Love, Vivian

“Dear NICU Mama, When I look back on 2023, I see a mother who persevered and overcame that feeling of helplessness. In that place of doubt, strength, courage, and heart forged itself to the front of your very being. The fear of the unknown, the overwhelming medical diagnoses and terminology, depth of each setback begins to settle away.

Glimmers of hope begin to shine through. You see the beauty in the small wins whether your baby discontinued a medication, got rid of a line, or met their own milestones. You’re an entirely new person because of your experience. You’re aware that duality of emotions can co-exist.Grief and joy is present in your journey. With darkness, you know there is also light and beauty.

2024 brings on a new you, NICU mama. The best mama for you and your baby. May this year be your best one yet.”

Love,
Vivian

More of Vivian + Kaia’s NICU story:

“Kaia was born at 40 weeks and 2 days. A completely routine pregnancy. During my induction, my water broke and there was meconium present. Again, at delivery more meconium was present. No one was concerned about this and I had never heard of it.

Kaia came out crying, but was quickly taken to the NICU for observation as a precaution. We were told she would come back that night or early next morning. Instead, she was confirmed to have severe MAS and transferred that same night from a level 2 NICU to a level 4 NICU. Despite being placed on 3 different ventilators, nothing worked.

With a 5% chance of survival, Kaia’s second day of life required she be flown by helicopter to her third hospital, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA), and have emergency surgery to place her on ECMO. This allowed Kaia’s lungs time to heal. Our NICU stay ended up being 42 days before we could be together at home.

We couldn't have done it without an incredible medical team, especially the NICU nurses who kept us sane throughout our stay. Kaia is now 7 months. She’s always smiling and laughing bringing so much joy to our lives.”