We pray these special memories from Preemie Prints
will help families heal and remember how strong
they were in overcoming their NICU journey together.
A NICU STORY | THOUGHTS FROM MOM
"My
darling triplet boys were born within one minute of each other at
9:15am on March 19, 2014. They were eager to see the world at 25 weeks
gestation, and arrived at less than 2 lbs each. I count my lucky stars
every day that I received the best health care possible that kept my
babies baking as long as they did and delivered them safely. Baby A
tried to arrive too early at 20 weeks, though modern medicine, luck, and
hospital bed rest convinced him to stay put a little longer.
My
boys are termed 'micro preemies' born at 25 weeks gestation. They
were under 2 lbs at birth. Arriving so early, there were still many
developmental areas that were not yet ready for the 'outside world'.
Visually, we could see that the babies skins was still translucent and
fragile. Their backs of their ears had not yet separated from their
scalps (lack of cartilage) and their tiny, tiny fingers could even reach
around my pinky finger. They had very little muscle and no fat, so
looked extremely fragile. The wonderful NICU at the Women's Hospital of
Texas, applied their expertise to give my kids the nutrition and O2 that
they needed, even though their bodies were not ready to take it the
'normal' way. Feeding began via the umbilical, then moved intravenously,
and eventually through a tube through the mouth to the stomach (or
intestine). Breathing began with a tube to the lungs, and now, at 3.5
month old, the boys are receiving pressurized, oxygen enriched air
though the nose. Thought at some point, two of my boys were at 100% O2
requirements plus nitric oxide, with the assistance of a ventilator to
inflate and elate their lungs, they are now getting quite close to being
weaned off the pressure and O2.
A good comparison for the 3.5 month journey is that it has been like the most crazy roller coaster that you have ever been on, while blindfolded, with no end in sight. For the first 2 months, it was never known what was around the corner. Some days were great days with no issues, then all of a sudden things would turn, with immediate intervention required. My kids have gone through PDAs surgeries, surgeries to repair perforated intestines, needles to the eyes (for ROP). multiple blood transfusions, steroids, antibiotic and other treatments for infections, pneumonia, low heart rates, high blood pressure, low sugars,etc . Sometimes hard decisions had to be made to choose a path forward that carries its own risks and developmental impact uncertainties. Though there was definitely a long, difficult path, we are now approaching calm waters. I am very happy to see how strong and resilient my little troopers have been and how advanced and amazingly 'right' modern medicine has been. My boys have responded superbly to all the pokes, prods, and medicinal interventions that they have had to deal with. They are now all over 6 lbs at their gestational due date of 40 weeks. They are doing very well, considering their super-early arrival. They still have some breathing progress to make, reflux issues to overcome and eyes and hearing development to monitor, but overall, they are happy, calm, super-cute little troopers.
I am amazed at how proactive the specialist at the NICU have been, and how diligently they monitor, and how quickly and effectively they have responded to the surprises that my troopers have presented."
A good comparison for the 3.5 month journey is that it has been like the most crazy roller coaster that you have ever been on, while blindfolded, with no end in sight. For the first 2 months, it was never known what was around the corner. Some days were great days with no issues, then all of a sudden things would turn, with immediate intervention required. My kids have gone through PDAs surgeries, surgeries to repair perforated intestines, needles to the eyes (for ROP). multiple blood transfusions, steroids, antibiotic and other treatments for infections, pneumonia, low heart rates, high blood pressure, low sugars,etc . Sometimes hard decisions had to be made to choose a path forward that carries its own risks and developmental impact uncertainties. Though there was definitely a long, difficult path, we are now approaching calm waters. I am very happy to see how strong and resilient my little troopers have been and how advanced and amazingly 'right' modern medicine has been. My boys have responded superbly to all the pokes, prods, and medicinal interventions that they have had to deal with. They are now all over 6 lbs at their gestational due date of 40 weeks. They are doing very well, considering their super-early arrival. They still have some breathing progress to make, reflux issues to overcome and eyes and hearing development to monitor, but overall, they are happy, calm, super-cute little troopers.
I am amazed at how proactive the specialist at the NICU have been, and how diligently they monitor, and how quickly and effectively they have responded to the surprises that my troopers have presented."
Preemie Prints Volunteer Photographer:
Karina Johnson, Karina Johnson Photography - Houston, TX
A note from Karina:
I
enjoyed meeting these little guys, they are so precious. After hearing
their stories I was amazed at how far they have come, even though they
are little they are really tough! They are little rays of sunshine, my
day was definitely brighter after meeting them. :)
Photos belong to our volunteer photographers, families,
and organization please do not use for any purpose.
____________________________________________
Preemie
Prints is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization sharing hope with NICU
families through a variety of support programs. One of those programs is
the gift of NICU photography and preemie photography. NICU families
from across the US can request a no-charge photography session by a
Preemie Prints volunteer. The family request from can be found on the
right side of our website. These sessions are free of charge and for any
NICU family, regardless of time spent in the NICU. The NICU photo shoot
can take place inside the NICU or after baby is discharged and at home
until their 1st birthday. Facing time in a NICU with a premature or
critically ill baby is an extremely difficult time for families. Preemie
Prints has a mission to share hope by letting families know they are
not alone. Preemie Prints currently has over 100 volunteers nationwide.
We are always looking for more volunteers to share in our mission! If
you are interested, please email sherri@preemieprints.org and visit our website at www.preemieprints.org. To date Preemie Prints and our volunteers have gifted over 400 NICU family sessions.
This was a Preemie Prints NICU graduate photography session that took place near Houston, TX.
We're thankful to the family for sharing their story & memories in support of other NICU families.
