Mother’s Day in the NICU

If you’ve followed me and my photography for a while, you know that volunteering in the NICU at Saint Luke’s on the Plaza is a passion of mine. Starting in the fall of 2015 I began going in, with the coordinating help of the March of Dimes, to offer free photo sessions to families there.

I’m a NICU mama myself, as my triplets spent 17, 18, and 20 days in the NICU way back in 2007. I know what it’s like to attempt to take photos in a poorly lit room, often through plexiglass incubators. Now that I have expert photography skills and the gear to match it, it has become such a honor and joy to give families the pictures we all wish to have! I was back again this week, for our annual Mother’s Day sessions.

Now a special word to you fellow NICU mamas…

As you face celebrating Mother’s Day with your newest family member(s) in the NICU, may your heart be warmed by each milestone your baby hits, each moment of snuggles and Kangaroo Care you experience, the quiet moments of simply staring at your baby through those little port holes on the incubator, and while crossing your fingers during the carseat test.

This season will pass, I promise.

Pretty soon you’ll pull out that tiny preemie outfit that your baby is swimming in now, and you’ll say to yourself “how on earth did you ever fit into this?!“.

Take some time to care for yourself, both now and after you get that precious baby home with you. YOU are so important!

Take things one hour and day at a time right now… it’s good practice for when your baby is a toddler and then a teenager, and you’ll want to do the same {wink}.

Happy Mother’s Day!