Love, Emily

 “Dear NICU Mama, I know you can do this because your heart will rise to the occasion, even if that occasion feels insurmountable.

This might not have been the birth experience you expected. Maybe you were prepared for the possibility of this outcome. Maybe this was something you never saw coming. I know you feel robbed of that golden hour, and your room feels too quiet. You may be up and walking less than 12 hours after birth because the motivation to visit your little one overwhelms the pain in your embattled body. It’s okay to grieve the birth you planned and still celebrate all that your body has accomplished. You’ve done so much already. I know you can do this.

It’s okay if your hands shake while they squeeze the tiniest fingers you’ve ever seen. Try to look at those tiny fingers while they stubbornly pull off their mittens. Those tiny fingers feel your strength. It’s okay if your eyes fill with tears as you stare at the little fighter in front of you. Try to bask in the moment as that little fighter stares right back up at you. It’s okay if you hear the beeping machines even at home. Try to remember that your baby is loved and cared for even when you’re away.

In this moment, standing next to your baby’s isolette, the future may feel uncertain. But look how far you both have already come. One step, one day at a time, and your heart will continue to rise.”

Love,
Emily

More of Emily + Wesley’s NICU Journey:

“My little guy was born just 9 days early at 3:01pm on February 4, 2021. While there were no previous indicators that he was in distress, Wesley was not breathing upon delivery. A code pink was called, and he required CPR and a breathing tube in the delivery room. Wesley was admitted to the NICU and immediately underwent a hypothermia treatment in which his core body temperature was lowered in an effort to decrease the risk of damage to his brain. We were able to hold him for the first time 24 hours after his birth. His time in the NICU was filled with uncertainty as Wesley had tests and scans done to learn more about any potential brain injury he had suffered. In total, Wesley stayed in the NICU for 9 days and was released on February 13 (his due date!). Wesley is almost 7 months old now and doing great so far.”