Nicole's NICU Story

NICU Team Helps Mother Make her Dream a Reality

Nicole Fisher, NICU Mom & Patient, St. Mary's Medical Center

Like any young girl growing up, Nicole Fisher dreamt of one day having a fulfilling career, falling in love and being happily married with children. She graduated with her law degree, became an attorney and business owner, and met her husband. Then, at the age of 37, Nicole’s dream came true when she found out she was expecting triplets!

“We were so excited, but we also knew that the pregnancy would be very high risk,” she remembers. “I knew that my age was a risk factor.”

However, the Fisher family felt very fortunate to be so close to St. Mary’s Medical Center, which has a Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). This designation means that the hospital can provide the most extensive services to premature and at-risk babies.

Nicole was about 28 weeks pregnant when she went in for a routine appointment with her perinatologist, Dr. Marie Morel. Tests uncovered that her blood pressure was high and one of the babies was experiencing umbilical cord flow abnormalities. When her condition didn’t improve, Dr. Morel admitted her to St. Mary’s. While at the hospital, Nicole and her babies received around-the-clock care.

“I was in the antepartum unit for a total of 23 days,” she says. “I got to know the staff really well, and they constantly pepped me up and encouraged me during my stay.”

At just 31 weeks, Nicole gave birth via an emergency cesarean to three girls. Charlotte weighed 3 lbs., 14 oz., Abigail was 2 lbs., 14 oz., and the smallest, Zoe, was only 2 lbs., 10 oz. Despite being so tiny, they didn’t have any major issues, but since they were born prematurely, the triplets needed to stay in the NICU until they were strong enough to go home.

“Once I was discharged, it was heartbreaking to leave my babies,” says Nicole. “But my husband and I visited the girls every day and were comforted by the support of the physicians, nurses and staff in the NICU.”

After 33 days for Charlotte, 37 for Abby, and 44 for Zoe, the family of five was finally reunited in their home. 

“Giving birth to my girls at St. Mary’s is an experience that I will never forget,” says Nicole. “I’m so thankful that they’re happy and healthy, and I can’t wait for all the precious milestones that lie ahead.”