The Wood Family’s Journey of Hope and Healing in Our Special Care Nursery 

Baby Hannah's Special Care Nursery Story

For one military family from Leominster, Massachusetts, the Special Care Nursery (SCN) at Southern New Hampshire Medical Center has become a place of comfort, healing, and hope. 

Their connection to the SCN began several years ago, when their older daughter, Adrienne, was born at The Birth Place of Southern NH Medical Center and spent time in the unit. The care and compassion they received during that experience left a lasting impression. 

Elizabeth’s Pregnancy Journey 

After three long years of IVF treatments, the family was thrilled to be expecting again. But once more, their pregnancy took an unexpected turn. On February 19, at just 32 weeks, Elizabeth’s water broke at 3:30 a.m. The family made the 90-minute drive to Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, which Elizabeth had researched ahead of time for its high-level NICU, knowing there was a likelihood of another premature birth. 

Hannah’s Surprising Arrival 

What followed was both surprising and miraculous. Baby Hannah was delivered naturally at 8:24 a.m. Although the team had been preparing for a c-section, it wasn’t necessary. To everyone’s relief, Hannah arrived crying with good color, but because of her early gestation, she was admitted to the NICU. 

Almost immediately, Elizabeth requested a transfer to Southern New Hampshire Medical Center, where her first daughter had been cared for. To her delight, Hannah was placed in the very same room as her sister had been years earlier. 

Extraordinary Care at Southern NH Medical Center 

The family describes their time in the Special Care Nursery as deeply personal and supportive. “We never felt like a number,” Elizabeth shared. The staff didn’t just look after the baby; they looked after mom, too. Nurses jumped in to offer support and snuggle Hannah while Elizabeth took care of herself and even helped to wash her breast pump. Nutritious meals were also provided, easing the burden of food preparation and letting the family focus on bonding and recovery. 

Two weeks into Hannah’s stay, illness struck the household. They couldn’t visit the special care nursery for 10 days, but Elizabeth felt reassured knowing Hannah was in good hands. She continued to deliver pumped milk, confident her baby was receiving the best care. 

After one month, Hannah was discharged and brought home. Today, her assessment scores show she is thriving, on track, or even advanced compared to full-term babies. 

The family credits the entire special care nursery team for their extraordinary support, with special recognition for nurses Stephanie and Shannon, who went above and beyond. 

Their story is a testament to the difference compassionate, personalized care can make, not only for premature infants, but for the families who love them. 

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