When my newborn was in the NICU, people showed up to support us. I've made a point to pay it forward.

The author's daughter (not pictured) spent time in the NICU.

Image taken by Mayte Torres/Getty Images

• My newborn daughter had a traumatic ICU experience.
• The immediate outpouring of support from family and friends got us through.
• A care package from a former high school acquaintance provided immense comfort.

My daughter was two days old when she was hospitalized with bacterial sepsis. The blinking monitors and beeping machines of the ICU felt like the soundtrack to my worst nightmare.