Brittany’s NICU Story

Rounding with Patients: Brittany and Graham’s Story

When Brittany found out she was pregnant with her third child, she looked forward to her family getting bigger. Yet, she never imagined the unexpected ways in which this addition would change and enrich their lives forever.

Hear Brittany’s courageous story of hope in the St. Elizabeth Edgewood NICU and read on for a look into her unwavering strength as a mother, the specialized care Graham received and the lifelong friendships she developed along the way.

Q: How did you find your way to St. Elizabeth Healthcare’s NICU?

Brittany’s path to the St. Elizabeth Edgewood Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) began unexpectedly during a routine doctor’s appointment when she felt something was wrong. “We had an ultrasound,” Brittany said, “and it was apparent there was no amniotic fluid.” She says the care team tried several interventions to prolong her pregnancy and delay labor — but she went into labor anyway.

At less than 24 weeks pregnant, Brittany delivered a baby boy, Graham, at the St. Elizabeth Family Birth Place. At only one pound, 9.9 ounces at birth, Graham went to the Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

Brittany remembers her first glimpse of Graham. “He looked like a gummy bear,” says Brittany. “He had a 10% chance of surviving. It was the most surreal experience of my life.”

Nurses in the NICU cared for Graham for four months. Brittany says it was an intense period, and Graham fought hard. Several months later, he was strong, healthy and ready to go home.

Q: As a mother, how did you navigate the challenges of having a baby in the NICU?

“I felt like my body had failed, and I didn’t understand why,” says Brittany. She describes the helplessness and confusion she felt while watching Graham grow during his first weeks of life. “Sometimes, I look at him and wonder why he had to come so early. Or why is it that some babies born at 23 weeks don’t seem to have major health issues, while he continued to fight hard every day just to be a healthy kid?”

Q: Why did you choose to deliver at St. Elizabeth Healthcare?

Brittany explains her plan all along was to give birth at St. Elizabeth Edgewood Hospital. “Graham has two older sisters who were delivered there. And I had firsthand knowledge of the exceptional care and support provided,” she says. “The girls are older, but those amazing experiences I had with my girls made me want the same for Graham. I knew the level of care they offered and knew what to expect. I was already super comfortable with the hospital, and my obstetrics group is amazing. So, I knew I was where I needed to be.”

Q: Can you share your thoughts about the nurses caring for your child?

“What do you say to people who save your child’s life and are still there for you?” jokes Brittany. “The relationships you build with this NICU team are different,” she says. “I don’t think I’ll ever be able to explain how I was made to feel somewhat normal in the most overwhelming and challenging situation I’ve ever faced.”

Although they were leaving behind the NICU, Brittany and Graham weren’t leaving behind a talented nurse who would become a lifelong friend and is now Graham’s godmother. Graham’s primary nurse, Madison Thiel, RN, agrees that the relationships built in the NICU are unique. “Graham is among the most amazing kids I’ve ever met,” she says. “I don’t know how, but we clicked right away. I would go home every night thinking about him. I just cared about him so much! I’m so fortunate to be part of his life today. “And I’m locked in because I’m his godmother now!”

“Madison is an amazing nurse, and our personalities aligned perfectly,” says Brittany. Graham’s dad and I talked about how if anything were to happen to us, who would we want to take care of Graham? Who shared our beliefs and values and would be an amazing role model? Maddie was exactly who we needed and wanted to be his godmother.”

Q: What advice would you offer mothers about to experience the NICU?

Brittany advises other moms facing the NICU journey to stay calm and patient. “The key is to breathe,” she says. “And give yourself grace. That’s one of the hardest things because falling into self-blame is easy. But you’ll also show up every day. And your presence and commitment are incredibly significant. Don’t compare your experience to others; every journey is unique and important.”

She also suggests letting go of expectations about how long your baby will be in the NICU. “Try not to attach a timeline to it. Our journey has spanned 11 months, and we’re still on a NICU journey. You can’t ever know how long your journey will be.”

Q: What is the most memorable part of your NICU experience that you want to share with others?

Brittany didn’t hesitate. “My experience with the NICU and the team felt like ‘Home,’” she says. “To me, it truly was a home.” Madison adds, “It was for quite a while!”

“Graham won’t remember many of the things he went through,” says Brittany. “But I will always make sure he knows about the people who took care of him. Because that’s part of his story.”