As a new mom, my journey into parenthood wasn’t what I expected. My pregnancy had some complications, including my water breaking a month early, which threw me into a whirlwind of uncertainty. I was overwhelmed by the fear of my baby needing to go to the NICU, and I found myself constantly anxious about his health. I quickly realized the importance of trusting my instincts and advocating for myself, especially when things felt off in the medical process. It wasn’t easy, but I had to speak up about my concerns and trust that I had a right to be heard. Along the way, I learned a lot from the NICU staff and gained a deeper appreciation for self-advocacy in medical settings. One of the biggest lessons I took away from my experience was that it’s okay to ask questions and make sure you’re getting the care you need. I want to help others, especially new parents, feel empowered to advocate for themselves during these high-stress moments and find ways to cope with the anxiety that can come with early parenthood.