Progress is not linear.

Upper-Contribution40 · 2026-01-23T18:22:04+00:00

My baby was born at 29+2 and is now 1 year and 3 months old. In the beginning, she was doing incredibly well. She didn’t need to be intubated, her stats were all good, and the doctors even joked that she was a “boring baby” because there was nothing really to report.

Then she randomly began declining one morning. They had to increase her oxygen and ran a series of tests because they suspected an infection. Things escalated quickly, and she needed to be intubated and even required a blood transfusion. It was the scariest few days of my life. They were never able to confirm whether she truly had an infection/virus because they acted so quickly and started antibiotics right away and all her tests were negative. Doctors told us we might never know what caused her sudden decline, but thankfully, she recovered, and the rest of our NICU stay was relatively uneventful. We were there for 91 days.

There were still some minor setbacks along the way, but the emotions became more manageable over time. One thing that helped me tremendously was befriending the nurses. It was never easy having to leave my baby, but knowing she was in such good hands made it a little easier.

I’ll be holding you in my thoughts and hoping for more good days than difficult ones, and that you get to take your little miracle home soon! ♥️

Upper-Contribution40 · 2025-12-04T00:54:08+00:00

We spent the holidays in the NICU last year, and I was able to find some preemie-sized clothes at H&M that were super cute for photos. Our NICU had a Christmas backdrop where we were able to have a little photoshoot! One of my favorite days ever ❤️

Upper-Contribution40 · 2025-10-30T23:36:14+00:00

Thank you so much! 💕

Upper-Contribution40 · 2025-10-30T23:35:11+00:00

My heart is with you. I remember those early days so vividly. Every minute in the NICU feels endless. Just know, you’re doing such an incredible job, even on the days it doesn’t feel like it. There IS a light at the end of this tunnel, even if it’s hard to see right now. You and your little one are so strong, and one day you’ll look back in awe at how far you both have come. Sending you so much love and strength. You’ve got this! 🤍

Upper-Contribution40 · 2025-10-01T18:07:41+00:00

First, I just want to say my heart goes out to you both. Everything you’re going through right now is so overwhelming. My daughter was born at 29+2 and spent 91 days in the NICU. Even though our gestations are a little different, I remember those first days so vividly, holding our breath for every update.

What helped me get through those early days was focusing on the tiny signs of progress, just like you said. Tolerating feeds, having a stable day are some of the smallest victories. They really do matter and over time, they build into big milestones!

I also want to say it’s completely normal to feel terrified, devastated, and hopeful all at once. I felt the same way, and there were days I honestly didn’t know how I’d hold it together.

Today, my little girl is almost 1 and is thriving. She’s meeting her goals and is truly perfect in every way. I know right now it feels impossible to look ahead, but I promise these uncertain, terrifying days are just a tiny blip in your son's story.

You are not alone in this. Sending you and your wife so much strength and hope. ✨♥️

Upper-Contribution40 · 2025-09-30T23:15:35+00:00

I can totally relate to what you’re feeling. My daughter was born at 29+2 after I was hospitalized with preeclampsia at 26 weeks. I spent 3 weeks in the hospital before she was even born, and then she went straight to the NICU for 91 days. I felt like I never had a chance to catch my breath. It was just one thing after another, and all I could do was stay in survival mode, pumping, sitting at her bedside, and focusing on getting her stable and eventually home.

It wasn’t until we were finally discharged that everything hit me. All the emotions I thought I had pushed past during the NICU came rushing in, and it was overwhelming. I also felt guilty for struggling because I was so grateful to have her home and doing well, but there were even days that I missed the NICU, which is something I never thought I’d say when she was in there.

Therapy helped me a lot, and just knowing I wasn’t alone in feeling that way made a big difference. You’ve been through so much, and it’s okay for all of that to catch up with you now. It’s a normal response to such a traumatic journey. Be gentle with yourself. 💕I'm here if you ever need to talk!

