A New Jersey family is now complete as their preemie daughter officially left the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) after an extended stay.

Born at just 24 weeks gestation, Chimamanda Myla Obidike, who goes by Myla, finally returned home with her mom, Chi Obidike, following a 285-day stint in the NICU. In an interview shared by Virtua Voorhees Hospital, the newly minted mom said the big moment felt “surreal,” adding she’s “so grateful” and “excited” to bring her daughter home.

“It has definitely been very, very, very challenging, a lot of uncertainty in the beginning, … especially because of how young [and] how early she came,” she said. “But, I’m so grateful for Virtua and the entire team who made this possible, who kind of kept me throughout the entire journey, [and who] just held my hand all the way through.”

According to Dr. Leonard Goldsmith, the neonatologist who provided care to Chi, baby Myla is the hospital’s “longest tenured patient.” Goldsmith noted during an interview shared by Virtua Voorhees Hospital that the average time they’ve had a baby spend in the NICU is three to four weeks.

“Myla was critically ill. She was very, very sick, and it was a lot of ups and downs for the first couple of weeks,” he said. “And she was fairly ill for several months.”

“She had many challenges that she was able to overcome, and today, going home at nine-and-a-half months, she’s in really good health. She has good lung function, and she can eat like a healthy baby, so we have very good feelings for her going forward.”

During the hardest moments in her daughter’s extended stay, Chi said that she leaned heavily on her faith and hope in God. In addition, the new mom found comfort in the fact that she was also born premature and treated by the same doctors who helped her baby girl.

“It all started about 30 years ago when [Chi] in this case [was] delivered a premature,” Goldsmith said, recalling Chi’s earliest moments in the NICU. “She was small, [and] she was sick. And she spent a fair amount of time here and then did really well and went home.”

“She’s had a great life. She’s very accomplished [and] became a nurse practitioner,” he continued. “And then, last year, [Chi] came in and delivered Myla. At 24 weeks, [at] a little over a pound and a half, and Myla’s been here for 9 1/2 months and finally ready to go home today.”

While Chi’s husband is living in Nigeria, her mom was a huge help in getting her through this tough journey.

“My mom was very, very, very much sure that we were exactly where we needed to be. She reminded me to never focus on how long we have been here, but focused on the fact that we are here,” she said. “And while we are here, how are we presenting? How are we showing up for Myla?”

“I think that was the most important part of the journey,” she continued. “But I think with time [and] understanding that time was the best friend … to a premature baby, it made the journey easier.”

When the special day for Chi to bring her baby girl home came, the hospital staff planned a special clap-out ceremony for the family. Reflecting on the experience, Goldsmith said that being able to provide that level of care and help a family is why he went into medicine.

“This is what we all live for. This is why people … [go] into medicine to begin with,” he said, adding, “To try to make a difference and try to really offer help, and it’s very rewarding.”

Goldsmith, who affectionately refers to Myla as his “granddaughter,” shared that he knows Myla is going to do well because of her strong support system.

“A big reason why I feel Myla is going to do so well in life is because of her amazing, incredible family,” he shared. “They love and support each other, and they were always there for Myla and each other, and that’s gonna be a huge factor going forward.”

Chi encouraged other moms, who may be in a similar situation as she was, to give themselves grace and to keep hope alive.

“It’s hard. It’s challenging,” she said of the experience of being in the NICU. “There’s a sense of guilt you feel when the baby comes early, but know it’s not your fault. You did nothing wrong.”

“And just know that the best is yet to come,” she added. “Just wait, be patient, have hope, and know that your mood affects baby’s mood. You come in here smiling, [and] your baby is gonna leave here smiling. Maybe even clapping too.”