Love, Ann

“Dear NICU Mama,

Life after NICU may feel consuming and hard, but know that you are the best mama for your baby. Your baby is the only one who knows what your heartbeat sounds like from the inside. 

Many think that after a NICU discharge, it’s all over. But little do they know, this is your beginning. You are allowed to grieve what you were not able to experience, but know that this new beginning is your own story to write.

Some may compare and critique, but know that your journey is unlike anyone else’s. You have taken your life back and will make it your own. Please know that on the days that are frustrating and hard, you have a sisterhood who stands beside you. When you feel so happy to be home and yet so disconnected in this life after NICU, know you are not alone in your feelings. 

This is your beginning, and I hope you do all that you want with it! 

Love,
Ann

More of Ann + Sloane’s NICU Journey:

“After a high risk pregnancy due to type 1 diabetes, I developed preeclampsia with severe features at 29 weeks, landing me in the hospital through both the Christmas holiday and the New Year. I had Sloane on January 2, 2021 at 30 + 1 weeks. Weighing 3 lbs. at birth, we finally brought our sweet daughter home after 8 weeks in the NICU. As a nurse, I never thought I would be another sick patient in the hospital I worked in, but there I was. We are so fortunate and blessed to have Sloane home and progressing as well as she is today!”