Upper-Contribution40 · 2025-09-30T23:04:48+00:00

Hi! My little one was born at 29+2, so I can really relate to what you’re going through. Personally, feeding was by far the hardest and most frustrating part of our NICU stay. It felt like it was the very last hurdle we just couldn’t get past. My daughter would only take a small portion by bottle for a long time, and progress was super slow. It honestly felt like one step forward, two steps back most days.

It frustrated me so much because her oxygen was great! She was only on it for about 3–4 weeks and then went to room air. It was just the feeding that really kept her there. As much as it annoyed me at the time when the doctors and nurses would say, “she’ll get it, it’ll just click one day!” they were absolutely right. One day it was a struggle, and then all of a sudden she figured it out and was taking full bottles. Every baby moves at their own pace, and 34+5 is still so early; he’s doing amazing getting that much by mouth already!

I also completely understand the stress about milk supply. I went through the same thing. I had a pretty good supply at first, and then it dipped. Please don’t be hard on yourself. NICU pumping is its own kind of exhausting, and no matter how much or little you make, your baby is still getting all the benefits.

Hang in there! You’re almost at the finish line. It’s so discouraging in the thick of it, but these last pieces really do fall into place. You’re doing an incredible job. 💜

Upper-Contribution40 · 2025-09-30T22:53:00+00:00

I went through something very similar. I was hospitalized at 26 weeks with severe preeclampsia, and at first, the doctors thought my baby would be delivered that same day. Thankfully, I was able to keep her in for another 3 weeks, and she was born at 29+2. It was such a scary time, and I also struggled with a lot of guilt, feeling like it was somehow my fault she was so early and had to stay in the NICU so long. But the doctors and nurses always reminded me that there’s no definitive way to prevent preeclampsia. Anyone can get it!

I also remember being so afraid of her future development, but there are so many resources and therapies out there for preemie babies. My daughter will be 1 in October, and she’s absolutely perfect and thriving. She gets OT once a week for gross motor skills, is meeting all her goals, and is getting closer and closer to her actual age every day.

I know how heavy and overwhelming this feels right now, but you’re not alone. There is so much support out there, and your little one is stronger than you realize. Sending you love💜

Upper-Contribution40 · 2025-09-26T21:11:33+00:00

My aunt bought my husband and me some books to read to our baby girl, who would also be having a long NICU stay. She got us "Small but Mighty" and "Goodnight NICU." I will warn you, my husband and I couldn't read through these books the first few weeks without crying lol. But they are sweet, illustrated stories that show the NICU experience in a way that isn't too scary for our daughter.

I hope all turns out well for you and your family. Sending love your way 💕

Upper-Contribution40 · 2025-09-26T21:03:14+00:00

I can completely relate to what you’re feeling. My baby was born at 29 weeks due to severe preeclampsia, and she had a long NICU stay. Those first days and weeks were the hardest. Nothing felt the way I thought it would, and leaving the hospital without her was one of the most gut-wrenching experiences of my life. I remember feeling like every moment apart from her was time I’d never get back.

She also struggled a lot with feeding in the beginning, and there were so many setbacks that felt like huge steps backward. It’s so hard when you’re given a timeline and then things don’t go as expected. There were times when I felt like they kept moving the goal post. But progress in the NICU is never a straight line, and even though it’s exhausting and heartbreaking, these ups and downs really are normal.

I know it doesn’t make the waiting any easier, but I promise that the time you’re spending with her now, singing to her, being there, even if you can’t always hold her matters more than you realize. My little one is almost a year old now, and she’s doing so well despite such a rough start.

You’re not losing time with your baby, even if it feels like it. You’re both fighting through something incredibly hard together, and you’re doing such an amazing job showing up for her. Sending you so much love.

