After 3 Months In The NICU, This Preemie Got A Surprise Homecoming

A Kentucky community came out in full force to support a local family whose daughter was born three months early. Nicole and Blaine Mike of Middlesboro tried to have a baby for 10 years. After unsuccessful fertility treatments, a failed adoption and a painful ectopic pregnancy, they welcomed their daughter, Meredith, on Oct. 24. But they faced another slew of challenges as the baby arrived before her due date and struggled to survive in the NICU. After three months at the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville, Meredith was finally able to go home. The Mikes made the 90-minute drive back to Middlesboro, where they were greeted with a special surprise.  The town organized a welcome home “parade” featuring almost 100 cars, pink fireworks, balloons and streamers throughout the town and two giant pink teddy bears on the Mikes’ front lawn.  The Mikes were floored. “We had heard that our community had planned a special homecoming, but we could have never prepared ourselves for such an overwhelming and heartwarming arrival!” Nicole told The Huffington Post. “We were beaming with pure joy and gratitude ― in addition to pride in being such a part of a wonderful town!” This day of joy came after many dark moments. Nicole’s water broke only 21 weeks into the pregnancy, and she was forced to go on bedrest. A month later, Meredith was born.  While in the NICU, Meredith faced pneumonia, lu...
Source: Healthy Living - The Huffington Post - Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news