Ivy & The NICU
On September 11, 2023, at 37 weeks, my daughter Ivy Irene entered the world. She was born with Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome) and a congenital heart defect known as an Atrioventricular Septal Defect (AVSD). At just ten days old, her care team uncovered an additional challenge: Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) — a rare and complex heart condition caused by a combination of four defects.
Ivy spent the first seven weeks of her life in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Woman’s Hospital in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. During that time, her tiny body fought hard, supported by: oxygen therapy, phototherapy, cardiac monitoring, and feeding and nutritional support.
Every intervention was aimed at helping her grow stronger, preparing her for the road ahead.
On October 12, 2023, Ivy underwent her first surgery: the placement of a gastrostomy tube (G-Tube) to support her heart and nutritional needs. She came through bravely, but soon after developed Stage 1 Necrotizing Enterocolitis — a serious intestinal condition. By God’s grace and the expertise of her care team, Ivy responded well to treatment and recovered within two weeks.
Finally, on October 27, 2023, after 46 days in the NICU, Ivy was discharged home. She left the hospital happy, healthy, and breathing on her own - with her bright spirit shining through, surrounded by love and joy.