New NICU Graduate Board Provides a Special Way for Families to Mark Milestones

There were no caps or gowns, but that took nothing away from the accomplishments of twin babies Allie and Sophie Messier when their discharge from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit(NICU) at the Oshawa Hospital was proudly marked on the unit’s new ‘graduate board.’  

Funded by the Lakeridge Health Foundation, the graduate board provides a special way for families to mark their infant’s discharge from the NICU. Families can have their photo taken alongside the board, which includes information about the baby, including birthday, weight, gestational age, days in the NICU, and the date they went home.  

Allie and Sophie were born via emergency Caesarian-section(C-section) on February 10, 2023. While Allie was born healthy, albeit underweight, she was admitted to the NICU for additional follow-up care. Sophie was delivered in her amniotic sack, which meant that she had fluid in her lungs and needed oxygen. As a result, Sophie was immediately admitted to the NICU.   

“The wires and the machines were hard to see,” explained their mother, Amanda Mackenzie, reflecting on the most difficult part of having the twins in the NICU. “Not being able to see them all the time was tough too.” 

After 10 days in the NICU, Allie and Sophie celebrated their special ‘graduation,’ and were able to go home.  

Despite the challenges of having two newborns in critical care, Amanda has nothing but positive feedback for the Lakeridge Health team.  

“They’ve just been awesome,” explained Amanda, who also has two older daughters at home. “The team has been so helpful, especially during the C-section because I’ve never had one before. They also helped with the feeds at night so I could get some sleep.” 

As for post-graduation plans? Amanda is keeping it simple.  

“I can’t wait for Allie and Sophie to meet their big sisters,” said Amanda, with a big smile on her face.