My “baby” started kindergarten this fall. Just like with my other children, it seemed like I blinked and Luke went from a tiny helpless baby to a “big boy.”
He marched off so proudly on the school bus with his siblings. I had to blink to hold back the tears as I waved good-bye to my baby on his first day of kindergarten.
But as Luke quickly reminds me if he catches me calling him “baby”, “Mom, I’m not a baby – I’m a kid!”
I remember the day Luke was born on a cold January morning. The end of my pregnancy was rough and after an amnio confirmed his lungs were ready, Luke was born by cesarean section at 37 weeks. (You can read the full story here.) While technically, Luke was considered a term baby, he did have a little difficulty breathing those first few hours.
It was scary to hear my tiny baby grunting and struggling to breathe and when Luke was sent to the hospital’s Special Care NICU nursery, I remember how my heart sank. Fortunately for us, Luke spent less than 2 hours in the NICU and was cleared to come back upstairs with me.
Our very short stay at the NICU brought me a new respect and appreciation for moms whose babies are in the NICU for days, weeks, even months at a time. And sadly some of them don’t ever get to bring their precious little ones home.
NICU moms are some of the strongest, most courageous moms and their journeys can be long and difficult. As easy as it is to get caught up with our busy lives and healthy babies and kids, let’s not forget to stand with and support these moms and dads too.
Here are 10 Encouraging Quotes for NICU Moms
A mother’s love is whole no matter how many times it’s divided. – Author Unknown
There’s nothing stronger than a single mom with a wounded heart. – Author Unknown
God could not be everywhere and therefore He made mothers. – Jewish Proverb
A mother understands what a child does not say. – Jewish proverb
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. – Joshua 1:9
Did you know that premature birth is the #1 killer of babies in the United States? Sadly, not all families will get a chance to celebrate those precious “first” milestones with their little ones.
That first word.
That first tooth.
That first step.
That first night at Grandma’s.
That first day of kindergarten.
Around 380,000 babies may be born prematurely in America this year. Join the March of Dime’s campaign, Give them tomorrow, and help give these babies and their families a chance.
Are you a NICU mom or do you know someone who is? Tell me about it in the comments below:
valmg @ Mom Knows It All says
My youngest was in neonatal for about a week, it was rough for everyone. March of Dimes offers some great and well-needed programming.
Audrey says
These are great quotes!! It is so scary to go through something like this, you can feel so helpless!
Catherine says
My grandson was born at 24 weeks weighing only 1 1/2 pounds. He has been diagnosed with lung disease, moderate to severe PVL, has survived 4 surgeries. After almost six months in the NICU he is finally due to come home. He AND my daughter are 2 of the strongest people I know. There truly is a GOD.
Leahbelle says
I gave birth with my baby boy at 26weeks,with 650grams last feb.15,2018 and he is still at the NICU..he had already gone an 2 operations with the intestines..and now the ductus in his heart is still open so he is still under medication..Me and my baby is still fighting ..And i all claimed it to our Lord God through His grace..Because I know God is good all the time..
Nikki says
Hi everyone! Current NICU Mom. Our little boy was born at 29 weeks and has TGA, as well. We’re 3 weeks into our 11 week NICU/CICU stay. Nothing is easy about the NICU—when there are bad days, they’re incredibly hard, and when there are good days, you’re waiting for the next bad day. I KNOW this gets better and easier. My trust and faith in God has provided more strength and courage than I could have imagined. Trust your doctors, trust your instincts, know our NICU nurses are angels, and rely on your faith. You’ve got this!!
Laina says
It IS hard. Tomorrow marks two months of being in the NICU for my son, and we have no tentative out date. He has a lot working against him (difficulty with breathing and eating; a hole in his heart; bilateral hernias in his lower belly), but he has God who I know is watching over him and has a plan for his life. My momma heart just wants him to come home, but I trust in God’s plan even though I don’t see the entire picture yet. Stay strong, NICU mommas.
