The Owensboro Health Regional Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) has provided care to more than 3,000 newborns since it opened in 2010. Nearly 300 of those former NICU families attended a NICU reunion on Sunday in a celebration full of smiles and gratitude.
The hospital hosted its first NICU reunion in 2014, bringing it back annually until COVID-19 forced the program to go on hiatus from 2019-2023.
Dr. Bridget Burshears, a neonatologist at Owensboro Health, was delighted to bring the reunion back this year, emphasizing that it is a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with all the little lives they have had the privilege of witnessing come into this world.
“We have dearly missed having the reunion. It is truly our favorite day of the year. We love seeing how our patients have grown and thrived after graduating from the NICU and reuniting with their families,” she said.
The reunion was themed “Camp NICU,” andaternity services staff were excited to play camp counselors for the day as patients and their families were welcomed back for a celebration.
“We really create relationships with the families that come through our NICU,” Burshears said. “When we get to see those families again it’s fantastic. It fulfills us seeing all the children again. It really carries us through the year and reminds us why we do what we do.”
The OH NICU consists of 20 bays. While there have been instances where 19 of the bays have been occupied, the average number of babies in the NICU typically hovers around 10. Most patients stay between 10 and 12 days.
Most NICU patients come from Daviess County and the surrounding area. As a Level III unit, the NICU is equipped to provide specialized care for babies born as early as 27 weeks, compared to the typical 40 weeks for normal birth.
Infants in the OH NICU may receive special medications and help breathing. According to the unit’s website, the newborn “will stay warm and comfortable in a Giraffe OmniBed, which simulates the womb environment. Our NICU uses soft lighting and minimizes noise so your little one can get the sleep they need for healthy development.”
The NICU website also says the newborn will stay in a private room with space for the mother and her partner to relax, sleep, and practice Kangaroo Care (skin-to-skin cuddling).
“You’ll observe and learn from nurses as they tend to your infant,” the website says. “And your loved ones will appreciate our Hospitality Suites for overnight stays, as well as our comfortable family lounge.”
Burshears said the staff and environment are dedicated to making the families as comfortable as possible during what can be a stressful time in their lives.
“Nobody wants to there,” she said. “But if you have to be, we have the best staff, the most amazing nurses taking care of these babies.”
Learn more about the OH NICU and their providers here.
