From the Blog
Pediatrix® Neonatology of New Mexico at Presbyterian Hospital in Albuquerque experienced a rare occurrence in 2023 when neonatal nurse practitioners (NNPs) Lisa Flowers and Sarah Turnbull found themselves switching roles – from caregivers to mothers – after each gave birth to micropreemies just two months apart. After lengthy stays in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), their babies recently celebrated their second birthdays and are thriving.
From NNPs to NICU Moms: Navigating a Difficult Journey
The transition from professional caregivers to NICU mothers was extremely challenging for both Lisa and Sarah. Stepping away from their clinical roles and embracing motherhood in the NICU environment was transformative, deepening their appreciation for the vital work their team performs. This experience also enhanced their ability to connect with the families they support, fostering greater empathy and understanding.
Jennifer Anderson, M.D., practice medical director, reflected on the profound impact of this experience: “It brought everything really close. It gave the team this heightened sense of the importance and the purpose of what we do.”
Lisa’s Story
Lisa gave birth to twins, Barrett and Tulsa, on May 22, 2023, at 25 weeks gestation, after Barrett developed Group B streptococcal sepsis. Barrett weighed one pound, nine ounces, and Tulsa weighed one pound, 11 ounces.
Barrett remained in the NICU for 119 days, while Tulsa stayed for 114 days. “Barrett was definitely my sicker of the two,” Lisa explained. “He was very ill, on a lot of ventilator and blood pressure support. Tulsa, unfortunately, just got carried around for the ride since she happened to be in the same womb, but she did well.”
Drawing from her nine years of NICU experience, Lisa found some comfort in understanding what a journey like this entails for micropreemies. “Of course, I’m terrified, probably even more so than a lay mom,” she admitted. “But having that knowledge of the people I knew would be taking care of the twins let me let go of having to medically care for them and just get to be their mom, which was so beneficial. That was the underlying peace of mind that I had in our whole entire stay.”
Lisa’s experience has significantly influenced her approach as an NNP. She now relates to families on a much deeper, parental level, having entrusted her own babies to the care of her colleagues. “I try to instill that in new parents in the first couple of days or in their prenatal consult – to take the medical part away and let us take care of that and just be moms and dads for their babies and love them and know that we will do the best thing that we can,” she said. “We are perfect examples that we give great care.”
Sarah’s Story
Sarah welcomed her daughter, Lola, on July 30, 2023, at 26 weeks gestation. Due to placental insufficiency and resulting growth restriction, Lola weighed only one pound, one ounce at birth.
Lola spent 121 days in the NICU. After being intubated at birth and extubated within 24 hours, Lola developed pneumonia and required reintubation, spending about six weeks on a ventilator.
Despite 19 years of NICU experience, Sarah found herself unprepared for the emotional challenges of being a NICU mother. “As much as I thought I understood, it was so much harder,” she shared. “When Lola was really sick and not doing well, I couldn’t use my mom brain because I couldn’t handle that fear. I just struggled with how scary it was and the thought of losing her. So, I turned my NP brain on, and I could talk with them about different things that we could try.”
Sarah’s experience has changed her approach to consulting with expectant mothers. Her consultations now last twice as long, as she shares her journey and offers hope. “I feel like I can connect on a level I never could before,” Sarah said. “I’ve always tried to have some empathy but it’s on a different level now.”
A Lifelong Bond and Unforgettable Support
Reflecting on their parallel experiences, Lisa and Sarah are grateful for the support they received from their team and from each other. “I definitely would not have gotten through it without my entire team,” Sarah emphasized. “I knew that we did a good job, but I was blown away at the love and care everyone put in. It was so overwhelming how much everyone truly put every single piece of their heart in to caring for my daughter and how I felt that every single day.”
Sarah was present for Lisa’s delivery and helped care for the twins. “I remember when Barrett and Tulsa were born, she had taken pictures of them for me,” Lisa said. In return, she photographed Lola’s first moments in the NICU for Sarah, mirroring the support she had received. “I was in the NICU admission nursery taking pictures of Lola while they were resuscitating her. I felt like that was meaningful for me to be able to do that for her like she had done for me,” Lisa recalled.
Sarah leaned on Lisa for guidance, especially since Lisa’s twins were born first. “Lisa was such a huge support because her babies were born ahead of mine, so she had already started the journey. She was so helpful in my figuring out the beginning of things. I am forever grateful for her and everyone else.”
Their shared experiences have created a strong bond. “We’ve stayed close since and continue trying to get the kids together for a playdate,” Sarah said. “That connection is just so invaluable; she’s been a huge help getting me through everything and supporting me as a parent.”
Gratitude for Leadership and Teamwork
Both Lisa and Sarah expressed deep gratitude for Dr. Anderson’s leadership. “It was super reassuring on my end because I knew how talented, qualified and caring she is,” Lisa said. “She was really good about knowing that I needed that balance of talking to me like an NP when she needed to and like a mom when she needed to,” Sarah added.
Dr. Anderson considered the experience both challenging and deeply meaningful: “It was super challenging but also an incredible honor to be entrusted with the care of three very, very sick babies. Our group is very close knit. We’ve all been there for many years, so we know each other well personally and professionally. To be put in this situation where, as a physician or nurse practitioner, you’re caring for one of your own – it just ups the ante.”
Celebrating Milestones and Lasting Connections
Lisa and Sarah continue to express their gratitude by bringing Barrett, Tulsa and Lola back to the NICU each year on their birthdays to share treats with the staff. “We wouldn’t have these birthdays without them,” Sarah said.
“When they bring those babies into the unit, we all feel like they’re ours too because we took so much care of them,” Dr. Anderson shared. “We can’t believe how well they’re doing. We’re so proud of the job we did, and I just feel like we’re a part of their story forever. It’s so special.”
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