Child's Birth Year
2021

State/Province/Territory
Connecticut

NICU Hospital for my journey
Yale New Haven Hospital

My NICU Graduate's Journey
Shai was born on February 9, 2021. His actual due date was April 11, 2021. Due to having preclampsia which then turned into eclampsia, Shai came early. I was hospitalized for 2 months during Covid season before Shai came into this world through emergency c-section. Shai immediately went into the NICU weighing 2lbs 3oz. I didn't see my son for the first 2 days, and I first held him 1 week later of him being born. Shai had hematoma in the brain, ROP (Retinopathy of prematurity) which he still is being cared for, sugars were uncontrollable, and was tube fed. I received two injections of steroids to mature his lungs and thankful his lungs were good. Shai stayed in the hospital for almost 2 months where he was well taken care of from the NICU nurses. Shai came home with services for speech and physical therapy. With the support of therapy Shai was able to join the Community Soccer Clinic and has now moved on to Tball Clinics. Shai still attends the NICU grad program for Yale New Haven and is loved by all.

What makes you proud of you NICU graduate?
My sonshine Shai makes me proud everyday. He is so resilient and never gives up. Shai receives physical and Speech therapy. He does not let any of these struggles hinder him from being the best of what he can be. Shai is a calm and patient child who is so outgoing and truly loves talking and interacting with others. He has a great personality and My Family are in awe with his presence and are so grateful he came into our lives right on time to make it so much better. Shai was the piece that was missing. He surprises us every day. We are so proud of him.

Weight at Birth (lbs. or Grams)
2lbs 3oz

Weeks Gestation
30 Weeks

Time spent in the NICU (Specify Day, Month, or Year)
Almost 2 months