Nurtured in the NICU: Semaj’s Path from Extreme Prematurity to Thriving

At first glance, Semaj Jackson-Cruise seems like any other joyful baby, with a contagious grin and sparkling green eyes. But behind his bright smile is a story of incredible resilience. Born more than 15 weeks early and weighing less than a quart of milk, he spent his earliest days surrounded by incubators, monitors, and a team of dedicated care providers. Now ten months old and thriving, Semaj is a testament to the daily miracles that unfold inside Trinity Health Michigan’s three Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU). 

 

 

An Unexpected Beginning

 

 

When Donshanay Cruise, Semaj’s mother, attended a prenatal appointment at 23 weeks, she was shocked to learn that she was already dilated to two centimeters. Her physician immediately sent her to Trinity Health Ann Arbor, where she was admitted to the Labor and Delivery unit.

 

The medical team acted quickly to slow her labor, administering steroids to help Semaj’s lungs develop as much as possible. Donshanay spent six days on bed rest, each day buying Semaj much needed time. But her silent contractions intensified early on November 6, 2023, and Donshanay soon dilated to eight centimeters. Semaj was on his way.

 

Semaj was born at 2:18 a.m., weighing just one pound, 14.9 ounces, and measuring 12.4 inches long. “I only got a little glimpse of him after he was born, and then they rushed him to the NICU,” Donshanay recalls. “It was scary, him being so small and hooked up to all these different machines.”

 

 

Overcoming the Odds

 

 

Arriving at 24 weeks and 4 days gestation, Semaj faced immense challenges typical of extremely preterm babies, such as struggles with breathing, temperature regulation, and feeding. A heart-related concern further complicated his already daunting start.

 

Thankfully, Semaj was in expert hands. A team of neonatologists, advanced nurse practitioners, specialized NICU nurses, respiratory therapists, nutritionists, pharmacists, physical and occupational therapists worked tirelessly, monitoring every breath and heartbeat. Through a carefully managed care plan, Semaj’s heart problem went away, his lungs got better, and he grew. Eventually, he went home on a little extra oxygen.

 

“The NICU is very different from the environment inside a mother’s womb,” said Lisa Judge, MD, medical director of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Trinity Health Ann Arbor. “So much of what we do exposes babies to very different experiences than they would have had inside their mother. These experiences can have a negative effect on their brain, their gut, and their outcomes. Improved outcomes result from a NICU environment that mimics the noise, light, smells, tastes, and movements of the womb as much as possible.”

 

Semaj’s NICU stay had many highs and lows. Donshanay and Semaj’s father, Samuel Jackson, focused on the good days – like when his stats improved, or when he took his first bottle. Donshanay found comfort in camera monitors that allowed her to watch over Semaj when she couldn’t be there. “I used to watch him all night while he was sleeping and turning,” she says.

 

Throughout the journey, the NICU team did more than care for Semaj; they also supported his parents. “The NICU staff was amazing,” Donshanay shares. “The nurses were always checking on us, and the social workers helped me find resources when I had to be off work.”

 

 

A New Chapter

 

 

Semaj finally came home after 125 days in the NICU. Reflecting on that moment, Donshanay radiated joy. “Walking out of the hospital, feeling fresh air, and having him come home with me was just the best feeling,” she says.

 

“The NICU journey is one that very few parents experience,” said Dr. Judge. “Parents with a child in the NICU often feel a loss of control over their baby and have trouble finding others who understand what they are going through. Parents are a critical part of the care of their baby, however. They are encouraged to help comfort and hold their baby, change diapers, take temperatures and give baths. They also participate in daily rounds and help with medical decisions when appropriate. All of these things empower parents to feel like parents and help them bond with their baby. They also help babies thrive!” 

 

Now, Semaj is ten months old and flourishing. He no longer needs extra oxygen, is gaining weight, and becoming more vocal each day. Donshanay remains deeply grateful to the Trinity Health Ann Arbor team. “I love the NICU staff,” she says. “They did such a great job for my son, and I really appreciate the love and care they put into Semaj.”

 

Stories like Semaj’s show how essential specialized neonatal care is for giving our tiniest patients the best start in life. If you or someone you know is expecting, learn more about how Trinity Health Michigan’s NICU teams are providing compassionate, expert care for babies who need it most.