Family Stories
“We are forever grateful to the team that gave Leo the best possible start in life.”
Our son, Leo, arrived unexpectedly at just 23 weeks and 5 days. As first-time parents, we were terrified, uncertain what the future would bring or if he would survive.
But from the moment we stepped into the High-Risk Perinatal Center, the NICU doctors were there with answers, support, and compassion.
Throughout Leo’s time in the NICU, the doctors provided daily updates on his progress, explained treatment plans, and continuously requested our input while carefully weighing the best options for his care. Their transparency and willingness to educate us made us feel knowledgeable, empowered, and supported.
Another support system came from the NICU social events, where we met a family whose son, Camilo, had a journey similar to Leo’s. That connection has lasted well beyond the hospital—we still celebrate milestones together and have playdates!
Because of the amazing care we received from the doctors, nurses, and staff, we left the NICU feeling confident in Leo’s future—and forever grateful to the team that gave him the best possible start in life. The NICU at Holy Cross was truly a blessing to our family.
-Juliet
“We will always be thankful to the NICU team for not only saving our son but for supporting our family with kindness.”
Our son, Camilo, was born at 24 weeks and 5 days, weighing just 1 lb 7 oz. As first-time parents, the news of his premature birth was overwhelming. We didn’t know what to expect. The world of the NICU felt completely unfamiliar to us.
When we arrived at Holy Cross Hospital, the NICU doctors explained everything and answered our many questions, no matter how small. The moment Camilo was born, the NICU team acted swiftly, and we were even able to hear his first cry — a sound we’ll never forget. Although we were scared, we knew he was receiving the best care possible.
One of the hardest parts of having a baby in the NICU was not being able to be by his side all the time. The camera above his bed allowed us to monitor his progress, which helped ease our anxiety. The doctors made a point to update us daily, taking their time explaining each aspect of his treatment and always involving us in decisions. The nurses went above and beyond, showing us how to care for him, from learning how to bathe him to changing his diaper. It was this level of support that helped us feel more confident as parents.
At NICU social events, we met other families in similar situations. One family, whose son was born just a week before Camilo, became close friends. We continue to support each other, having play dates and sharing the ups and downs of raising preemies.
Camilo spent 132 days in the NICU. The day he was discharged was an emotional one.
Our advice to new NICU parents is to take it one day at a time. There will be challenging days, but there will also be good ones. Just focus on getting through each day.
We are grateful for the exceptional care he received during his early days of life. The compassion and dedication of the doctors, nurses, and staff gave us hope during a difficult time. We will always be thankful to the NICU at Holy Cross Hospital for not only saving our son but for supporting our family with kindness.
– Jackie
“If “human-centered care” had a physical address, it would be the Holy Cross NICU.”
When I first learned my baby would need NICU care, I was overcome with fear and heartbreak.
The thought of watching my child struggle through each breath was terrifying. I had so many questions swirling in my mind — “Will my baby be okay? How will we get through this? How can I be strong enough?”
The early days in the NICU were some of the hardest of my life, but it was during those days that the Holy Cross NICU team became our lifeline.
The doctors, nurse practitioners and nurses were not only incredibly skilled, but also deeply compassionate. They listened, answered every question (no matter how many times I asked), and allowed me to grieve when I needed to process overwhelming emotions. Their practice of assigning consistent doctors for two-week rotations provided much-needed stability and trust in an otherwise chaotic time.
They cared not just for my baby, but for me too. I often felt like I was a patient in that NICU, simply because of how attentively they supported me.
The nurses at Holy Cross took my admiration for the profession to another level. They went above and beyond to comfort, encourage, and teach me how to care for my baby. Their love and passion for what they do were undeniable.
Even four months after leaving the NICU, the team still checks in on us. If “human-centered care” had a physical address, it would be the Holy Cross NICU. Every person on that floor demonstrated genuine kindness, compassion, and dedication to supporting scared parents like me.
Leaving the NICU was bittersweet. I was excited my baby was doing better, but I knew I was also leaving behind the safety net of an incredible team. To parents just starting their NICU journey: I know it feels overwhelming and scary right now, but trust that you are in the best hands.
The Holy Cross NICU team will care for your baby with expertise and love, and they will care for you as you navigate this difficult experience. You are not alone. And one day, you will look back and realize just how much this team helped carry you through.
