“Dear NICU Mama, You may not be the same woman you were before your NICU journey, but you are exactly who your baby needs. Let me say that again, you are exactly who your baby needs!
Even here.
Even now.
I know this is not what you pictured. The plans you made, the way you thought those first days would go…it didn’t happen like that. And that hurts. It’s okay to feel that. Do you hear me? It’s okay to grieve what you thought this would be.
But please don’t miss this truth in the middle of it all: You are still exactly who your baby needs!
Even when you can’t hold your baby the way you want to, even when things feel out of your control, just remember this: You are still exactly who your baby needs! The one who loves your baby in a way no one else can.
Even if feeding looks different.
Even if holding your baby is limited.
Even if nothing about this feels normal.
Remember this: You are still exactly who your baby needs.
God is with you in this place. He sees you sitting beside your baby. He hears the prayers you whisper, even the ones you can’t get out. He sees your tears. He understands and He cares!
You don’t have to be strong all the time. Some days will feel heavy. Some days will feel hopeful. Some days, just getting through is enough.
Give yourself grace.
So when the days feel long…When the nights feel hard…When you start to question yourself…Come back to this: You are still exactly who your baby needs.
Right now. Not later. Not when things look different. Right now. And that matters more than you know.
Keep going, mama. Keep going!“
Love,
Jaqua
