Child's Birth Year
2023

State/Province/Territory
Alabama

NICU Hospital for my journey
Huntsville Women’s and Children’s Hospital

My NICU Graduate's Journey
Aiden had a rough start after coming at 23.2 weeks of gestation. After he was born he struggled with oxygen. He spent 51 days on the oscillator before finally being switched to the bubble c-pap. He had 2 surgeries during his stay in the NICU. He had 2 grade 2 brain bleeds. Gaining weight was also very hard for him because of the medication he needed for his lungs. He went from 1lb 03ozs to 7lbs 11oz. He was on oxygen and had severe acid reflux. He started to lose weight again until his lung specialist put him on a higher dose of medicine he was able to gain weight again. He had a skull fracture that caused a seizure and he had to spend 2 weeks in the PICU. He has been in physical, feed, speech, and occupational therapy for 2 years. One week before his 2nd birthday he finally walked!!! One month after his 2nd birthday he said his first word with meaning! Aiden continues to fight everyday to push forward in his development and prove the statistics wrong.

What makes you proud of you NICU graduate?
He has worked so hard and in therapy and continues to put in work to develop. He’s such a happy boy and loves playing with his little sister. Every office we go to he impresses them and brings a smile to their face. He stays energetic and is very loving. He has become an inspiration for our family that anything is possible.

Weight at Birth (lbs. or Grams)
1lb. 3oz

Weeks Gestation
23.2 Weeks

Time spent in the NICU (Specify Number of Days, Months, or Years)
126 Days