Hi everyone! I wanted to introduce myself to you all and share my vision behind “It’s a NICU World!” My name is Ashley, and I am K.O.’s mama. I hail from the Midwest but am currently living on the East Coast. I am a board-certified family nurse practitioner and have been working for a family practice for 3.5 years.
My son, K.O., was born at 25 weeks’ gestation and spent 6 months in the NICU. There were times when I did not think he would make it out of there alive. I have never prayed so hard in my life. During our NICU stay, I was fortunate enough to be able to bond with other NICU families and staff. After discharge, I was able to reach out to those families and staff for guidance, advice and for a listening ear.
“It’s a NICU World” was birthed both out of my pain and my strong desire to help others who are currently on their own NICU journey. People think that once a baby is discharged from the NICU, that’s it, all is well. That couldn’t be further from the truth. I do not think anyone leaves the NICU unscathed no matter how long or short their NICU stay was. I created this space to share with others what I have learned on this journey in hopes that it will makes theirs, lighter. This space also serves as a way for me to get out all of my thoughts, feelings, frustration and anger. I had a revelation months ago that my “healing will come from the pen” and thus I write.
I thank you all for taking the time to read, comment and share my posts. I thank the NICU Mamas for sharing their stories with us. I thank the NICU staff for taking the time to share with us a little bit about their roles. I take none of this for granted.
No matter how hard this journey has been, it is an honor to be K.O.’s mama. I know my husband and oldest son are smiling down on us.
Happy Sunday!
~Ashley
