Bracey

Bracey was born at 1:48 in the morning on July 30, 2021 at 39 weeks at 2 days. I know what you’re thinking, not your typically NICU story.

On July 31st the nursery doctor pointed out to my husband and I that Bracey had not had his first stool, meconium, and if he hadn’t by 9:00 that night that he would need to be transferred to the children’s hospital. Before Bracey was born my husband and I found out that we were carriers for the Cystic Fibrosis gene and that there was a 25% chance that Bracey would have CF. All of our doctors and nurses were aware that this was a possibility and even assisted in getting Bracey’s cord blood to be sent off and tested. The nursery doctor told us that this blockage of the meconium was a sign of CF.

Bracey spent a short 16 days in the NICU, but it felt like an eternity to us. During that 16 days Bracey had multiple enemas done daily and a couple surgical enemas. Daily X-rays of his abdomen. He received a PICC line to receive fluids that replaced his feedings since he couldn’t eat until the blockage was gone. The NICU is also where we received Bracey’s Cystic Fibrosis diagnosis. I remember that moment so we’ll.. I don’t think I’ve cried that much in a days time. Watching the respiratory nurse come in and set up all the emergency equipment shortly after we found out was the most gut wrenching part. And we quickly became a high interest for all of the resident doctors that came through daily.

Thankfully there is a Cystic Fibrosis clinic within the hospital and the doctors came and taught us how to properly take care of him. So now not only were we learning how to take care of a baby in general, now we we’re learning how to take care of a baby with a severe medical condition. We were truly blessed with the best NICU nurses who were eager to learn right beside us.

I think my husband and I experienced every single emotion daily. Anger, sadness, loneliness, denial that Bracey has a life long illness, but also extreme excitement when he finally did poop! It’s truly a whirlwind when you are a NICU parent. And yes the nurses screamed with excitement with us when he had that first full diaper.

Today Bracey is a very happy one year old! He has done amazing during his first year and has stayed healthy and continues to grow big and strong! We are so proud of him and the fighter that he is! -NICU Mom, Brooke