30 Days of Brave | Itzayana

“The NICU is a challenging place.

It’s hard to describe to people who have never spent long hours in the unit.

If I’m being honest the NICU wasn’t even a place I knew existed up until I was 23 weeks pregnant and baby girl was coming whether I liked it or not. There were no signs of complication, discomfort, or even the typical pregnancy struggles like morning sickness. However, that all changed on June 8th 2022 — when this normal pregnancy turned into quite the marathon as Itzayana decided to make a very early entrance into the world.

Born at 23 weeks and 1 day gestation, just short of 6 months, Itzayana was dangerously premature. At birth, she weighed only 1 pound and 8 ounces and was 11 inches long. Even her eyes were fused shut. We were given less than a “30% chance of survival" when she was born, and for much of 2022 we had to take things day by day. We knew it would be an uphill climb, but our Izzy girl was a fighter from the beginning!

She had so many procedures and care from the multi-disciplinary team of specialists, as many of her organs struggled to survive. Her tiny body fought against chronic lung disease, retinopathy, a blood infection, bi-lateral inguinal hernia repair, blood transfusions and a platelet transfusion. This was paired with countless head ultrasounds, echocardiograms, intubations, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), X-rays, heel sticks, blood draws, shots and IVs. Needless to say it was an endless, difficult, and very traumatic roller coaster to endure as parents.

143 days of what felt like a never ending journey.

Truly Gods miracle! Our warrior princess was given so much love and support to get started. Today she continues thriving, growing and achieving amazing milestones we never thought we’d get to see. The absolute bravest 2 year old.” NICU Mom Seantell