“Dear NICU Mama, Sometimes in order to heal, we must forgive ourselves for the moments of our journey that were out of our control. It is so easy to blame ourselves – our bodies, our inability to be there for our babies, either physically or emotionally, our helplessness in being able to care for our children ourselves. But these things are not anything that we could have changed. Our bodies did everything they could to keep our babies safe. We were as present as we could possibly be while taking care of our families and ourselves. We trusted nurses, doctors, therapists, and more to care for ..read more

“Dear NICU Mama, Sometimes in order to heal, we must allow ourselves to just be. You don’t always have to have it all together or put on a brave face. When you’re hit with grief, allow yourself to feel it. To really feel, acknowledge, and validate it. What you went through was traumatic. We need to show ourselves self-compassion. There is no “right way” to heal, but never invalidate yourself. Remember how strong you are. Healing is not linear, and it is not the same for everyone. Show yourself grace, you are doing the best you can.” Love, Breanne More of Breanne + Her Daughter’s NICU Journe ..read more

“Dear NICU Mama, Sometimes in order to heal, we must allow ourselves to be vulnerable – and vulnerability may sometimes feel like weakness, but mama, vulnerability is pure strength. We have layered ourselves in a protective shield, aiding us in the battle for our child. We have faced every test, every IV, every doctor, every diagnosis, every moment of their distress, as true warriors. That shield served a purpose: it got us through those difficult moments and painful conversations. It helped us to be the mamas we are today. But sometimes we need to allow ourselves to peel back that ever-so-co ..read more

“Dear NICU Mama, I hope you celebrate yourself. The idea might feel foreign to you right now, but there is so much within you to celebrate. Every exhausted trip to the hospital, late night phone call, timid introduction to a new member of the healthcare team, or nervous interaction with your sweet baby has shown your dedication, courage, power, and most of all, your mother’s love. Celebrate each and every moment. You didn’t ask for this journey, but you are showing up for your baby and yourself in exactly the ways you should. Your sisterhood is here celebrating right along with you.” Love ..read more

“Dear NICU Mama, I hope you celebrate the little things. When milestones don’t hit the way you expect, I hope you celebrate the ones that do. Celebrate every ounce gained, every smile, every little day to day thing, because you know how hard you and your baby worked for these milestones.  There was a time when you sat by that isolette, with your tiny, fragile baby inside, wondering what the future would hold. Will I hear the pitter-patter of little feet across the kitchen floor? Will there be a time when I can hold my own baby without permission? Will there be afternoons spent at the ..read more

“Dear NICU Mama, I hope you celebrate your well-earned title of “mother.” The role of a mother within the NICU is unique and is one that deserves commemoration. It may feel easy to focus on all the things that “went wrong” around your pregnancy that required a NICU stay for your baby, but you did not fail. On the contrary, you rose to the occasion with fierce courage when you entered the NICU to meet your baby for the first time; and that, sweet mama, deserves to be celebrated. I hope you celebrate the moment where, after examining the overwhelming number of wires, tubing, and extra machinery ..read more

“Dear NICU Mama, Your birth story tells the story of the day that forever changed you. You overcame immeasurable obstacles, you challenged yourself, and you proved your strength. Birth does not occur the same for any two people. There is no way to predict the perfect outcome, to know how your body will manage, or to know confidently that your baby will be okay. But you still rose to the challenge stoically and did everything you could for you and your precious child. You may have been able to push, or you may have needed a C-section, and both of those scenarios are heroic and miraculous ..read more

“Dear NICU Mama, your birth story tells the story of a mother’s love. Your story doesn’t start with a smooth labor and delivery; it’s one of urgency and uncertainty. Your story doesn’t feature a birth plan and the oh-so-coveted golden hour, but rather a magnesium drip and 24 hours of bed rest. Keep reading, mama. This isn’t the story of the picture perfect breastfeeding journey you dreamed of but instead one of IVs, tube feedings, and pumps. Your story doesn’t take place in the hazy first days at home but in the blue lights and beeps of the NICU. Keep reading, mama. When the grief of losin ..read more

“Dear NICU Mama, Your birth story tells the story of resilience. In a moment, your dreams changed. From dreams of cute clothes, baby showers, and maternity shoots, from making a birth plan and dreaming of your golden hour – suddenly your dreams were of survival, of being able to hold your baby, and of just being home from the NICU. Your story is the picture of the resilience that comes from being a mama. While all of our stories are different, they all share one thing. When things became scary, we protected and loved our babies fiercely, even when it felt like the world was crumbling. You walk ..read more

“Dear NICU Mama, Your birth story tells the story of strength. You may struggle with the thought of not being strong enough, but know this: you made it through yesterday, and you can make it through today. Take each day one minute at a time. The love you have for your baby will give you that strength to get through each challenge. You may feel alone or hopeless, but know your baby can feel your presence. You don’t have to conquer it all. There will be hard days, but know, the love you have for your baby will always give you that strength to make it through another day. Look at all you’ve over ..read more