Ellie's Extras

“Ellie arrived via emergency c-section a little over three weeks prior to her due date. We already knew of her Down Syndrome diagnosis prior to birth and that little extra chromosome makes her that more special. The first few hours after Ellie arrived were great but then she started having oxygen issues so she was admitted to the NICU. Ellie had feeding issues as well so she ended up receiving a feeding tube (NG tube). We spent a month in the NICU working with a therapist on feeding and Ellie was able to come home without oxygen and taking bottles on her own and we owe that to her NICU team. Her providers, doctors, nurses, and therapists became our friends and like family. We are forever grateful for them. The days and nights were long but looking back they were the foundation of this journey we are now a part on. We compare all of our therapists and care to that of what she received during her time in the NICU. There was encouragement, dedication, and love. At 5 months old Ellie had open heart surgery and spent some time in the PICU and I truly believe her NICU time helped prepare us for that. A NICU stay can be overwhelming at times but we just took it hour by hour and day by day, celebrating each and every accomplishment!” NICU Mama, Heather