Being Brave in the NICU to me means...

“Our NICU journey began on 10/30/22 with the birth of our twin boys at 25 weeks 3 days due to incompetent cervix. Cash weighed just 1lb15oz, and his brother Cade smaller yet at 1lb5oz.

After that day, almost the next 3 months of our lives revolved around the NICU. Birthdays, Christmas, ringing in the New Year, all happened at the NICU, over an hour from our home. Many trips made over a snowy mountain pass just to be there on time to swab tiny, perfect lips with whatever milk I’d been able to pump. And to be the one to delicately change the tiniest little diapers ever. Being there for rounds to hear from the doctors, being there for the respiratory therapist to come and change their hats and masks so you can see their faces without any equipment covering them up. Sitting quietly between two isolettes, listening to ventilators, monitors beeping, nurses running to even sicker babies.

Some days included a teary walk to the cafeteria for a snack that wouldn’t be enjoyed.
Some days included sobbing in the car for the whole hour drive home.
Some days were spent at the Ronald McDonald house away from family, all alone, just to be able to get in the extra hold for the day, or to be there when it’s finally bath time, or they finally get to wear clothes for the first time.
Some days included whatever was necessary and putting on a brave face, because that’s what NICU parents do.
And to me, that is brave.” NICU Mom, Heather