Becoming a parent is a big change for anyone, but for some parents, the journey begins with their newborn spending time in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Whether due to prematurity or birth complications, some babies must remain in the NICU for anywhere from a few days to several months. During this time, their vital signs are closely monitored, and incubators help regulate temperature, oxygen levels, and humidity.
Ed Andretti, a new dad, recently welcomed his daughter, Cathara, who was born three months early and is currently in the NICU. However, it's his heartwarming and motivational speech to his little girl through the incubator that has captured the hearts of many.
In the video, Ed lovingly speaks to Cathara, saying, “You hear that beeping? That's you. You're breathing so well that the machine is like, ‘yo, take this baby down on oxygen.' That’s you. You’re doing great.” He continues, “You're amazing. You're wonderful. Your lungs are expanding.”
As a first-time father, Ed is proving to be his daughter's biggest supporter. In the caption, he shares that Cathara is gaining weight, her lungs are growing stronger, and she’s starting to make more sounds. He also offers words of encouragement to other parents who may be going through similar NICU experiences.
“NICU life is a lifestyle you can’t really prepare for; you just have to stay present,” Ed writes. “Sending my love to all the NICU parents going through this. Be strong and have faith.”
The video resonated with NICU parents, doctors, and nurses alike, with many sharing their thoughts on the reposted video on The NICU Doc’s page.
“As a father of a NICU baby, this is the right attitude,” one commenter writes. “Almost every doctor and nurse told us that the more involved, positive, and encouraging the parents are, the better the babies do. They feel it and hear it, even without touch.”
Another NICU parent adds, “Yes, yes!! Micro preemie NICU survivor mommy here. I always tell parents now, ‘SPEAK LIFE! No matter what you see!' My daughter is 15 now.”
Ed's video has inspired countless others, and it seems his encouragement is making a difference. Since posting, Cathara has been moved from her incubator to a crib and is nearly 4 pounds. With all of Ed's motivational talks, it seems like she’s on the path to a bright future.
Watch the heartwarming video below:
https://www.instagram.com/eddayogi/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=01ec6bca-efb6-426b-bbb9-86be8897a9f9