NICU’ING DURING POSTPARTUM
Greetings, MAMAS! If you haven’t yet had a chance to read the initial segment of this journey, please take a moment to revisit “Unexpected Preterm Labor” and catch up on the story. If you are a mother returning to our program and are ready to progress further, let’s begin by highlighting some useful tips from our previous content.
As someone who have experience firsthand in an unexpected prenatal situation, I have four important tips that hand help you keep things intact:
First, remember to breathe and take it easy, even if you’re feeling emotional.
Second, have contingencies in place so that you’re prepared for any potential challenges that may arise.
Third, educate yourself as much as possible about any new paths you may be embarking on during your pregnancy.
Fourth, stay in Faith and stay positive rather than getting stuck in negative or backward-thinking patterns.
NICU’ING DURING POSTARTUM (Part 2)
As a parent who dealt with the NICU life, it can be a challenging and unexpected journey. Going through preterm labor and leaving your newborn in the hospital with limited visitation can be heart-wrenching. Some parents may not even get to see their baby for over 24 hours, and others may have to wait longer due to specific situations. That’s why it’s so important to prioritize your mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being. Taking care of yourself can help you stay strong and navigate through this difficult time with grace and resilience.
As previously mentioned, during my delivery, I anxiously awaited my baby’s first cry, only to learn that due to her young age at just 24 weeks, she was unable to make a sound. I was unable to see or bond with my daughter, Charity-Grace, for a full 24 hours. As a first-time NICU parent, I had never been exposed to the concept of an infant ICU before and didn’t know what to expect when I finally got to visit her. When I was brought to the unit, I was filled with excitement and anticipation, eager to finally meet my baby. However, as soon as I saw her in the clear box with a dim purple/blue light, I was shocked and heartbroken. I had not fully comprehended that my baby would be hooked up to tubes and machines, unable to move or respond. I burst into tears, feeling helpless and desperate to hold her and make everything better, but policy prevented me from doing so to ensure the safety of the newborns. I gently wiped away my tears and reached through the small opening in the glass door to touch Charity-Grace’s tiny feet. As I prayed, I mustered up all the strength I could to let her feel my love and presence. In that moment, I was determined to be strong not just for myself, but for my sweet baby girl.
However, as I left the NICU and returned to my room, the reality of my fresh C-section and postpartum stage hit me like a ton of bricks. The emotions and racing thoughts overwhelmed me. It didn’t help that I was staying with my in-laws, who didn’t have much love for me. Our relationship was strained, and the unstable environment was taking a toll on me spiritually and emotionally. It was simply too much to handle, dealing with postpartum recovery while my baby was in the NICU and living with in-laws who didn’t support me. But that’s a story for another day. I pulled myself together and prepared for this unexpected phase in our lives, as Charity-Grace was in the NICU for two months. Despite the challenges of postpartum recovery and caring for a two-year-old, I made sure to educate myself on how to be there for her. Even when we received difficult news from the doctors, I visited the NICU with a smile on my face, giving my daughter all the love and care she deserved. Though I had my moments of weakness, I relied on my faith and God given Grace. I found strength in my AMAZING husband’s unwavering support. Despite the unstable living situation with my in-laws, my church family and their prayers provided immense comfort and love. While my time with Charity-Grace was brief before she went to Heaven, I am grateful that I was able to give her the best version of myself during her time on Earth.
As an unanticipated NICU parent, the experience doesn’t have to be entirely tumultuous. There is always something beautiful that can emerge from such a difficult time. For me, Charity-Grace has given me the ability to connect with and offer love, grace, and support to countless other mothers who are enduring similar circumstances. When you discover a glimmer of hope in a seemingly bleak situation, follow it and embrace the beauty that can arise from even the most difficult of circumstances. If you find yourself navigating the NICU with your baby, remember to hold onto hope and accept the love and support of your loved ones. As a new mom, it is crucial to prioritize postpartum care, self-care, and rest. For those who had a C-section, it is especially important to take things slow and avoid preventable complications such as infections or the need for additional surgeries. Remember to take deep breaths and focus on taking the next step forward.
Up Next, we’ll be sharing The Charity-Grace Story and Steps to Healing: Moving Forward After the Loss of a Child
KNOW THIS: It’s essential to cultivate a positive mindset and take proactive measures to avoid depression. Though experiencing feelings of sadness or anger is a normal response to hardship, it’s vital to avoid being consumed by these emotions. Depression is a serious condition that demands attention. Shocking statistics reveal that many mothers have tragically taken their own lives because of overwhelming circumstances. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, with or without a child, don’t hesitate to turn to a loved one or a supportive environment that can offer a beacon of hope and guide you towards the light.
