Hayes

Child's Birth Year
2021

State/Province/Territory
South Carolina

NICU Hospital for my journey
Piedmont Medical Center

My NICU Graduate's Journey
Hayes was born with a heart defect that required him to be on oxygen when he was born. His little body was working hard to breathe so feedings were a big job for him and struggled to finish his bottles. He spent 19 days in the NICU and finally with the help of a speech therapist and a special needs bottle, he was able to eat successfully without falling asleep! Gradually he was able to come off of oxygen as well. He graduated from the NICU and 3 months later had open heart surgery to repair his defect and has been thriving ever since!

What makes you proud of your NICU graduate?
He has overcome so much in his little life! A NICU stay for 19 days, a heart defect and open heart surgery at 3 months old, another surgery at 2 years old to repair a hernia and lots of therapies and doctors appointments with specialists to make sure he’s getting all of the support available to him. He is so strong and determined!

Weight at Birth (lbs. or Grams)
6 lbs 8 oz

Weeks Gestation
38 weeks

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