Bernie is a 32 week NICU grad who entered this world 8 weeks early due to premature labor for unknown reasons, likely a placental abruption.

One week after my baby shower, my husband was away in Wisconsin and I was home with my mom and family going through shower gifts. I had slight lower back pain all day that came and went and eventually called the doctor later that night and was told to go to the hospital. I was taken to triage on the labor and delivery floor for monitoring and I was actively contracting and 2cm dilated. I was admitted overnight and moved to a L&D room while they tried multiple things to stop the labor. But Bernie wanted out! I continued to dilate overnight and by 7am I was 5cm and was then informed the baby was coming. I remember, hardly, a neonatologist coming in to talk to me about premature birth. It was a whirlwind for sure. I received one of two shots to help with baby’s lungs since they were preparing for premature birth. Then I received an epidural. Once that was in and I laid down, that is when things changed for the worse. I was laying down for a few minutes when they threw oxygen on me and were rolling me side to side, later finding out because his heart rate dropped and they couldn’t get it back up. This became an emergency situation and rushed me back to the OR where I was very quickly prepped for a c-section for which i was not completely numb for yet.

Bernie spent 39 days in the NICU at Jefferson Hospital of Washington Twp, NJ. During Bernie’s stay he spent his time growing and developing as he would have continued to if he was in the womb.

This was THE MOST DIFFICULT thing we had ever been through physically and emotionally.

I am glad to have found the ProjectNICU organization, even if it was 3 years later. I am passionate about doing what I can to give back to current NICU families, not just things like care packages, but to also be able to share resources and connect with NICU parents!

All donations are tax deductible and will help support our local NICU families, babies, and medical professionals through care packages, treats, and resources.

Thanks,

Katie

Bernie Wants to Give Back More! All Because He's Turning 4!

By Project NICU

Bernie Wants to Give Back More! All Because He's Turning 4!

NICU Fundraiser for Bernie's 4th Birthday! Donations will support care packages for current NICU families and NICU medical professionals.

Team Members