The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)

Rachael was supposed to meet with the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) yesterday, but they got too busy. So today she got to talk to a doctor from the NICU. It was an encouraging visit. The doctor said-- of course they would be at the delivery even if it happened before 24 weeks and that they would do everything they could for Jimmie if that’s what Rachael and Justin wanted. At this stage Rachael wanted them to know that is indeed what they would want. The doctor said there was a 23 week 3 day old in there right now doing okay. We don’t anticipate any of this, but these are the kinds of discussions Rachael keeps having to endure. The doctor also said that they were a very “hands on” NICU for parents-- that they encouraged the parents to be very involved with the baby’s care. And they are big on what they call “kangaroo care” which is mommy and baby skin to skin contact. This was all very encouraging for Rachael to hear.

The doctor also observed that Rachael had been there for a while and seemed to be steady so that was a good thing. And she repeated what we have now heard many times that after 24 weeks every day is very good for Jimmie’s prognosis. And that the 28 week mark is a very big milestone for an excellent outcome. She also emphasized how subjective these things were and that it ultimately just depended on each individual baby.

Rachael said she was anxious to get through the weekend to Monday when they will give her the first steroid shot for the baby’s lungs. Keep praying hard for Rachael and Jimmie’s health. And for her body and spirit to “Peace Be Still!” Praise God for how far we’ve come and for how far we are going to go!

Love,
Amber