My son Kristofer Angel was born at 39 weeks 1 day. He spent three weeks in the NICU. Just a few hours after birth he was transported via ambulance to Women & Children’s Hospital to the NICU. I was told he had spinal meningitis, strep b, and a staph infection (MRSA). I was terrified and I thought my baby wouldn’t make it! He was requiring 80% oxygen. After only two days in the NICU, he developed jaundice – they put him on 4 lights and kept him on those for about two weeks. Within his three week stay, I calculated up all the needles poked into him and it averaged up to over two hundred! Six in the back, which were all unsuccessful! All the pricks to the heels and unsuccessful IV attempts! Every time I walked into his pod, his IV was placed in a different location. I was so upset and scared, that I stressed myself out to the point I couldn’t see my lips – they had covered in fever blisters! Watching your newborn baby go through something so traumatic that you have no control over made me feel helpless. I did the best I could – I gave him the best milk possible, breast milk is the best milk. After his three week stay he was released and healthy as a newborn baby should be. People don’t realize how much a mother misses out on when her baby is in the NICU – their first bath, sometimes feedings, being told you can’t hold your baby… but I stayed strong and I got to bring home my baby boy. Today he is a healthy 20 month old and exceeding every age milestone! My little tough guy started walking at 10 months old. He sat up on his own at 5 months… crawling at 6 months! He is talking up a storm, and is trying to potty train. If it weren’t for the NICU, my baby would have never made it home. I am thankful for all of the doctors and nurses. I would never wish a NICU stay for any baby or for their parents. Now my baby boy is healthy and as handsome as ever!
