Love, Joelle

“Dear NICU Mama, When I look back on 2024, I see a mama who struggled, cried, and found strength she didn’t know she had. I see a mama whose heart broke and healed a hundred times over, who rode the ups and downs of a roller coaster she never asked to board.

Your nervous system couldn’t catch a break, and your world felt uncertain and heavy. But even when it felt impossible, you stayed. You held on through the fear and the waiting, through the setbacks and the milestones. You were there, every moment, for your baby. And when that roller coaster finally stopped, you looked at your precious, beautiful child and knew it was worth it.

You are strong and courageous, even when you don’t feel it. You are a warrior, and you’ve shown a kind of love that can only come from the deepest part of you. You are not alone in this journey. There’s a whole sisterhood of NICU mamas who’ve walked this path and stand beside you, cheering you on.

One day, when you look back, you’ll see how brave you’ve been—for your baby, for your family, and for yourself. Your love, determination, and resilience have made all the difference.”

Love,
Joelle

More of Joelle + Her Son’s NICU Story:

“At 31 weeks pregnant, I went to the hospital because of a headache, only to discover I had severe preeclampsia. Everything changed in an instant—I needed an emergency C-section right away. My heart broke into a million pieces, especially because I had a toddler at home I would have to leave behind, and I knew the road ahead would be long. As a therapist and social worker, I thought I had some idea of what this life might be like, but I was quickly introduced to a world I knew nothing about.

After the surgery, I spent over 24 hours on a magnesium drip, battling derealization and a whirlwind of emotions. Finally, I got to meet my baby boy. I couldn’t hold him for the first three days due to the risk of brain bleeds, and that was one of the hardest things I’ve ever experienced.

We’re still in the hospital now, but my boy is doing great. At 36 weeks, we’re hoping he’ll be coming home in about two weeks. Balancing trips to the hospital with caring for my toddler has been one of the most challenging things I’ve ever done. The postpartum anxiety—especially with germs in the winter—has been overwhelming at times.

But when I look at my baby boy, I find a strength within me I didn’t know existed. It comes from the deepest part of me, a place I hadn’t yet discovered. This experience has taught me more about myself than I ever thought possible. Writing the letter of hope healed a piece of my heart I didn’t even realize was broken.”