#30DaysofHope Day 24- Danielle

For us, getting pregnant was it’s own journey. It took over 2 years, 1 surgery, hormone therapy and 5 IUI’s, but we made it. Getting pregnant was a huge accomplishment. Planning for a baby is typically fun and exciting. What most people don’t plan for is a NICU stay. I know it wasn’t part of our plan.

Hope seems unimaginable when you hear the words “she needs help breathing” during your c-section delivery and next thing you know, your whole world goes dark. Confused, medicated and 12 hours later you open your eyes, alone in your hospital room.

This was my reality in 2017 when I gave birth to our daughter, Carmela Marie.

At 37 weeks and 2 days, I had a scheduled c-section birth. The first time I met her was 12 hours after my delivery. She was rushed to the NICU due to Respiratory Distress Syndrome and needed oxygen assistance as her lungs were underdeveloped. That was just the beginning.

Through our month long stay, we learned that although she was considered “term” at 37 weeks, she was growing smaller than anticipated. This led to a series of complications at birth.

Countless days and nights spent staring at monitors, the incessant beeping when the numbers changed throughout. Feeling isolated and helpless as your child is fighting for their life. A lack of sleep, comfort, joy, etc. hope seemed out of reach at times.

What gave us hope was how hard she fought each and every day. Despite some challenges and setbacks, she made a strong comeback.

Our journey has been far from easy, but she is a living miracle and a little fighter. She turned 3 this year and we are so proud of her gains. Though she continues to experience challenges with her health, she is strong, brave and happy as can be. That’s all we can hope for her.

Being a new parent comes with it’s own set of challenges, let alone being a NICU parent. Most new parents expect to leave the hospital with their babies to embark on this new adventure, but that’s not the case for so many. These alarming numbers need to change. Our story is just one of many others that need more advocacy, support, community, research, prevention and early intervention.

Thank you for letting us share our story with you.

The LaGrandier Family