#nicumoms

[irishprematurebabies]

Over the last 12 years, we have met, chatted to hundreds of incredible NICU parent's. The NICU journey is not easy but somehow you all find an inner strength to deal with it. Take a moment to remember how amazing you are. Share if you know a NICU parent, help remind them so wonderful they are. #nicuparents #nicuparent #nicumoms #nicumama #nicumomma #nicumomstrong #nicumums #nicumom #nicudad #nicudads #nicugrandma #nicudaddy # https://www.instagram.com/p/CW0fksrKhHs/?utm_medium=tumblr

[ventureswithbooks]

“It's the people who never learn the word impossible who make history, because they're the ones who keep trying.” . . 🌟QOTD: Who is your favorite hero? . . Happy Sunday and Mother’s Day to all the moms (or moms to be) out there!! I have always loved Wonder Woman (along with a few others like Sailor Moon but that’s a tough cosplay 🤣) and today seemed like a very appropriate day to honor her and all the Wonder Woman moms out there!! I’m not a mom but through my job I see moms in the most difficult of situations. When their babies come to me in the NICU they are either born too early or are very sick. And I watch these new moms struggle and fight and push through everything to be there for their child, despite the fact that they are hurting just as bad at facing the unknown and losing their chance at having a “normal” baby. It is beyond inspiring to be able to see and feel their love, hope and determination. But mostly to see them become these wonder women moms. Because while all moms are great, NICU moms are truly wonder women. I am honored everyday to stand by their sides and help them through their NICU journey. I hope everyone has a wonderful Mother’s Day!! . . #BookishFlowersMay20 - Day 10: Peony - Mother’s Day . . #nicumom #nicumoms #nicunurse #wonderwoman #leighbardugo #cosplay #bookstagram #ventureswithbooks #instareads #booknerd #booksofinstagram #booklife #bookworm #yafiction #yabooks #bookishfeatures #rainbowbookshelf #rainbowbooks #bookstagramer #bookstagramit #bookaesthetic #rainbowshelf https://www.instagram.com/p/CABSpOMAulG/?igshid=156huaxys7gfv

[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.