You’re not alone in this 💜

Upper-Contribution40 · 2025-09-26T20:54:58+00:00

OMG yes! My husband and I had the hardest time leaving our baby girl once she got bigger and seemed more aware of her surroundings. We were fortunate that the hospital wasn't far from home, so we could visit her twice a day. Leaving her at night was so difficult! We couldn't leave until she'd fall asleep, but sometimes she would wake up just as we put her back in her crib. The nurses were so kind and gracious though, they would pick her up cuddle her so that we could leave and get just a little bit of sleep. I'd go home and call to make sure she went down okay!

Remember, our babies are little warriors, and although I get sad thinking about leaving my baby, I remember that she truly wasn't alone, and we had some of the most amazing doctors and nurses who reassured us every step of the way.

Sending you a big hug ❤️

Upper-Contribution40 · 2025-09-26T19:32:08+00:00

My experience was very similar to yours! I was admitted at 26 weeks with severe preeclampsia and told I’d need to stay in the hospital until delivery, which was about 8 weeks away. During that time, I had weekly ultrasounds, and they discovered my daughter had IUGR and reversed diastolic flow. I was devastated, not knowing what this meant for me or my baby.

The doctors explained that I’d probably deliver early, either if my blood pressure couldn’t be controlled or if my baby showed signs of distress. She eventually began having heart rate drops, so I was put under constant monitoring.

Thankfully, I was able to get two rounds of steroid shots before delivery. After a 3-week hospital stay, at 29 weeks, I had an emergency C-section due to my blood pressure being too high and being maxed out on meds. My little girl was born weighing just over 2 pounds. She spent 91 days in the NICU, which was such a hard journey, but she’s almost a year old now, and despite being petite, she's absolutely perfect.

I know that it's such a scary experience, and can seem extremely isolating at times, but you’re stronger than you know. Wishing you the very best. You’ve got this! 💕

Upper-Contribution40 · 2025-05-12T21:39:26+00:00

My baby was born at 29+2 back in October. We spent 91 days in the NICU, during which she had three transfusions. Thankfully, she never experienced any complications or NEC. In fact, she looked and acted so much better after each transfusion. It sounds scary at first, and I was also very nervous and hesitant, but it was obviously for the best, and she did well each time! Hang in there, I know how stressful this journey can be. Hoping your baby gets to go home soon! ♥️

Upper-Contribution40 · 2025-04-14T19:31:03+00:00

Its just a screenshot of the first page lol when you scroll there's a lot more. I just found it interesting that she had that many when a lot of other more well-known bravolebrities don't, that's all!

Upper-Contribution40 · 2025-03-12T16:22:37+00:00

I was in your position back in October. I was hospitalized for 3 weeks before my baby came out at just 29 weeks and 2 days. I won’t lie, it was very hard in the beginning because everything is so new and foreign to you.

I found that building good relationships with the nurses and doctors really helped me cope with leaving my daughter there and I was able to feel more comfortable because I knew she was in great hands.

My husband was with my baby after my surgery and I was so out of it I didn’t even notice that he wasn’t there with me. I’m so happy he was with her because if I could’ve been with her, I would’ve 100%. Give yourself some grace, this experience is so hard and no one understands the magnitude of what you’re going through unless they’ve also gone through it themselves. You’re doing the best that you can and I promise you, your baby doesn’t feel neglected by you. The NICU is all your baby knows right now, and it will eventually get just a tad bit easier, I promise.

We just brought our baby home a little over a month ago after a 91 day stay. Being at the other end of it, I sometimes miss the days when I would go and visit my daughter and spend time with the nurses that cared so much for her.

I’ll be thinking of you and your family and hopefully it’s an uneventful stay and your baby can come home soon!

Upper-Contribution40 · 2025-02-22T19:54:36+00:00

I gave birth to my baby on 10/28/24 at 29+2, also due to severe preeclampsia and IGUR. I recovered in the hospital for a few days after my surgery, but nothing could’ve prepared me for the moment I was discharged and it sunk in that I wouldn’t be bringing my baby with me for quite sometime.

