“The NICU nurses became our lifeline.”

-Shared by Generation O Community Member, Carolina.

Part of our special series for NICU Awareness Month 2025.

When our son was born, we didn’t find out until three days later—only when his birth mother was being discharged. By then, our baby had already been admitted to the NICU. We had just learned that we were parents, yet we had no baby to hold, and no paperwork in place to go and get him.

During those critical first days, it was the NICU nurses who cared for our son. They were the first ones to tell us about him—over the phone, with compassion and care. Though we had not yet met him, we were comforted in knowing he was in their hands. They monitored his symptoms closely, provided medical attention, and just as importantly, gave him love until we could be there ourselves.

Once we arrived, the nurses became our lifeline. They patiently taught us how to hold, burp, and change him. They supported our new family through an incredibly difficult and emotional time. When his birth father unexpectedly showed up to reclaim the son he had previously relinquished, the staff remained calm and professional.

They went above and beyond in countless ways: ordering food for us when we were too tired to think about meals, cradling our baby when we stepped out so he would never feel alone, and tracking down the nurse who was present at his birth so we could finally hear the full story of how our son came into the world.

For almost two weeks, they guided us right up until discharge. Before we left, they took photos with us, prepared a bag full of baby essentials, and said goodbye—not knowing that it was really just a, "see you later." We've remained in touch ever since.

These nurses are truly remarkable. They treat every baby as if they were their own, and they care deeply about the little lives they nurture. They still call them “their babies,” and they genuinely hope to see them grow and thrive.

There are no words that can truly express the gratitude we feel for them. Their dedication, kindness, and professionalism left an unforgettable mark on our family. I could never write enough to fully describe how special they are.