Meet Lauren, Preemie Parent Mentor
My preemie(s) was born at: 28 weeks 2 days
Days spent in the NICU: 117
Current age of preemie(s): 1
Parent of Multiples: No
Our NICU Journey included: IUGR, having a baby on breathing support (hifi, nipv, CPAP, hiflo, low flow), pulmonary hypertension, feeding challenges, hernia surgery, and taking home a baby with a NG tube and oxygen.
The NICU can be an isolating place and it’s so hard when your typical support system has no idea about life in the NICU. Our daughter had a rocky NICU journey. We face IUGR, various levels of respiratory support, feeding challenges, pulmonary hypertension, and then going home on oxygen and an NG tube. Talking to people who have gone through it too is so helpful in knowing you are not alone in this journey.
It’s hard to say just one thing since I recall just about every moment, every test, trial, etc. We weren’t prepared at 28 weeks to become parents yet but we learned something new each day about her and spending time cuddling her made us feel so much more prepared for when she came home with us! We learned to become parents throughout our NICU journey.
What are 3 things that every NICU parent/grandparent should know?
1. You are the best advocate for your baby.
2. Ask as many questions to your babies team as you need to understand.
3. Enjoy the moments with your baby even though it’s a scary time.
What do you remember most about your NICU journey?
It’s hard to say just one thing since I recall just about every moment, every test, trial, etc. One thing I remember the most is the time we spent learning to be parents and loving on our daughter during her NICU stay. We weren’t prepared at 28 weeks to become parents yet but we learned something new each day about her and spending time cuddling her made us feel so much more prepared for when she came home with us!
Why do you want to reach out to other parents?
The NICU can be an isolating place and it’s so hard when your typical support system has no idea about life in the NICU. Talking to people who have gone through it too is so helpful in knowing you are not alone in this journey.
