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After Grayson Davalos arrived at just 31 weeks, his parents leaned on the expertise and compassion of Redlands Community Hospital's NICU team during a month-long stay that changed their lives.
After Grayson Davalos arrived at just 31 weeks, his parents leaned on the expertise and compassion of Redlands Community Hospital's NICU team during a month-long stay that changed their lives.
Laura and Miguel Davalos expected to spend the final weeks of pregnancy preparing their home for a new baby.
Instead, they found themselves learning about ventilators, feeding tubes and premature infant care after Laura's pregnancy took an unexpected turn.
Their son, Grayson, was born at just 31 weeks gestation, weighing 3 pounds, 7 ounces. He spent nearly a month in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Redlands Community Hospital before finally going home with his family.
Today, Grayson is growing stronger every day, but his parents say they will never forget the team that helped guide them through one of the most frightening experiences of their lives.
"It was our first experience with the NICU," Laura said. "Our other three children came home with us after delivery, so this was completely new and overwhelming."
Until midway through her pregnancy, Laura Davalos said everything had been progressing normally.
At 22 weeks, however, doctors diagnosed her with cervical insufficiency, a condition in which the cervix begins to open too early during pregnancy. According to the National Institutes of Health, the condition affects an estimated 1% to 2% of pregnancies and is a significant cause of spontaneous preterm birth during the second trimester.
Despite the diagnosis, Laura was able to continue her pregnancy for nearly 10 more weeks.
Then, on March 20, her water broke unexpectedly.
Laura was admitted to Redlands Community Hospital, where the initial plan was to monitor her for another four weeks, giving Grayson more time to grow before delivery.
But the next day, Laura began having contractions that could not be stopped. Grayson was delivered by cesarean section on March 21 at 31 weeks gestation, weighing 3 pounds, 7 ounces.
Laura remained at RCH for five days receiving postpartum care, while Grayson began what would become a nearly month-long stay in the hospital's Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
Neonatologist Dr. Bradley Cacho was present in the delivery room to immediately begin caring for the premature newborn.
Before Grayson was born, the Davalos family met with Dr. Cacho to better understand what to expect.
"He explained what type of care our baby would need, approximately how long he might stay and answered all of our questions," Laura recalled.
One moment, however, has remained with the family long after Grayson left the hospital.
"He asked if it would be okay if he prayed with us," she said. "After that beautiful prayer, we felt a sense of peace and comfort. We knew at that moment our baby was in the best hands."
"Having a preterm baby can be scary and overwhelming," said Dr. Daniel D. Saesim, Neonatologist, medical director, neonatal intensive care unit at Redlands Community Hospital. "We at the Redlands Community Hospital NICU understand that and are prepared to walk with you every step of the way. It starts with communicating the plan and expectations even before the baby is born. The family will not be walking alone on this journey; our team is ready to be with you every step of the way."
Grayson spent nearly four weeks in Redlands Community Hospital's Level III NICU receiving specialized treatment designed to support premature infants as they continue developing outside the womb.
He received breathing support with CPAP, caffeine therapy to help regulate breathing, treatment for jaundice and nutrition through a feeding tube while he gained strength.
Each year, Redlands Community Hospital's Level III NICU cares for approximately 1,400 newborns requiring specialized medical attention.
The unit is equipped with advanced monitoring technology and staffed by a multidisciplinary team that includes neonatologists, specially trained nurses, respiratory therapists, lactation consultants, speech and occupational therapists, social workers and pharmacists.
"We understand and accept that each baby is unique and has individualized needs," said Dr. Saesim. "Our goal is to provide tailor-made, evidence-based practice to our babies in hopes of reuniting them with their family as soon as possible."
For Laura, the medical expertise was only part of what made the experience memorable.
During long days while her husband was at work, she often found herself sitting beside Grayson's bedside alone.
The NICU nurses became an important source of encouragement.
"They gave me hugs," she said. "They comforted me. They reassured me that he was exactly where he needed to be."
Miguel said the team's constant vigilance helped ease the anxiety that came with leaving their newborn at the hospital overnight.
"They were always alert and attentive," he said. "We would call every morning, sometimes even at three or four in the morning, and someone always answered the phone. They always reassured us that he was doing well."
Laura said several nurses became especially meaningful throughout Grayson's stay.
"They were our biggest cheerleaders," she said. "They weren't just incredible caregivers for us. They cared that deeply for every baby in the NICU. They were gentle, loving and compassionate, and they'll always hold a special place in our hearts."
Before Grayson was discharged on April 20, the NICU team worked closely with his parents to prepare them for caring for a premature infant at home.
They learned how to recognize his cues, monitor his feeding and development and understand what signs to watch for during his transition home. The hospital also connected the family with community resources for premature babies.
Initially, Grayson returned to the doctor every two days so physicians could closely monitor his weight gain. As he continued to thrive, those appointments became less frequent.
Now, life looks much different than it did during those first uncertain weeks.
"We're just happy to have him home," Laura said.
Because Grayson is still building his immune system, the family has spent much of the summer at home enjoying movie nights with his three older siblings.
When he's a little stronger, they're looking forward to returning to some of their favorite family traditions.
"We can't wait to go camping again and take him off-roading with us," Laura said.
For now, they're simply grateful the monitors, wires and alarms have been replaced with everyday moments together as a family.
Redlands Community Hospital's Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit provides specialized care for premature and critically ill newborns from throughout the region.
The multidisciplinary team cares for approximately 1,400 babies each year and partners closely with families throughout every stage of a baby's hospitalization. Parents are encouraged to participate in daily care, receive regular updates on their baby's progress and receive education before discharge to help ensure a smooth transition home.
To learn more about Redlands Community Hospital's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, visit redlandshospital.org.
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