Child's Birth Year
2016

State/Province/Territory
Louisiana

NICU Hospital for my journey
Lakeview Regional Medical Center

My NICU Graduate's Journey
He was born early due to mom having preeclampsia. He weighed 5lbs 5.4oz. He was lethargic and his blood sugar levels were very low. He had a hard time keeping weight on or gaining weight so the doctors were giving him formula with added calories. That still didnt help. I was able to pump breastmilk and that is what helped him. He had a feeding tube due to no sucking reflex. He couldnt regulate his own body temperature. He spent 2 weeks in the NICU. He was able to go home once he drank 8 bottles consecutively instead of needing the feeding tube. It was a long 2 weeks. I went and spent everyday with him until he could come home. My little warrior.

What makes you proud of you NICU graduate?
He has overcome so much in his life. He has had medical issues all his life and still is one of the happiest kids I know. He has the most sweet and giving heart. And is so super lovable.

Weight at Birth (lbs. or Grams)
5 lbs 5.4 oz

Weeks Gestation
36 weeks but measured 34 weeks at delivery

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