by Bea Smith | May 27, 2013 | Emotional Health, Life after the NICU
One of the hardest moments I experienced after the birth of my son was telling my parents that he was in the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit). I will never forget the pain in their eyes. The birth of a premature or sick baby is not merely stressful or difficult,...
by Bea Smith | Mar 4, 2013 | Emotional Health, Family Stories, Fatherhood, Life after the NICU, NICU Life, Siblings
For me, the hardest thing about being a parent to a special needs child is watching Caleb, our son who was born with VACTERL, go through what he has gone through: a NICU stay, four surgeries, numerous hospitalizations and ER visits, countless specialist appointments,...
by Bea Smith | Feb 6, 2013 | Life after the NICU, Medical Info & Resources
Colostomy care. Not exactly covered in any parenting class. My son Caleb was born with VACTERL and required a colostomy at two days old. He had his reversal at nine months old. These are the tips and tricks I learned about colostomy care and bag changes. Always...
by Bea Smith | Dec 12, 2012 | Emotional Health, Life after the NICU
Our son Caleb was born with a rare, not well understood condition called VACTERL association. The rarity and severity of his condition pushed us to go to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital for his medical care – over 1,000 miles from home. We have traveled...
by Bea Smith | Sep 26, 2012 | Finances & Insurance, Life after the NICU, Medical Info & Resources
Truth be told, I have always been very organized. A useful skill after my son Caleb was born with VACTERL association as it helped us to better navigate his seemingly endless specialist visits, therapy, hospitalizations, surgeries, medications, and insurance....