The Incubator #249 - 👶 The NICU is not just for preemies | Adriane's journey with her daughter born with CCAM/CPAM
In this episode of Beyond The Beeps, host Leah Jayanetti speaks with Adriane Rodriguez, a mother whose daughter, Viviana, was born with Congenital Pulmonary Airway Malformation (CPAM), a rare lung condition. Adriane shares the emotional journey of discovering Viviana's condition during pregnancy, navigating complex medical decisions, and spending months in and out of hospitals, including time at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Adriane recounts the difficult decisions they faced, including the possibility of fetal surgery and the uncertainty about Viviana's ability to survive outside the womb. Viviana's eventual birth was a moment of triumph as she defied expectations, breathing on her own and crying—a miracle after months of anxiety. Adriane discusses the challenges of NICU life, from not being able to hold her daughter to managing Viviana's recovery after surgery. She also reflects on the importance of hope, resilience, and self-care for parents in the NICU, urging them to lean on their support systems. Viviana is now a thriving nine-year-old, embodying the strength and determination she displayed from the moment she was born. This heartfelt episode provides hope and comfort to parents facing similar journeys.
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Enjoy!