Micah was born at 27 weeks gestation and thrived for six weeks. He doubled his birth weight, began nursing, and was headed toward discharge. NEC blindsided Micah’s family and clinicians, and the disease progressed aggressively.
Micah endured multiple bowel resections before he finally made it home to his family. Tragically, Micah passed away from complications of NEC just before his first birthday.
“When Micah came home, we knew he had made it. But NEC still stole our baby nearly a year after his diagnosis.”
Jennifer, Micah's Mom
What Helped
- Hospital-grade breast pump & support at home and in the NICU
- Being at Micah’s bedside, and kangaroo care
- Primary team of nurses
What Hurt
- Being dismissed when I asked questions or raised concerns
- Not having access to information or knowing what to ask
- Being rushed
What To Do
- Empower families with information
- Prioritize MOM & PDHM as lifesaving interventions
- Empathy, patience, kindness
