Mina's Origin Story

It was the end of summer of 2019. Mina’s arrival into the world wasn’t exactly as we had imagined, but from the very start, she showed us what true resilience looks like

Due to complications with our first child, we had already planned for a C-section, knowing it was the safest option. But during a routine ultrasound, the doctors noticed something wrong—her oxygen flow was lower than it should have been. Suddenly, our timeline shifted. Instead of waiting for our scheduled date, Mina needed to come early. At just about 38 weeks, she was born via C-section, small but mighty.

Her first moments were terrifying. Her oxygen levels remained low after birth, and she was quickly taken to the NICU. She wasn’t preemie small, but she was skinnier than average, her little body struggling to adjust to the world around her. And for the first time, we faced a fear no parent ever wants to feel—we were scared she wouldn't make it. The uncertainty, the beeping monitors, the endless waiting—it was overwhelming.

To help her get the nutrients she needed, doctors placed an NG tube for feeding. Bottle feeding was a struggle for her, and breastfeeding was just a thought, but never happened. In those first days, when my own milk supply was still developing, we were incredibly grateful for the donor milk that was provided to her. Knowing she was receiving the best possible nourishment while I worked on building my supply was a huge comfort.

Despite the challenges, I was determined to give her as much of my milk as possible. Every single day, I pumped, hoping to provide her with what she needed to grow stronger. It was exhausting, both physically and emotionally, but I held onto the hope that it was helping her in ways I couldn’t always see.

Throughout our NICU stay, we were surrounded by an incredible team of nurses, but one in particular left a lasting impact. She cared for Mina with so much kindness and compassion, always reassuring us and making sure we felt supported during those overwhelming days. When it was finally time to take Mina home, she gifted us a copy of Oh, the Places You’ll Go! by Dr. Seuss—a reminder of how far Mina had already come and how much strength she had within her. It was a gesture that meant the world to us, and we’ll always be grateful for her care and encouragement.

Bringing Mina home was a mix of relief and fear. After everything she had been through, we were overjoyed to finally have her in our arms without wires and monitors. But the worry didn’t just disappear—we had spent days watching her fight, and now it was up to us to make sure she kept thriving. Even with all the uncertainty, one thing was clear: Mina was strong. From the very beginning, she proved she was a fighter, and we have no doubt she’ll carry that strength with her for the rest of her life.