Love, Anna

“Dear NICU Mama, I see how much courage it took to become a NICU mama. Whether you knew it was coming, or it took you by surprise, it took courage to keep breathing when you first learned something wasn't quite right. It took courage to entrust your sweet babe to medical professionals when all you wanted to do was hold them close and keep them safe. I see how much courage it took to see your baby in the NICU, to talk to them through plastic isolettes and metal crib bars, to hold them gently, terrified of the never-ending wires and tubes.|

Dear NICU mama, I see how much courage it took to walk into the NICU every day, but I know it took even more when it was time to leave. I see how much courage it took to receive scary news and prognoses. It took courage, passion, and strength, to advocate for your baby day in and day out. But you did it and continue to do it - every day. Your courage is admirable, mama. Please know, it's okay to feel proud of what you have done, and also feel saddened that you've had to show so much courage.

When you find yourself struggling, just remember, you are courageous. You have shown up every day and defined what it means to have courage. To love unconditionally in the face of adversity. To be vulnerable and afraid. I see how much courage it took, and continues to take, NICU mama. I applaud you. I am honored to share in this sisterhood with someone as courageous as you.”

Love,
Ana

More of Ana + Natalia’s NICU story:

“I had a completely uneventful pregnancy with my daughter, Natalia. The only thing that doctors mentioned during prenatal appointments was her size. My son weighed 9 pounds and eight ounces at birth so everyone assumed she would just be a big baby like her older brother.

At exactly 39 weeks, I gave birth to Natalia. She came into this world weighing a hefty 10 pounds 7 ounces and nearly 22 inches long. After she was born, she was diagnosed with Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome, which came as a complete surprise. There was no indication that anything was wrong during my entire pregnancy. She spent exactly five weeks in the NICU battling hyperinsulinism. After establishing a medication routine and becoming self-certified professionals in heel sticks (for blood glucose checks), we got to bring her home on Friday, October the 13th. 

She has a long road ahead of her, as Beckwith-Wiedemann comes with its own set of challenges (increased risk of childhood cancer, macroglossia, low muscle tone, etc.) but we are in awe of our strong girl. We are so lucky she's ours.”