Love, Ashley

“Dear NICU Mama, when I look back on 2023 I see a mother who fought harder than she thought she’d ever have to—a mother who leaned into her instincts to be the best mama even when her circumstances were anything but natural.

I see a mother who loved deeply and gave her all to ensure her baby knew that she would always be their biggest advocate.

I see a mother who changed diapers, took temperatures, helped with feedings and baths, even though it all felt so unknown and scary at times.

I see a mother who will heal—who is already healing. A mother who is resilient and powerful and a force to be reckoned with.” 

Love,
Ashley

More of Ashley + Gabriel’s NICU story:

“I had a partial placental abruption at 27 weeks and 6 days, was hospitalized and eventually sent home on strict bed rest once things stabilized. At 32 weeks and 4 days I returned to the hospital with contractions 1-3 minutes apart. My medical team tried everything for over 48 hours to stop labor from progressing, but nothing was working, and my Gabriel was not handling the contractions well. He was delivered at 32 weeks and 6 days via emergency c-section. He spent 35 days in the NICU but has been home for 2.5 months now and is very healthy.”