Finley’s Story

NICU care from Niswonger Children’s Hospital

These days when Finley crawls up on his mom’s or dad’s lap with a book wanting a story, it’s hard to believe that only two years ago the only concern on his parents’ minds was if he would even survive after being born 3-1/2 months early.

Now as a happy 2-year-old toddler, Finley’s mom, Annalee, says he loves his books – especially those that rhyme, “Bluey,” his stuffed fox named Ron, and, of course, his grandparents, YaYa and Poppy.

He’s come a long way since he was born by C-section due to his mom’s severe pre-eclampsia. He measured only 12 inches long and weighed just 1 pound, 5-1/2-ounces. “My husband’s wedding ring fit around his wrist,” Annalee recalls.

Finley had multiple complications, including a spontaneous intestinal perforation, an interventricular brain bleed, super-high bilirubin and low oxygen levels that required prolonged intubation.

“His heart was the only organ that had no issue,” says Annalee.

On day two, he had a drain port placed due to the intestinal perforation. Eventually, he had surgery to resect his bowel, which was required multiple times due to complications following the initial procedure.

It was determined that Finley also might need eye surgery for a condition common in premature babies called “retinopathy of prematurity,” so he was transferred to Vanderbilt Medical Center. “That was on his actual due date,” says Annalee.

Treatment at Niswonger Children’s Hospital

Fortunately, Finley was able to return to Niswonger Children’s Hospital where he spent a total of 125 days in the NICU.

“We requested to come back because of the community feel and support we had here from friends, family and the medical team,” says Annalee. “We had more opportunity to learn about his condition. The nurses and therapists are very hands-on. They showed me how to manipulate his body and diaper him with the issues he had. At Niswonger Children’s Hospital we got that level of ‘touch’ we needed.

“My advice to other parents is to know that there is a support system out there. There’s a sense of community in the NICU.” 

You’re going through it together with the team and you can ask all the questions you need to ask. The nurses helped calm our fears. They were honest and I liked that level of honesty. It helps you help your child when you know all the terms and it calms your fears as well.”

Today, Finley has issues with eating and gastroparesis, a condition that affects movement of his stomach muscles, but he’s growing, thriving and his mom says he’s living life as a happy toddler. “And,” she says with a laugh, “he’s definitely getting his own opinion about things!”

Want to learn more about Niswonger Children’s Network?

The Niswonger Children’s Network is dedicated to improving the health and future of the Appalachian Highlands through expert pediatric care so that we can share more heartwarming stories like Finley’s.

Read more Niswonger Children’s Stories here.