As a first-time mom whose baby stayed in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of the hospital for 20 days, it was easy to feel so frustrated and disappointed. Questions like, "What did I do wrong?" and thoughts like, "I should've been more careful," were playing in my head when I first saw my baby behind the glass.
By sharing stories of other NICU parents, we send a message that moms, and dads, it's not your fault that your baby had to stay in the hospital for a while.
This NICU awareness month, we asked parents at the Smart Parenting Village to share a bit of their NICU journey, to spark hope among other parents, whose babies are spending their first days in the NICU, and not their home.
NICU Parents Share Their Babies' Photos Then And Now
From being tiny, fragile babies to becoming healthy, smart, and brave kids, NICU parents share their baby's photos with pride.
Mommy Jashmine Bailon, who is a member of the Smart Parenting Mom Squad, shared a photo of her 34-weeker fighter and survivor. "This is him now, masigla at malusog at 18 months."
Mommy Kimberly May Paclibar shared a photo of her son who had to stay in the NICU for 16 days due to a skin infection.
"My 2 week old son who had staphyloccocal scalded skin syndrome. Now, he's 3 years old."
She tells other parents, "Always remember that our babies are fighting so they can share smiles with us."
Mommy Frances Angelica Abella Shafer shared that her 28-weeker preemie stayed in the NICU for 53 days, and is now 3 years old.
"Do not lose hope and faith. It is difficult at first, it's going to be a rollercoaster of emotions, but in the end, once your baby is better it is all worth it. Our babies are fighting for their lives, we should be strong for them."
Mommy Bhey Pare-Magat shared that their baby girl was born at 38 weeks, but after a few hours, they found out that her lungs did not develop well. "She was diagnosed with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), neonatal sepsis, and pneumonia."
She added, "Her complete healing and immediate recovery was a miracle, an answered prayer. She only stayed in the NICU for 10 days. Indeed, prayers are the most powerful medication above anything else."
Daddy Chester Emnace's baby girl, who was born full-term, had to stay in the NICU for a while due to high levels of bilirubin. The first-time dad proudly shares that his daughter is now "Healthy and pretty at six months."
Mommy Joya Lagrason also shared that her baby stayed in the NICU for 10 days. "Born with multiple congenital anomalies, spina bifida, hydrocephalus and a bilateral clubfoot, [my baby] survived six major surgeries (two brain surgeries & four spine surgeries) by the grace of God.
Her little warrior is now 1 year, 6 months old.
Mommy KG Rosas' baby stayed in the NICU because of cord coil. "Hindi umiiyak nung pagkalabas sa akin, nagka-neonatal sepsis, and was intubated. Prayed the Holy Rosary every night, and here he is, turning 4 years old next month."
"Parents, don’t lose hope. Keep on praying because God is listening. Stay strong and have faith," she said.
Mommy Jojo Manuel's 32-weeker preemie was born with bilateral cleft lip and palate. "Stayed in the NICU for 11 days but we stayed in the hospital until he reached his 36 weeks adjusted age." Her baby is now 4 months old.
Mommy Loriel Sy shared that her son stayed in the NICU for a week because he was born with urinary tract infection (UTI). Her son is now 12 years old.
She tells parents whose babies are in the NICU, "Your child being in the NICU is not your fault, and hindi rin kasalanan ng child. For whatever reason that your child is placed in NICU, be patient with your child, and use the reason why your child was there as a tool to help them grow."
Here's my 34-weeker preemie then, and now at 3 years old.
NICU parents are at a high risk of PPD
Mothers with infants in the NICU are at a higher risk of postpartum depression (PPD).
A 2021 study found that PPD among mothers with infants in NICU was prevalent, ranging between 12.1% and 68%. Factors such as preterm birth, long hospitalisation, and maternal role alteration were the most associated risk factors contributing to PPD.
Another study recommends that mothers of NICU babies be routinely screened for PPD and aggressively treated.
According to Mark's Mission, a non-profit organization started by a NICU mom, here are some helpful tips for parents on what to do when they are new to the NICU.
1. Ask as many questions as you like.
2. Allow yourself to experience big emotions.
3. Allow yourself space and grace.
4. Be present for yourself and with your baby.
5. Advocate for you and your baby.
6. Prioritize your mental health and ask for help if you need it.
Feel free to join the Smart Parenting Village, our online group of over 80,000 parents, if you need someone to talk to about your NICU journey and more.
NICU moms and dads, you are not alone!
READ STORIES OF CELEBRITY NICU PARENTS:
- Nick Jonas And Priyanka Chopra's Baby Graduates From NICU After 100-Day Stay: 'Our Baby Is Truly A Badass'
- Saab Magalona's Baby Boy Graduates From NICU!
- Jewel Mische's Newborn Daughter Now Home After Jaundice Scare
For pregnancy tips and do's and don'ts, watch this video:
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