A message for my NICU mamas

September is NICU Awareness Month and as I reflect on what it is to be a parent, I am always brought back to our experience in theNICU.

Nothing can really prepare you for that journeya nd it’s hard to understand what it’s like unless you’ve been through it

What I can say is that it is filled with emotions that contradict each other.

You feel join and pain at the same time.

You’re happy and grieving all at once.

It’s hard to explain because it just doesn’t make sense.

It’s a journey that changes you in ways that you never could have imagined.

It’s measuring ounces, and grams, and watching monitors. It’s recording every feed, and diaper change.

It’s stressing about weight gain

Worrying about feeding

Wondering if you’ll ever be able to care for your child

And grieving the loss of the moments you imagined and never got to have

It’s celebrating poops,

Topping up feeds,

Marvelling at the miracle you’ve created

It’s praying on your knees, begging God to help you fin da reason for what is happening. P:leading for your child’s health,

While also thanking him for the perfect little beings that are lying next to you in their giraffe bed.

It’s an experience that I never knew I’d be able to endure, while also being one that I am forever grateful for.

Being a NICU warrior gives you strength beyond measure, courage beyond belief, and a love that is indescribable.

I will forever be changed by this exprience.

So this month, give yourself space to feel a magnitude and range of emotions. Know that you are so very loved. And. beyond all, know that you are more than enough for your baby/babies.

Hold space for any feelings that may arise. You are so very loved.