Nurses celebrate Milwaukee baby after 137-day stay in NICU

Care teams at Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital in Milwaukee were filled with joy when Da’Mari Hinds was finally going home after spending 137 days in the NICU. Weighing only one pound, seven ounces, his journey since birth has been filled with challenges, milestone achievements, and the inevitable setbacks.

On August 26, 2024, Danielle Hinds’ water broke and she began to bleed. At just 23 weeks pregnant, she feared losing her son. But thanks to her faith and the excellent care of the care teams at Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s, Da’Mari survived. “I never lost hope and neither did his care team,” said Hinds. “I just can’t believe I get to bring him home. I’m so excited to introduce him to his brother and I’m just so grateful. I can’t say enough good things about the care we received here.”

Da’Mari’s two primary nurses, who had cared for him since birth, came in on their day off to see him and give him one last hug. Staff members continually dropped in to say goodbye and offer congratulations. It was a day to celebrate and a time to reflect on Da’Mari’s remarkable journey.

Da’Mari’s primary nurses, Hana Christiansen, RN, and Cailin Firkus, RN, played a vital role in his journey. “It’s a bittersweet day,” said Christiansen. “I’m so happy he’s going home and excited for the family, but I’m really going to miss him, so there are tears too.” Firkus shared the sentiment. “When caring for someone for over 100 days, they leave an impression on a caregiver's life. Da’Mari has a permanent place in my heart. I love him and will remember him forever.”

For Hinds, the hardest part of Da’Mari’s NICU stay was leaving him at the hospital each day. But knowing how deeply the nurses cared for her son brought her comfort and strength. Ascension Columbia St. Mary's - Women's Medical Center Birthing Center has a Level III NICU equipped to provide exceptional care for infants born before 32 weeks' gestation.

The nurses describe Da’Mari as feisty, sassy, smiley, happy, and friendly—qualities that will undoubtedly serve him well in life. 

During his 137 days in the NICU, summer turned to fall, the leaves fell and winter brought snow that dusted the road as he left the hospital. As Da’Mari begins a new chapter at home, he carries with him the love, strength and well wishes of everyone who cared for him.

Learn more about the Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s - Milwaukee Campus birthing center and Level III NICU here.