Love, Sera

““Dear NICU Mama, In this season of motherhood, I hope you give yourself grace. You were so infuriated when it felt like your body failed you for not carrying your precious little one to full-term. But mama, this stage of your life showed you a bravery that you never knew you had. You listened to your body to know that something was wrong. So instead of feeling like you failed your child, you actually saved them. Your courage, strength, and heroism outshined in a time of fearfulness, heartbreak and despair. You continued to show up and be your child’s voice every chance that you could because you are an amazing mom–the best of moms actually.

Nothing about this was traditional. You did not have the maternity photoshoot, baby shower, natural delivery, or golden hour that you always dreamed of. But know that because of you, they are the strongest of warriors. Mama, be kind to yourself today and every day because you went through something that made you stronger than ever before.”

Love,
Sera

More of Sera + Her Son’s NICU Journey:

“Everything was picture perfect. My high school sweetheart and I got married after 12 years of being together. All we wanted was to then start a family. I luckily got pregnant on our honeymoon! In terms of my pregnancy, everything seemed typical. Some mild heartburn, aches and pains, but nothing out of the ordinary. It was the start of my 3rd trimester at week 28. I went to my OBGYN for a  routine check up. My blood pressure was slightly elevated at this appointment, but was told to just monitor at home. Later that night, my blood pressure was climbing into the 170s and 180s over 110s. The next day, I went back to my OBGYN, and was immediately sent to the hospital. This was when I was diagnosed with pre eclampsia. During this time, I was told I won’t be leaving the hospital without delivering a baby. At 28 weeks and 6 days of pregnancy, I was being brought into an operating room for an emergency c section. At this point, I was told all of the options to help my blood pressure come down were exhausted, and baby boy was not growing with IUGR. Freddie had an eventful 106 day NICU stay. It was scary, exhausting, and just draining all around. I would have never imagined my birth story to be this. But if this has taught me anything, it’s that not everything will go as planned and that us NICU moms are much stronger than we could have ever imagined. I’m so happy that we are now home and enjoying every moment of it! Thank you to this wonderful group for helping me get through the toughest of times.”