By Nicole Benbow
Grand River’s neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) played a big role in both of our sons’ early days.
In July 2013, Elijah surprised us and was born at 30 weeks gestation. I delivered at Grand River Hospital. After he was born, Elijah went straight into the NICU.
Babies born at 30 weeks often need to go to other children’s hospitals. GRH’s NICU provided Elijah with a very high level of care so he could stay in the community.
Our six week stay was much longer than most infants. So we became very close to NICU staff along the way.
Two years later, our youngest son Asher entered the world seven weeks premature. His stay in GRH’s NICU was more within our comfort zone. The care providers recognized us, and helped make our second stay comfortable as well under the circumstances.
We were also very happy that Elijah could visit his baby brother in the NICU. The nurses were thrilled to see Elijah again.
Today, we have two happy, healthy boys in our life. We appreciate all the care and attention that Grand River’s NICU providers provided to Elijah and Asher right here in our community.
Susan Rogers: your breathing, her care
Dr. Denise Wren: passionate about high quality care and medical leadership
Noor Jaffar: volunteering to connect with patients through their recovery