When Angela and Michael Bakker received wonderful news that they were expecting a baby girl, they couldn’t describe their happiness and excitement.
Raising a child together and making thousands of memories as a family is all the couple ever wished for.
However, Angela had to give birth weeks earlier than a normal pregnancy. She only carried her baby girl for 25 weeks, and the chance of their child, Naomi Joy, surviving was very low. The couple stayed strong, and her baby was delivered successfully.
The staff at the Renown Regional Medical Center Neonatal Intensive Care Unit did their best to make sure that their premature baby was growing in a safe environment. After two long weeks of waiting, Angela and Michael were finally able to hold their little angel.
One of the most important things that all babies should experience after birth is skin-to-skin contact. But in Naomi’s case, she had to stay in a plastic NICU bubble for two weeks.
The skin-to-skin contact necessary after childbirth is known as kangaroo care. It is believed to assist in the growth and development of preemie babies. This is the reason why the staff decided to take Naomi out of her safety and let her parents hold her.
Although Naomi was less than one pound when she was born, they believed she was in good condition enough to be held. Then, eight nurses assisted the transfer of the baby from the bubble to her mother’s chest.
When her baby girl was finally placed on her chest, Angela’s expression was pure joy. Her smile was wide, and her eyes were gleaming with delight. After two weeks, Angela and Michael were able to hold their angel every day during her stay in the hospital. Naomi had to be at the facility for 128 days more.
Thanks to her parents’ positivity and the constant care of NICU staff, Naomi is now a happy, healthy little girl! Watch the video below to see Angela’s first time to hold her baby girl.
What are your thoughts on this inspiring post? Let us know in the comments section below!