Apnea and Bradycardia Bead

Because premature babies brains and lungs are immature; apnea, (periods where breathing stops) can occur. Apnea may be accompanied with periods of bradycardia, (or “bradys”) where the heart slows down. Stimulation usually helps the baby to start breathing again, and NICU monitors make sure that these episodes are caught right away. Premature babies typically grow out of this with age as their neurological system (brain) matures.

This bead represents the ups and downs that come with having apnea and bradycardia and the emotional and physical struggles to overcome these obstacles.