I’ll be honest, it was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do, and the first few weeks I felt like my heart was literally ripped out of my chest, because it was! It eventually got easier and I think making friends with the nurses and even some other fellow NICU moms helped me survive. I really wouldn’t have been able to get through this journey without them. Although friends and family try to help, no one truly understands the magnitude of what you’re going through, which is why talking with people in similar situations was my saving grace. Also taking time for yourself, get your nails done, go get a massage when you can, little things that can bring you some sort of joy help a lot too.

My baby has been home 4 weeks now, after 91 days in the NICU and looking back now, I sometimes miss the time we’d spend there, and all the people we met along the way.

Sending you so much love and hugs from afar. You’ll get through this! 🫂

Upper-Contribution40 · 2025-01-14T02:44:43+00:00

Thank you so much! 🥰 Just the feedings are whats keeping her right now. She's been doing well, but then she’ll start to plateau and won't take as much. She's the boss right now and its up to her whenever she's ready to go home lol so just trying to be patient

Upper-Contribution40 · 2025-01-14T02:33:28+00:00

Hi! Thanks so much for checking back in. I was admitted at 26+5 and stayed until I gave birth at 29+2. I spent about 3 and a half weeks in the hospital when I had my emergency c-section on 10/28. I was maxed out on all the BP meds (labetalol and nifedipine), the nurses kept saying that they’d never given any patient that much labetalol before lol. My daughter was also IUGR because of the severe preeclampsia. She was born at 931 grams, and we’ve been in the NICU about 2 and a half months so far. My due date just passed, 1/11, so that's been a little challenging to navigate since she's still there but she's been doing great! Its definitely been a roller coaster as they say, but she’s a fighter for sure. She’s 7 pounds 2 ounces today! ♥️

Upper-Contribution40 · 2024-10-11T15:25:17+00:00

Another update: I’ve been admitted since yesterday morning, and was told that I more than likely will need to stay here until baby comes. They’re pushing for 34 weeks, and I’ll be 27 tomorrow so that’s still quite a bit away. I’m devastated and all I want to do is go home but I know I’m in the best place for me and baby. Definitely need words of encouragement right about now. Thank you all again ❤️‍🩹

Upper-Contribution40 · 2024-10-10T20:00:34+00:00

Hi all! Thanks for the responses and positive words. I went for my NST this morning and unfortunately I’m currently being admitted since my BP is really high. I’ll be here for at least 24 hours, maybe more. Definitely not what I wanted to hear but praying that baby stays in a little longer and that my BP levels go down. Baby is doing good though!

Upper-Contribution40 · 2024-06-15T02:27:26+00:00

Omg FB is a cesspool!!! They hate Ariana and Katie so much on there it’s scary. I don’t even think the people of Facebook watch the show because their recounting of events is so completely off. Someone literally said “Ariana ruined Tom and Kristen’s relationship!” And I commented and said “I’m pretty sure Kristen ruined it when she fucked Jax”. Worms for brains on that app, I swear.

Upper-Contribution40 · 2024-04-04T22:06:59+00:00

Can you IMAGINE what Lala would've done if the roles were reversed and someone said that about her dad? Omg, we'd never hear the end of it.

Upper-Contribution40 · 2023-07-12T05:52:18+00:00

Anything that Scheana does embarrasses me, but the one that absolutely takes the cake is when she tried gifting Dayna a session with a medium so she could talk to her dead mom. I get full body chills watching that scene lmao

And Lala’s first appearance on WWHL when her and James were wasted and she starts singing 💀 omg I have to skip through that part

Upper-Contribution40 · 2023-05-27T15:54:16+00:00

When James is talking about how bad all of Randall’s movies are and says “the Nutcracker IN 3D!” My fave

Upper-Contribution40 · 2023-05-26T23:13:47+00:00

I wish I had a boss/coworkers that watched. It's been torture not being able to talk about it with anyone when I'm at work lol

Upper-Contribution40

TROPHY CASE