You are as strong as that little babe you are worrying about. Their little chest gripping for breath is them fighting to live because they can feel the immense love you have for them.
I remember sitting in awe, staring at my daughter with my hands reaching inside her little incubator and I said to the nurse, “it is incredible how strong they are. These little tiny humans are so tough.” The nurse smiled and responded, “it’s because all they know how to do right now is to fight to live.” They have no choice but to persist through.
I can not imagine how my little preemie felt in her incubator with unfamiliar voices, beeping, lights, pokes… but I find comfort knowing that while she was in her temporary safe space, I was her constant. Even though you may not be able to hold your baby whenever you’d like… And, you may be scared and hyper-aware of your surroundings, your little baby is finding their solidarity in you.
As strong as your NICU baby is, you are just as strong. You're strong enough to be brave for both of you. I challenge you to pause and reflect because, in the ways that you are admiring your little fighter, they are admiring you more unconditionally than I think you can fathom. And mama, I see you. You are doing the best you can.
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