Eli

Child's Birth Year
2024

State/Province/Territory
Pennsylvania

NICU Hospital for my journey
Magee's Women’s Hospital in Pittsburgh

My NICU Graduate's Journey
Eli was born at 29 weeks 6 days due to Severe Pre-Eclampsia with severe features and IUGR. He was born at 2lbs 9oz and spent over 80 days in the NICU before graduating. He was intubated for an hour or two and was well enough to switch to a Bubbler. He spent a few days under blue lights and had a questionable whole in his heart, and small brain bleed. Over the course of his stay he grew and grew, and hit ALL of his markers. The only set back he had was being put on the room air cannulas too soon, resulting in a bubbler again while having a feeding tube. But beyond that, he graduated off of everything and was able to come home!

What makes you proud of your NICU graduate?
He is without a doubt a miracle. We spent 7 years trying to have him with a loss right before. He came into this world fast and abruptly but has showed us both what true strength really is. He is such a happy toddler. Running, climbing, yelling, and doing everything imaginable he might not have been able to do. But he has shown us resilience and never letting doubts win!

Weight at Birth (lbs. or Grams)
2 lbs 9oz

Weeks Gestation
29 weeks 6 days

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