My Personal NICU Experience
By: YoMomma
My identical twin boys were born at 30 weeks, 5 days via emergency C-section due to TTTS. After they were born, I got to see each a brief second and they were whisked off to the NICU. I couldn't hold or touch my new sons, and I couldn't kiss them. I was in the recovery room and my husband went to go see them and took pictures for me to see. I couldn't get over it. They were so small (3lbs, 3oz & 15 inches, and 2lbs, 7oz. & 14 1/2 inches) and looked so sick. I finally got to see them about 5 hours later and "touch" them through their isolettes. No matter how small or sick, they were my sons.
Each day was a new roller coaster ride. They were on endless amounts of oxygen, IVs, Biliruben lights, you name it. Having all their measurements and their vitals monitored made us feel a little more at ease, but yet, it made us nuts. We would get excited if they gained a 5th of an oz, yet cry if they didn't poop that day, which could mean complications. Our lives revolved around that NICU. Going there for feedings, forming bonds with other NICU parents and the staff...it was our "home."
Eventually after 7 weeks, one of our sons got to leave the NICU. It was a bittersweet day. We were taking home one boy, but leaving the other who wasn't ready to come home yet. Juggling time with both became really hard, but after 2 weeks, the second baby came home (at 9 weeks old). Life has never been the same since. Without those fabulous NICU nurses and doctors, I wouldn't have my precious little men with me today. They have come so far and continue to amaze us each and everyday.
Copyright 2007. All Rights Reserved By the Author.
