Nutrition was also central to Havana鈥檚 progress. She was born at just 3 pounds 10 ounces and received breastmilk supplemented with Similac fortifier during her NICU stay to help her gain weight. At home, Julia continued to breastfeed Havana until she couldn鈥檛 produce any more milk. 鈥淚 felt disappointment that my body was no longer making the amount of milk Havana needed, but I researched so much about formula, and we tried a few that were marketed as the closest formulas to breast milk,鈥 Julia says.
The only formula that helped Havana grow, while also not affecting her belly, was Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive. Julia was thrilled, 鈥渋t was like a full circle moment. She started on Similac fortifier in the NICU and was able to continue to thrive with Similac formula at home.鈥
Throughout Havana鈥檚 stay, small milestones brought moments of hope: the day she breathed more easily, the first time she passed her car seat test, and finally, the day she was cleared to go home on July 7, 2024, after 76 days in the NICU.
The bond between Julia and the NICU staff also played a key role in Havana鈥檚 journey. The nurses became extended family by caring for Havana with deep compassion and celebrating her small victories. One nurse even made a special sign for Havana鈥檚 one-month birthday. 鈥淭hey were there every step of the way,鈥 Julia says. 鈥淭hey helped her grow and thrive.鈥
During those two months, Julia stayed connected to her daughter in every way possible. She memorized the NICU鈥檚 phone number and called daily for updates. She found comfort in a hospital app that allowed nurses to send photos throughout the day and cherished small moments of reassurance that meant the world.
Today, Havana is 15 months old and weighs over 20 pounds. She is healthy, thriving, and full of life 鈥 a living testament to strength, perseverance, and the life-saving power of modern neonatal care.
To other parents just entering the NICU journey, Julia offers this message: 鈥淚t will get better. The days may feel like years, but there will come a time when the NICU feels like a lifetime ago. And it鈥檚 the very place that gave my daughter the chance to flourish.鈥
She also hopes people understand that it鈥檚 normal to grieve the birth experience they didn鈥檛 get to have. 鈥淭he NICU is not the story anyone dreams of,鈥 she says. 鈥淏ut it gave me the strongest, feistiest little girl I know.
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