Child's Birth Year
2023

State/Province/Territory
Texas

NICU Hospital for my journey
St. David of Women's Center of Texas & St. David's North Austin Medical Center

My NICU Graduate's Journey
Katniss arrived into this world at 35 weeks due to my battle with preeclampsia, which evolved into eclampsia during her birth. We had to have an emergency c-section, and she came out crying, reaching toward me. Katniss was born at 3 pounds 12 ounces. Amazingly, she was able to breathe on her own. Katniss also did not require a feeding tube. She stayed in NICU for 12 days as we worked to get her weight up to 4lbs. Each day, we would visit her, hold her, read to her, and practice latching with support from the lactation specialist. When we were able to bring her home- it was such an amazing gift. We are forever grateful to the NICU team and Hand to Hold who helped us navigate this very hard time in our lives.

What makes you proud of you NICU graduate?
We are so proud of how far Katniss has come in her journey into almost toddlerhood. Despite being small, she is a warrior, hence her name. She survived preeclampsia, restricted growth, a decreasing heart rate and 12 days of being in the NICU. Despite being behind developmentally by peers of her age, she is accomplishing developmental milestones on her own time. She is now 20lbs+ and 11 months old! She is so full of joy and curiosity. We are so excited to see her discover and learn new things daily!

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

Weeks Gestation
35 Weeks

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