Love, Andrea

“Dear NICU Mama, In this season of motherhood, I hope you give yourself grace—not just to navigate each day, but to embrace the moments of love and strength that are unfolding, even in the midst of uncertainty.

This prompt resonated with me deeply because *season* is such a powerful word. Seasons change. Some feel endless, some pass in a blur, and some stretch us in ways we never expected. The NICU season is unlike any other—marked by waiting, hoping, and redefining what it means to be a mother. And yet, just like all seasons, it will shift. You won’t always be where you are right now.

I hope you feel the love that surrounds you, even on the days when exhaustion and uncertainty feel heavier than hope. I hope you know that strength isn’t just in the big moments, but in the quiet ones too—the late-night pump sessions, the whispered prayers, the way you gently place a hand on the isolette, letting your baby know you’re there.

And most of all, I hope you know that you are not alone. No matter how isolating this season may feel, there is a community who sees you, who has been where you are, and who is holding space for you.

You are doing an incredible job. One day, this season will be a chapter of your story, not the whole story. Until then, take it moment by moment remembering this too is a season.”

Love,
Andrea

More of Andrea + Her Daughter’s NICU Journey:

“Hi! I’m Andrea, and I’m the mother of two incredible daughters—both NICU grads. My oldest was born at 24 weeks via an emergency c-section. She entered the world with the quietest whisper of a cry and went on to spend 111 days in the NICU. Like so many families, we never expected to find ourselves in that world, and we were overwhelmed by it all. We celebrated every ounce she gained and panicked with every setback. I started pumping (ouch!) and quickly learned what helped alleviate the discomfort (coconut oil worked best for me!). When she came home—on her due date—we were beyond grateful. That was April 2015. The months and years that followed were full of early intervention appointments and learning how to support her in the best way possible.

Four years later, I was pregnant again. Things were going well until we discovered some complications related to the c-section scar from my first delivery. At 25 weeks, I was admitted to antepartum for monitoring due to a high risk of uterine rupture (super scary). My second daughter was born at 30 weeks—also via emergency c-section—after my uterus did indeed rupture. As hard as it was to spend five weeks in the hospital beforehand, I’m deeply thankful I was there and that the medical team could act immediately. Even though she was louder, bigger, and older than her sister at birth, her NICU journey came with greater challenges. She faced unexpected complications that required ongoing follow-up and care. After 81 days in the NICU, she came home—also in April (2019). In time, she received a diagnosis of cerebral palsy—news that brought another mix of emotions, but also deepened our commitment to advocating for her needs.

These two NICU experiences forever shaped me and the path I’m on now. They are why I’m so grateful for the sisterhood at Dear NICU Mama, and why I founded NICU Alumni—because I know firsthand that coming home is just the beginning of a whole new journey. Our mission is to walk alongside families after NICU discharge so they feel supported, equipped, and never alone, celebrating every milestone along the way.”