Weeks Gestation
38

Time spent in the NICU (Specify Day, Month, or Year)
11 days