L. Ross says
Thank you so much for this post.
Literally, I’m searching the internet for “encouragement for NICU moms”. We are today 4 months on our NICU journey with our,twin sons. I know God’s grace is sufficient, but I’m truly tired & tempted to be sad. Father knows how much we can bear and as we are still on this journey, despite many prayers, I now conclude there is purpose & reason. I truly believe at the end of it all I do come home with two happy healthy babies…even if we come home with feeding tubes and oxygen, and even if we come home with them at two different times… I yet bless God because they’re coming home alive and they will thrive! I know this journey will come to an end and we’ll be on new paths-elementary, middle, and high school; sports; driving; proms; graduations; career & community choices (college, military, business ownership, ministry); marriage; my grandchildren-yet for now Father has allowed us to be in a place where we are character building…all of us, I, my husband, and our sons. We’re getting stronger & progressing day by day and to Almighty God, Our Lord Jesus, and the precious Holy Spirit be the glory. Amen.
We are scheduled for our first surgery Monday. Our oldest, as they’re one minute apart, is going to have a feeding tube implaced so as to allow him to come home and continue to develop the skill of eating & so as not to stunt other development by remaining hospitalized. This is now his major reason for remaining in NICU. I’m truly believing this is the best decision for him, but that does NOT make it an easy choice and I do not like that his brother will remain hospitalized for longer because he had the more severe case of lung disease. They have no both come so far, especially my youngest. He hasn’t even been able to be offered feeding by mouth because of the severity of his breathing difficulty, but we’ll get there.
I truly believe that when it comes to parenting: Father God gives us who we need and He gives us to who needs us. These strong sweet hamdsomes of mine make me better day by day! The are precious, they are strong, they truly are handsome, and they are intelligent & smart. I bless God for choosing me to be their mom. Well that’s the highlight of our story and the hope of my heart, even beyond my temptation to fear. Thanks for listening. Be blessed!
Crisse says
Thanks for the inspiring article..my baby is now a month in the NICU. She was born @30 weeks. She getting better, she survived the infection she has at her first week. Now she only has her feeding tube and waiting for the pedia-optha to check on her eyes. Truly have faith in God..God is Good and always true to His promises.Thank you Lord!
Denise says
I gave birth to my second daughter at 27wks2days and she spent 15 weeks in the NICU, multiple surgeries and I witnessed multiple babies not making it home with their families. NICU moms are the strongest women I’ve ever met and the nurses are angels. Our great Lord blessed us with these angels to help keep our little angels here on Earth. God bless.
Melanie says
My granddaughter was born 9-19-18 at 38 weeks. She is considered full term. My daughter’s pregnancy was perfect until 9-14-18, when she was diagnosed with preeclampsia. She was admitted to the hospital 9-18-19 for induction. Baby still looked great on all the monitors. Dr checked mom to see about breaking water and he couldn’t because she had not dilated at all. Her bone structure wouldn’t allow for delivery, either. C-section was done at 12:20 pm 9-19-18. Baby was born purple, not breathing and having seizures, despite perfect monitor readings. Doctors can’t tell us why. She is currently at a children’s hospital NICU and is now 3 days old. We don’t know if there are any lasting damages, or when she will get to go home. Mom and dad are constantly by her side. I can’t be sure to financial reasons.
Cassie says
17 years ago this December my son was born at 26 weeks. He was 1#8oz. He was in the NICU for 3 1/2 months. The nurses and Drs become family. Many times others do not know what you are going through. My advice is to never quit asking questions and pray, pray, pray!! My family was very fortunate and my son is very healthy. He has no medical issues. Hang in there moms! You are stronger than you think!!
Susana Segovia says
Currently a NICU mom. Preeclampsia set in @29 weeks. I had a c-section 11/16/2018. My Babygirl weighed 2 pounds 14 ounces and was 15 inches long. On her 17th day she weighed in @3 pounds. Thank you for the encouragement and support.