Child's Birth Year
2022

State/Province/Territory
Massachusetts

NICU Hospital for my journey
Holy Family Hospital

My NICU Graduate's Journey
Ronan and Finian are Identical Twins- who were mono/di (shared placenta but separate sacs). They were born at 33 weeks 5 days. They were originally born and placed in a level 3 NICU but graduated and transferred to a community Level 2 NICU. Since mono/di Twins are higher risk, we had doctors appointments every 2 weeks. At one of our appointments, Finian (Twin B) started measuring a lot smaller than Ronan (Twin A). Finian was diagnosed with sIUGR (since they shared a placenta - Finian was getting the lesser share). Visits increased and unfortunately, I started to develop Severe preeclampsia - it was time to deliver. Ronan and Finian both needed CPAP when they were born but able to wean to nasal cannula. Ronan and Finian both had several setbacks and multiple spells (an oxygen or heart rate drop) and would set our clock back to bring them home. Ronan spent 24 days and Finian spent 38 days in the NICU. It was hard to have two babies in the NICU but it was even harder to have one at home and one still in the Hospital. I wouldn’t wish a NICU stay on any Mama, but I am so thankful that NICUs exist and helped my babies to get big, strong, and healthy to come home.

What makes you proud of you NICU graduate?
The NICU was probably the worst time of my life. It’s exhausting and stressful and pushes you to your limit. All you want is to hold your baby without wires, monitors, and medical staff. BUT Ronan and Finian showed me how strong they could be and how strong his parents could be. These boys are fierce fighters and we love them so much.

Weight at Birth (lbs. or Grams)
4 lbs 10 oz & 3 lbs 13 oz

Weeks Gestation
33 Weeks 5 Days

Time spent in the NICU (Specify Day, Month, or Year)
24 & 38 Days