Jasper

Child's Birth Year
2025

State/Province/Territory
Colorado

NICU Hospital for my journey
UCHealth Parkview Medical Center

My NICU Graduate's Journey
The moment I learned I was expecting, my heart was filled with excitement. Yet, that joy quickly turned to concern as complications arose. Starting at 28 weeks, I faced weekly hospital admissions due to severe preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). At just 34 weeks, I welcomed my son into the world, a tiny warrior weighing only 3 pounds and 8 ounces.

As he entered the NICU, my heart swelled with love, but anxiety loomed large. He was placed on bipap support for a little over two days, a stark reminder of the fragility of preterm life. Each beep of the machines felt like a countdown, a constant reminder of the battle he was waging to grow stronger. When he was born, he didn’t make a sound; even while being poked and prodded, he remained stoic, showcasing his resilience from the very start.

Even in those early days, it was clear my son was a fighter. The nurses shared stories that made me smile through my tears. On his very first day, he managed to blow out his IV, showcasing a spirit that was already larger than life. His favorite nurse recounted how he pulled out his NG tube more than 20 times, startling us each time and making me laugh. His little hulk moments became a source of joy amidst the uncertainty, reminding me that he was not just surviving but thriving in his own way.

The NICU staff became my lifeline. They guided me through the maze of wires and monitors, teaching me how to care for my little one. Their encouragement and expertise helped ease my fears, transforming the sterile environment into a space filled with hope and camaraderie.

As I navigated those early weeks, my son continued to show me what it meant to be resilient. Each day brought new challenges, but with them came milestones. From learning to breathe on his own to gaining weight, his progress felt monumental.

Reflecting on this journey, I feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude. My little fighter has already taught me so much about strength, love, and the power of hope. As we continue this journey together, I hold onto the belief that every day is a step forward, and I am ready to face whatever comes

What makes you proud of your NICU graduate?
I’m proud of his strength and resilience, fighting through challenges in the NICU, and showing his spirited personality from day one.

Weight at Birth (lbs. or Grams)
3lbs 8ozs

Weeks Gestation
34 Weeks

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