Baby Ruby received lifesaving and compassionate care.
When Ruby was born at just 24 weeks, her lungs had not fully developed. By her due date, she was also diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension and her care team realized she needed the specialized care only available at the BC Women’s Hospital + Health Centre Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), the largest of its kind in the province.
Shorty after arriving in the NICU’s Ladybug Unit, home to neonatal patients with the highest needs, Ruby’s doctors determined she would need a tracheostomy. This procedure would allow a ventilator, like the one donated by TB Vets, to do the work of her lungs so that they could have the rest they needed to finish growing.
Being attached to a large, life-saving machine can be a stressful experience for anyone, but luckily Ruby had the support of her family and music therapist to make it more comfortable. Each week, NICU music therapist Carol Wiedemann would provide support by singing songs and making music with her. Thanks to the NICU’s family-centered model of care, her parents and big brother were able to participate in these sessions as well.
Ruby was so engaged by the music that her care team was able to use it to help reduce and eventually remove the additional sedation typically needed during routine trach care.
“She just loves the music,” her mom says.
A powerful duo, her TB Vets donated ventilator and music therapy sessions played a critical role in Ruby’s incredible recovery journey. After a seven month stay in the BC Women’s NICU, Ruby was ready to head home for the first time in her life.
