About Me
Hello, my name is Dr. Tasha Hernandez. I am the Founder & CEO of AAA Listening Ears. My pregnancy complications started at week 16. Doctors told me, I might miscarry, but I declined to listen. I was admitted to the Antenatal Care Unit and stayed there a month before my twins were born. The NICU team would visit every week and discuss the possibility of going into premature labor & the small percentage of survival. While the NICU team were providing informative information, I would repeatedly interrupt, and tell the NICU team, I am going to carry my twins to full term. I was still in denial and not accepting the reality of what may happen. I felt as though my autonomy was being taken from me. I felt as though my body betrayed me. I wanted to be in control, although I had no control, which hurt the most.
My miracle twins were born at 23 weeks, which is considered nano preemies. My twins were considered medically complex. Due to being born early, their lungs were not strong. Twin A was born at 1 pound & 5 ounces. Twin B was born at 1 pound. When I wheeled through the NICU doors, and saw my tiny twins in their incubators, wearing wires, sensors, tubes, and protective eyewear covering their eyes, my world changed. When I first saw my twins, I felt as though I could not breathe. I was devastated. I repeatedly blamed myself because it was easy to do, despite not being in control. I did not have the power to make this right.
They were tiny and fragile. Their tiny bodies could fit my entire hand. I cried for several months. I was an emotional wreck, emotionally and physically. I was on an emotional rollercoaster, riding the wave, hour by hour, day by day, week by week, and month by month. At night, I would sleep in their nursery, stare at their empty cribs, and cry myself to sleep. There were days I could not get out of bed. I would tell myself verbatim, I need to get up and find the strength because my warrior twins are in the NICU fighting. I told myself; my twins need to see me be strong, despite the pain I was feeling. Morning, noon, and night, I would hold their tiny hands, talk and read to them, with love, every day. I wanted them to know; I was their mom. I wanted them to know, their mom was by their side, and she was not leaving, until they were discharged. My twins fought through infections, viruses, blood transfusions, and several surgeries.
My twins spent 304 days in the NICU. We celebrated every small win, victory, and milestone. Upon graduating the NICU, twin A came home with a tracheostomy (trach), ventilator, oxygen, and G-tube. Twin B came home with oxygen and G-tube. Their nursery at home looked like a hospital room, due to all of the respiratory and feeding equipment. Post NICU, I had to adjust, feel comfortable in my new routine, and self-discover myself. Since being home, my twins have been thriving, smiling, active, and flourishing.
Talking to someone that share the NICU experience can provide comfort in knowing you are not alone. I will provide grace, support, and a safe place.