NICU Success Stories

"When I found out William was going to be born earlier than expected, my heart just shattered. I didn't know what to expect. I didn't even want to think about what could happen. All I could think of is this baby boy is my life, and I would do anything and everything to help him. At 24 1/2 weeks and weighing in at 1 pound 1 ounce, our little bundle of joy turned our world upside-side down. I could not image what we were about to go through for the next six months. And if it wasn't for the wonderful doctors and NICU nurses at North Central Baptist, I don't think I would be here right now to tell you our story.  The first few months were pretty scary. If you could ask anyone, they will tell you that The Johnson's were there everyday to visit with their son 'Lil Bill'. And being there everyday meant getting to know everyone else that was going to be caring for him. I needed to know that he was fine and they were going to take care of him as if I was doing it myself. I know some of the nurses probably thought we were a pain, but this was new to us. We didn't know what some of the machines did, what the alarms meant, what a 'code blue' was? And all of this we experienced.  I saw was this tiny baby (whom we have yet to hold, or touch), with wires and hoses stuck on and in his body. And I was nervous to ask what was going on because I felt a little intimidated. I didn't know what to ask or what not to ask. All I wanted to know, is he going to be okay? Am I ever going to take him home?  From PDA and laser eye surgery to liver complications, I can honestly say that North Central Baptist has a great team of doctors, nurses, and therapists.  Today he is a happy and healthy little boy who just celebrated his 1st birthday on Easter Sunday.  Thank you to everyone!! You played a big part in my son's life and offering your support was a huge help for us as well.

Bill, Linda and Lil Bill Johnson

"I recently found out about the NICU blog and wanted to take the time to thank the NICU staff for the wonderful, compassionate care they provide.  My twins, Hudson and Garrett, spend 30 days in the NICU in July of 2006.  Those 30 days were some of the hardest and most wonderful days of my life.  I was often scared but felt that the nurses were taking care of mine and my husband's emotional needs as much as the physical needs of my children.  I never wanted to return to the NICU as a mother of a patient.  In December of 2008 our son, Nolan was born early and spent a week in the NICU.  Our experience was much the same as with the twins; full of compassion and warmth.  However, this time we were much more knowledgeable about what was going on and we were grateful that the nurses allowed us to be so involved in Nolan's care.  We attended the NICU Reunion and were so excited to see the nurses.  They seemed genuinely happy to see Hudson, Garrett and Nolan.  It was a great time to reflect on how far we had come.  All of my boys are healthy and happy.  I send my greatest appreciation to the staff of the NICU."  ---Ariel Brooks-Stevens

"For all the NICU nurses and doctors: Thank you for the outstanding care given to our firstborn son while he spent his first days in your care. We can't thank you enough for everything you did for him."

"I'd like to thank you for the wonderful care my baby and I received in your facility. His physical needs were well taken care of, which is obviously paramount but almost as importantly my husband and I were also looked out for. The time everyone took to answer our questions and to listen was greatly appreciated. thank you for understanding that my nervous chatter helped me cope. You are all an amazing group of people doing very special work. God Bless!"

"Words cannot express how thankful we are for you all! We have been blessed by your kindness and care. You don't just do your job, you show these babies love and compassion! My child could not have been in better hands! You are all so special to us, and we are forever grateful!"

"Thank you for all of y'all's patience with our never-ending questions! We love and respect y'all deeply. It is because of you guys our son has gotten this far. Y'all have taught us what we need to have [him] home with confidence."

"Thank you all for the 14 weeks of caring for our boys. We have gotten so used to coming to see you, that we will miss everyone. Thank you for the special care given to all three of them. It takes an awesome group of people to do what you do with these tiny babies."

"Our family and I would like to thank all the nurses who watched over my twin boys and encouraged them to get stronger and better."

"Thank you so much for all the love and support you gave to our family. We wish we could thank each of you individually for all that you did. You truly made a tough situation much easier."

Physicians are members of the medical staff at one or more of Baptist Health System's affiliated hospitals. However, these physicians are independent contractors who are neither employees nor agents of those hospitals or of Baptist Health System and, as a result, none of these hospitals nor Baptist Health System is responsible for the acts of these physicians in their medical practices.