Tiny milestones, big victories: raising awareness of the NICU journey

Every day, Saskatchewan Health Authority Neonatal Intensive Care Unit teams provide specialized care and support to some of the province’s smallest patients and their families. The NICU teams ensure every baby gets the best possible opportunity for a healthy outcome.  

For one family, that care made all the difference.

Aniya was born at just 27 weeks and two days, weighing only two pounds, three ounces. During her 75-day stay in the NICU, her parents celebrated every milestone, no matter how small.

"In the NICU, the smallest things are celebrated," her mother shared. "A 10-gram weight gain, a small increase in feeds, holding her and breastfeeding for the first time all meant we were one step closer to bringing her home."

Throughout Aniya's journey, the family found comfort in the care and compassion of the NICU team.

"The nurses truly were the MVPs," she said. "They kept us informed, involved us in her care and made sure we knew she was in amazing hands."

For Lora Wilhelms, working in the NICU is both an honour and a privilege.

"Our team provides individualized care to every baby while supporting families through some of their toughest days," she said. "We want parents to know they are never walking this journey alone."

This NICU staff appreciation day, we recognize and thank the dedicated teams who help babies and families grow stronger together.