#30DaysofHope - Lauren

My family unfortunately knows the NICU too well. I watched both of my sisters endure long NICU stays with my nephews. It wasn’t an experience I wanted to have. When we found out we were having a girl I thought I was in the clear. Little did I know I would develop HELLP syndrome and have Harper at 27 weeks and 4 days via emergency c section under general anesthesia.

I saw Harper for the first time via FaceTime. I finally got to see her in person 12 hours after giving birth. I didn’t get to hold her until days later. Even then it was just for an hour at a time and not every day.
She developed Meningitis, required intubation for a week, required countless blood and platelet transfusions, has several ileus which meant her feeds had to be held, she struggled to come off respiratory support, had unexplained hypoglycemia, the list goes on and on.

My husband and I were at the hospital every day. I pumped 8 x a day in hopes of being able to nurse her when she was finally off respiratory support. The last month and a half of her stay I had to return to work(fortunately in the hospital but still awful) so I could have time off when Harper came home.

Then finally 98 days later oxygen and feeding tube free Harper came home! I have an immense respect for my sisters, brothers in law and all parents who have had to experience a NICU stay. It changes you. I’m grateful for the wonderful doctors, nurses, dietitians, lactation consultants, OTs, PTs, child life specialists, patient care techs that took care of Harper and supported us though the toughest time of our life. I wouldn’t wish a NICU stay on any one but they do prove that miraculous things can happen.