#nicubabies

[thenicunurse]

Feeder growers are the best therapy

There's nothing better than a nice little break from taking care of the really critical and tiniest babies. I actually got to hold and feed some babies this weekend and it was wonderful. I think I said "you are so cute!!" at least a million times. Don't get me wrong I love critical care, but keeping tiny humans alive is physically and mentally draining sometimes. After working so hard to keep a little one alive for 12 hours and finding out he/she passed the following night you just need a break. It makes you run through everything in your mind over and over. Did I miss something? Is there anything more I could have done? Why did they make that decision? I have total confidence in the care I provided and I know I did everything I could, but I still wish there was something more I could have done. This weekend was a great reminder of why I do what I do. No job is perfect and our unit has been far from perfect lately, but I still love my job. I love seeing a kid progress during a three or four night stretch and getting them ready to go home.

[irishprematurebabies]

I met an preterm mum whose baby was born early 30 years ago. That baby is now all grown up and engaged to be married. I could still see that extraordinary awe we all have as parents of preterm. We stay proud parents forever. #preterm #prematurebaby #premmiebaby #nicubabies #proudmom #proudmommy #prematurity #irishprematurebabies #grownup (at Ireland (country)) https://www.instagram.com/p/CoFmKOcqVnh/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[irishprematurebabies]

There is nobody as inspiring as our preterm baby. #preterm #pretermlabor #prematurebaby #neonatology #nicubabies #nicuparents #nicuwarriors https://www.instagram.com/p/Cj3U9uJqKMy/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[littlebluegourmet]

We are collecting children’s books the whole month of May to donate to the NICU at Tarzana Hospital. Drop off some new books and do some retail therapy #mothersday #bookdrive #donations #nicubabies #shoplocal (at Little Blue) https://www.instagram.com/p/COfshNyJc3p/?igshid=1ohkgpqq8rrbq

[craftsbysarahliz]

Today is 8 years since we lost my first nephew Ian. We lost him just 1 month after losing our first niece Margaret. It seems fitting that today I sent out 2 preemie hats that were ordered. With each Angel Ian and Angel Margaret hat that is purchased, I make one to donate to the local Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Those sweet babies are never far from my thoughts. And I'm holding my own babies even tighter today. . . . #infantloss #nicubabies #madewithlove #knittingwithlove #knitting #makerstrong #community https://www.instagram.com/p/B7mO-slBnxb/?igshid=19io1gw21lkbo

[yunmi09]

Reunion with my nicu peeps 😊😊 #nicubabies (at Kenny Rogers Antlers Square) https://www.instagram.com/p/B7Nlc9BFv1mpyhX8aZV-Lg8_SSiiGNa_E_ljuo0/?igshid=koj3s8oa7cix

[rachelshairbowtique]

Faith at 36 weeks and she is getting big. She is also drinking more from her bottle which is good but still needs work on nursing. I'm sure with much prayer and time she will get it. I praise the most High God for His blessings and miracles on Faith. She really completed then family! Please keep her in your prayers that everything goes well and after she goes home. I m so glad I have my faith in the Most High God! Ty. #babygirlstrong #nicubabies #nicustrong #girlstrong #babygirl #newbaby #fixitJesus #ilovemyfamily #ilovemykids #Rachelshairbowtique https://www.instagram.com/p/B4KhLMlhs_h/?igshid=4wt9mkyky6nt

[annieclaflin]

Molly W.'s NICU Story and Family Photography- Somerville, MA

I connected with Molly because we both spent time with babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Upon meeting Molly, she encouraged me to reach out to NICU families as she has, and so a family photography project for NICU grads began. Molly’s story brought back memories of both the NICU and the delicate time after. Although our stories differ, I share so many of her sentiments.

Molly spoke about how isolating the NICU is - your baby is tucked away in the hospital, with you by their side, and the world keeps turning outside. Coming home can leave you further disconnected. When her son, Max, came home from the hospital, his family had to be extremely careful as he was immunocompromised.

Molly started to reach out to NICU families, trying to create community for herself, and ultimately took a role managing the family program at Beth Israel. When Molly got pregnant again, it was an ectopic pregnancy that ruptured and she nearly died. She went on to have another son, which was another high risk pregnancy. Through all of this, Molly continues to work with NICU families and is now a board member for a national non-profit organization, Project Sweet Peas, that supports NICU families and those who experience infant loss.

I began illustrating Molly’s family in their home. This is the reverential place you want to bring your NICU baby but can’t at first. Then, once your baby leaves the hospital, home becomes your whole world as leaving it can be unsafe for a premature baby. Home life is everything to a family and more to those who have been through the NICU. 

I also made some photographs of Molly’s family out and about, on the playground, doing what kids do. I wanted to show, next to the value of family life at home, the possibilities that lie outside. These are the activities that you never dream possible with tiny babies who are born early.

While they may look like so many other families, Molly’s family’s journey is remarkable. I am honored that Molly shared her NICU experience with me and that her family lent me some time in front of my lens.