My family is certainly familiar with the walls of the NICU. My fourth child was expected to be born Jan 13 but instead made her appearance 8 weeks early. This pregnancy, my husband and I made it clear to the providers that should she come early like the first and third child who had to stay at a NICU in another city, we preferred baby to be sent to Aspirus Wausau. Living an hour North of Wausau, having three young children at home, I found myself always torn as to where I should be. With my previous births, I would sit in the NICU feeling alone and isolated and felt extremely helpless. I struggled badly with postpartum depression and anxiety. I felt defeated. Coming to the Aspirus NICU this time around, little did I know that it would change my life. And for the better. I was very scared going into the situation as my prior experiences with having preterm babies was not ideal.
M was my smallest and earliest baby, and this was a new NICU to our family, so we had no idea what to expect. My daughter, M, was taken on by two primary nurses within a couple days of being admitted. Jodi Sleznikow and Stephanie Tetzlaff would ask to be the primary nurses for M. These two are undoubtedly two of the greatest people I have ever encountered. The days spent in the NICU were pretty incredible. For the first time since having children, I didn't feel so alone and sad. These two built me up. They checked in on me, answered every question I had with such honesty and care, constantly had a smile on their faces, and read to my other children as I would feed my baby. These two advocated for my child better than I ever could. Despite how busy their days were, they were patient and always put my concerns at ease. These two went above and beyond what their job asks of them. They always knew what was best for M, and loved her like their own when I would venture home for the night. They truly didn't just care for my newborn daughter. They took care of me. My daughter's hospital room surely felt like "home" when I was there and those two were around. My baby was so fortunate for the love those two provided. I am beyond grateful for the care received. Not only for her but me too.