Parker

Child's Birth Year
2024

State/Province/Territory
South Carolina

NICU Hospital for my journey
HCA Healthcare Summerville Hospital

My NICU Graduate's Journey
Parker was born at 34 weeks gestation, weighing 4 lbs 3 oz, after a pregnancy complicated by polyhydramnios and a prenatal diagnosis of duodenal atresia at 28 weeks. She became the very first Level III NICU patient at Summerville Medical Center just days after the unit officially opened.

At less than 2 days old, Parker underwent successful duodenal atresia repair surgery. During her 56-day NICU stay, she steadily reached milestone after milestone: removal of oxygen support, PICC line and central line removal, transitioning from isolette to crib, restarting feeds, and eventually learning to bottle feed.

She became known for her strong personality early on, a quick star thanks to her popularity as the first Level III NICU baby, constantly in interviews and presented on in meetings. She learned early how to smile for the camera.

After 56 days in the NICU, Parker was discharged home through a parade of nurses and others from her care team, cheering her on.

What makes you proud of your NICU graduate?
Parker’s strength, resilience, and joyful spirit continue to amaze me after everything she’s overcome since birth. Her road was never easy, but it never stopped her. Her first year was filled with doctor’s appointments and she put in the work to stay on track and hit her milestones early, all with a smile on her face. Seeing her now, you’d never even realize how hard her life started out.

Weight at Birth (lbs. or Grams)
4lbs 3oz

Weeks Gestation
34 weeks

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