I think when most people hear about the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit), the first thought is that its the womb recreated for premature babies. While it is just that, its also a place for sick full term babies - ones that may have swallowed amniotic fluid in the birthing process which developed into pneumonia, or ones born addicted or born with a genetic condition and so on. The hospital that River was born in has a NICU, a really, really good one actually. While the doctors are wonderful, the heart of the NICU are the nurses, in my opinion. I think about NICU life often, I dont think it ever really leaves you. People often compare it to a rollercoaster, whether that is true or not depends on what moment you ask someone who is going through it has been through it before. River was a few weeks old when I realized what part of my purpose as a second time NICU mom was, my first time with a micro preemie. The nurses there have this amazing knack for sense of privacy, I know they are highly trained and skilled but the simple human compassion they carry is not something that can be taught. River was sharing a pod at one time with a baby who easily could have eaten him twice. Lol. I am not sure of his/her reason for being there and its none of my business, this is a story from my memory/point of view. The new mom was attempting to breastfeed and because of this a privacy standing curtain was placed in the room to separate us. A relative of the new mom was also there and I could see her head bobbing up and down as she looked at my larger than life, transparent skinned child. She could not see me because of the curtain placement and I couldnt safely do anything for River at that time but stare at him through a looking glass and wait for the day I could hold him so I sat quietly. Relative: OH MY GOD. THAT BABY IS THE SIZE OF MY HAND. Is that what a crack baby looks like? New Mom: I know, I cant even look at it. I dont think they are allowed out of that box, I dont even know how its alive. I remember who the nurse was, she was sitting at her desk charting away so she heard. She glanced at me nervously but didnt react (CLASS), trying so hard to ignore I winked at her to let her know it was OK. I was OK and so was River. Now before you get angry at that person, listen to me for a second. Comments like that one are because of one thing: ignorance. Ignorance is sometimes just lack of education on a subject. The only way to combat ignorance is to educate. THAT is part of my duty. An obligation. The truth is yes, that IS what some babies born addicted look like. But not all and certainly not mine. Some are 8lbs, some are still born. Not everyone will care or listen but thats not the point or in the footprints you are meant to leave.Not everyone will soak it in. Funny thing about the human race is that some people only become interested in a subject when it directly affects them. I dont have Lupus, no one in my family does either but I sure did run a 5k benefiting Lupus. DO that, dont live your life looking through a scope into your own yard. Be open to education about things that do not affect your life, compassion for anyone who needs it. What a concept! Pick and choose what you react to, how you react to it. Silence is sometimes the loudest reaction you can give someone. If you are loving a baby through NICU life, dont let negative energy into that pod. Or into your heart. Ignorance is not always a bad thing, its an opportunity. Seize it. Use it wisely for all walks of life! Blessings, Kara 💜
Posted on: Tue, 05 Aug 2014 04:31:26 +0000
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