Dreams for you on discharge day
A letter to all the nicu babies on the day they finally get to go home
It’s discharge day! Besides your day of birth, this might be the most celebrated day of your early life so far. You were taken out of your parents arms and placed in an isolette so your medical team could save your life, and now it’s time to leave the hospital room that is all you’ve known so far, and settle in to the nursery where you are meant to be.
(This bebe has ultimate chill now that he’s home)
You’ve been through more in your weeks than most go through in years, and you’ve shown bravery far beyond what you should have to. This experience isn’t what you (or your parents) asked for, but I promise it will be part of what what molds you into the amazing person you are meant to be.
Though this time will soon be in the distant past, the experiences from the NICU won’t leave your family anytime soon. The alarms will go off in your parents’ heads at night, the hospital blanket that pops up in the back of a closet will evoke memories of the nest that held you when your family couldn’t. They might be extra nervous and cautious, and forgive them, they have seen you through the hardest days.
I hope you know that just like the NICU never leaves you, you never leave your NICU family. We think of you when we pass by your old hospital room, and we remember the milestones you accomplished here with pride. We cry secretly (or if you’re me, not-so-secretly) when you leave, because we will miss you, and because we are so damn proud of you.
(And I keep my fingers crossed your parents follow me on Instagram so I can keep informed of your adventures beyond the incubator!)
Dream it
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Dream it 〰️
Here are my hopes and dreams for you on discharge day, sweet little friend:
I hope you sleep well (and that we transitioned you to safe sleep before discharge so your parents don’t have to) in your new crib at home.
I hope the sunshine doesn’t overwhelm you too much and you love the wind on your face for the first time.
I hope you soak up all the beauty in the world around you with those big bright eyes that were protected for so long.
I hope you spend hours on the floor, wiggling and exploring your growing muscles.
I hope your parents beam with pride as you accept all your family members’ cuddles since you’ve been used to lots of strangers at the hospital.
I hope no matter what challenges lie ahead you never forget how far you’ve come, how hard you fought, and how brave you are.
be brave.
(like you always are)
Tl;Dr
Discharge day from the NICU is an incredibly special moment
As your healthcare providers, we celebrate with you and never forget you
I have big dreams for you after discharge, that include sleeping, exploring, moving, meeting family, and being brave, like you always are.