The neo-natal intensive care unit (NICU) is truly a place where miracles happen. Nobody ever wants to have a baby in the NICU, but if we do, we need to know we are in good hands. We are more than proud of our staff at the NICU at Lovelace Women’s Hospital, where stories like Rebecca and Gunner Mitchell’s remind us just how miraculous a NICU can be.
The Mitchells were pregnant with twins, and when Rebecca’s water broke at 23 weeks, she was put on bed rest for two weeks. She then had a C-section because her pregnancy became high risk.
After Michael and Wesley were born, Michael passed away, and Wesley was fighting for his life. Rebecca would have to spend all day at the NICU, just to be with her newborn child. Fortunately, the nurses and doctors made her feel like it was her second home.
Rebecca said, “We really had a positive spin on this because we had no choice. The nurses and doctors explained everything as best as they could in layman’s terms, so we were never left in the dust.”
Two nurses in particular even became friends with Rebecca. “Audrey and Sam created a friendship with me. We always requested them to be our nurses. They took great care of my baby. The five and a half months I spent in the NICU with my babies was my second home. Those nurses went above and beyond to make us feel welcomed.”
Even though the heartbreaking experience for Rebecca and Gunner felt like it would never end, Rebecca still expresses deep gratitude for the care she and her baby received. “It all feels like a dream. Looking at how great Wesley is doing now — he just turned one — you really appreciate how far we’ve come. If and when we have another child, we will definitely come to Lovelace Women’s Hospital. It’s who we trust.”
For more information about Lovelace Women’s Hospital labor & delivery services, or to find a doctor, please call 727.2727.