In honor of World Prematurity Day and Prematurity Awareness Month, we celebrate all the amazing preemie Tiny Heroes and their strong families! Prematurity within the CDH community is not uncommon - you are not alone, and there is always hope out there. Although they may be tiny, they are some of the mightiest fighters! 

I’ve put together two lists of what to pack for the NICU. One list is the essentials for mom and dad, and the other list is for things that can help you make the very sterile medical environment a little homier and more personalized—ways to celebrate your little warrior.

While it might not come as naturally in a hospital setting, it is definitely possible to have a beautiful relationship with your CDH baby while they are in the NICU.

We knew we would be looking at an extended NICU stay with our CDH baby. What we didn’t know is that we would spend 323 days in a hospital 623 miles away from our home. While this time was unexpected and quite possibly the hardest thing we’ve been through, we found ways each day to make the best of a tough situation.

I would never wish a CDH journey on anyone, but I'm so grateful for who our family has become because of it.

Our hearts go out to all CDH families everywhere- we are all victims and survivors in one way or another, and the heavens are filled with too many CDH babies who left this life too quickly. We know God’s hand is in the details of our lives, and praise Him for guiding our every step in this journey.