Welcome back to our #askanicuparent series! This week, I’m sharing a bit from my personal NICU journey. I’m Heather, a mom to a 34-weeker who spent 21 days in the NICU, as well as a 36-weeker (who tried to come at 31 weeks and put me on strict bedrest until she came). Some of the challenges I’ve faced include: ❇️The shock of an unplanned, quick delivery at 34 weeks ❇️Innumerable brady’s in the NICU (and going home on a monitor) ❇️Triple feedings for months (nurse, pump, bottle-feed) to increase my supply and keep baby’s weight up ❇️Unknowingly dealing with Postpartum Anxiety for 6 months before I received a diagnosis ❇️The mental and physical struggle of 5 weeks of bedrest with a toddler on the side I want all NICU parents to know that you do not need to go through this experience alone. Our stories are our own, but what we’ve been through is so impactful, it has become part of our identity. We are here to walk by your side in empathy. 💬 Can you relate to any similar challenges in your own journey? Drop a message in the comments. There is so much power in sharing our lived experiences. 💞

Posted by Heather at Hand to Hold at 2025-04-25 12:00:00 UTC