-Tope F.
“We are forever grateful for the chance at this beautiful life that we have because of them.”
Our family has experienced the Holy Cross NICU three times — first with our 33-week son and later with our twins born at just 27 weeks.
Through nearly 150 days in the NICU across all three children, we have built so many relationships with the team at Holy Cross, and everyone has touched our hearts in a very special way. Over the years, the doctors and nurses have gone above and beyond to make our family feel special and to help us navigate a very scary and unknown time in our lives.
When our first son was born, we were terrified about having a preemie. The NICU created a safe space for us, and we always felt the support around us. We were never shamed for asking a lot of questions, or even the same question to many people. The team trained us so thoroughly that specialists even commented about how knowledgeable we were and how impressed they were with our understanding of our son’s care.
We found ourselves back at Holy Cross with our twins born at just under 28 weeks. This was terrifying because of how early they were compared to our first son, and we knew what a long road ahead we faced.
The NICU staff was absolutely incredible from the moment we returned. They positioned the twins’ isolettes next to each other as quickly as resources allowed and optimized their equipment so we could safely hold them together. It was a rollercoaster experience with no day ever being the same. Despite many steps forward and back, we eventually brought both twins home within a week of each other to join their older brother.
While we wouldn’t wish a NICU experience on anyone, there is nowhere we would have rather experienced it than at Holy Cross. We get a lot of attention when we go out with our three “3 and under” crowd, and we are constantly telling strangers about how amazing the team is at Holy Cross and how we are forever grateful to them for the chance at this beautiful life that we have because of them.
Our advice to new NICU parents: The road will not be easy, but the Holy Cross NICU team will make your experience exactly what you need it to be to help you get through whatever you are up against.
Whatever the other side brings, your heart will also never be the same after. You will never stop feeling the love from your Holy Cross NICU family because it is ingrained in their team, the culture they have fostered, and the staff that they have carefully trained to uniquely serve each family that steps through their doors.
-Lauren
“It has changed my life to witness the incredible strength of these tiny babies and the compassion of everyone in the NICU.”
When I first went to the NICU, I was very overwhelmed with all of the statistics when we decided to have life-saving care for my daughter, born at 22 weeks.
I was very anxious to see my baby, but so scared of what was ahead of us. I didn’t even know if she had a fighting chance.
When I got there, I saw her for the first time and felt detached — like it was the NICU’s baby that I was visiting. Her nurse was so kind to us and made us feel more comfortable. I asked if it was ok if I touched her, and he said, “Of course you can touch her, that’s your baby!” As obvious as that seems, it really changed my perspective. I knew that we were all in this together.
A couple of weeks in, my daughter was unstable with her oxygen needs. I remember when one doctor went over her daily report with us. She sat with us until every question was answered, then said, “I am choosing to be an optimist,” and shared her hope for the week ahead. This renewed our effort to stay positive, and it felt good knowing she was hoping for the best with us.
Another doctor always lifted our spirits when she came in. She knew every baby’s first name and would talk to them all like old friends. I really appreciated how she got to know our daughter and cheered her on.
After five months in the NICU, we were exhausted and ready to go home. On our last day, I briefly thought I would erase the past five months from my memory. But looking back, I would never want to erase this experience. I grew close to so many people, and it has changed my life to witness the incredible strength of these tiny babies and the compassion of everyone in the NICU.
When we got home, we were happy but also overwhelmed. It’s normal to feel every range of emotions possible — excitement to have your baby home, but also finally processing everything you’ve been through. I couldn’t have managed without my fellow NICU parents. Later, I attended NICU socials to share my daughter’s success with other families, knowing how meaningful it was to see others who had made it to the other side.
More than anything I would want to tell all of the parents starting their journey to give themselves grace. This is most likely the hardest thing you will ever go through, but like everything, it is temporary. You will count down the days until it is over, but that day will come!
Whatever it is that makes you have a sense of normalcy, remember that you take care of yourself as well.
-Rachel
Next Steps
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Connect with an OB or Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialist who delivers at Holy Cross. We’ll be ready to support you both.
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Whether you have a high-risk pregnancy or just want peace of mind, we offer prenatal consultations. Contact us to arrange a meeting.