Meet Meghan, Preemie Parent Mentor
My preemie(s) was born at: 26 weeks
Days spent in the NICU: 69
Current age of preemie(s): 7 months
Parent of Multiples: no
Our NICU Journey included: Micro-Preemie, PDA, Breastfeeding Difficulties, Reflux, PVL, ROP, NICU during covid, life after NICU, Brain Bleeds.
The words “you’re in pre-term labor” are something no mother ever wants to hear. It creates an immediate shift in everything you thought your pregnancy was going to be. I had a perfectly normal pregnancy until I woke up one morning when I was 25+4 to bleeding. We promptly went to my OB and upon arrival she notified me I was 4 cm dilated, in active labor, and called a nurse to wheel me to labor and delivery. I was terrified, I didn’t know anything about preemies and was scared for what the future held for my baby. After 3 days of on and off labor contractions, lots of magnesium, and a hospital transfer, our baby girl entered the world at exactly 26 weeks gestation, born at only 2 lbs 2 oz and 13.5 in long. Being wheeled to the NICU for the first time was the most overwhelming experience of my life, and nothing prepared me to see my tiny baby wrapped in wires and tubes in her nose. However, after 69 long days of battle, she came home. I try to remember every milestone, every sweet moment, and every glimmer of hope that made the whole journey worth it. I want to reach out to other parents because I felt so isolated and alone when going through my journey, and I never want another parent to feel like that. I want to provide as much support as possible for fellow NICU parents.
What are 3 things that every NICU parent/grandparent should know?
-You are a lot stronger than you think you are.The journey is not easy, but it will get better someday.
-Your baby being in the NICU is never your fault.
-Advocate for your baby, you know them better than anyone. Ask questions, call as much as you want. Your baby knows your presence.
