Tiny But Mighty: Liam's NICU Story
In February I had the honor of visiting the NICU at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester NY to photograph a very special baby. From the moment I met Liam's parents, Heather and Victor, the love they have for their son was abundantly clear. Liam is a perfect example that not every baby in a NICU is a preemie. Some baby's have medical concerns that doctors want to keep an eye on before releasing them. Born at 39 weeks, 6lbs 11oz, little Liam fell into this category. Here is what his parent's had to say about their NICU journey:
Share your pregnancy journey. Were you expecting NICU time or was it unexpected?
We were shocked when we found out I was pregnant. I have one ovary because the other was twisted on itself and I had to have it surgically removed. I also have type 2 diabetes and his father has VCFS (Velocardiofacial syndrome). I had horrible morning sickness most of my pregnancy. It was extremely rough to me. This is my first and I wasn't suppose to be able to get pregnant. I had ultrasounds every month then switched to every 2 weeks but they never noticed anything unusual. I was to be induced end of 38 weeks. My induction started 38 weeks 6 days but his heart would drop after every contraction. Later we found out it was because of his bicuspid aortic valve. So I ended up having a c-section. I was so sad. I ended up being put under general anesthesia because I could feel when they cut me open; it was horrible. My fiancee wasn't able to be in there with me. But he was able to be in the other room waiting for our son. He was the first to hold him and he's trying so hard to be a great dad and I'm so proud of him. NICU time was very unexpected!
Share your NICU journey so far. How long have you been there? What obstacles has baby overcome?
We have been in two NICUs. Monday February 17th, we were suppose to go home. Liam kept desaturating at Guthrie Hospital so the doctors sent us to Arnot Hospital. We found out there he had a bicuspid aortic valve, ENT issues and hearing issues. He needed urology and genetic screening. His father has VCFS and we are trying to find out if little Liam has it. Still waiting on those results. We got sent to Rochester Strong Memorial Hospital and not even a day after being here, he was put in oxygen. He has had a nasal cannula in since last Thursday. The doctors said his lungs are not quite mature. February 26th they took his nasal cannula off and are trying him on room air again to see if he can go without it. Goal is 2 days then he might be able to go home.
What do you want people to know about having a newborn in the NICU?
It's so hard. Its super emotional when your emotions are already swinging from hormones being up and down. Not only hard on the mom and dad but for the whole family. You can't hold your little one when you want to and it's scary. You brought this little joy into the world and you can't even enjoy it like you see everyone else enjoying their little love bugs. I feel bad for being jealous of others who can take their little ones home right away I feel sad and catch my self looking at him and asking God why my son? I know we are blessed that he's alive and not as bad off as others. I know this but it's hard. I tried for 11 years and finally I get my little one and he's sick and there's nothing I can do but be here.
Is there anything else you wish to share?
This little boy is me and my fiance's world. He saved us both. We were both going down dark paths when we met. Little man was a complete shock I was not suppose to be able to get pregnant. I only have one ovary. I've tried for years and it took meeting Victor to be blessed with this child. I just figured out do not ever give up hope, always trust that everything happens for a reason. God brings people into your life for a reason and allows things to happen to help you grow and become a better person.
Update April 29th
Liam graduated from the NICU several days after these photographs were taken. Heather says that while being a first time mom has its rough moments, Liam is a happy baby. He is receiving continuing care and will start seeing a specialist doctor after Covid-19 settles down.
Tiny But Mighty
Your NICU Journey
Tiny But Mighty sessions are a mix of documentary and lifestyle portraits that capture your baby and life in the NICU. Our mission is to bring a bit of joy and normalcy to NICU families, while raising awareness of NICU life. These sessions are 100% complimentary for families with babies in a Rochester NY hospital.
