It was an emotional morning at Baystate Medical Center on Saturday, as the hospital held its annual NICU graduates reunion.
The reunion allows the doctors and nurses in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit to catch up with the babies they helped during their first days and months of life.
It also allows the parents to show off their "graduates" - what Baystate calls babies that leave the NICU.
Both doctors and parents told CBS 3 that they appreciate the chance to catch up with each other.
"We know it is a very stressful time, so it is wonderful to see them here back in a normal routine, doing what they do," said Dr. Jeff Shenberger, Director of the NICU. "Chasing after their kids and those sorts of things. It is very rewarding."
"It is emotional and we cannot express enough gratitude for all of the good things that Baystate's NICU has done for us," said Constance Gallego, whose 15-month-old son spent time in the NICU. "It is awesome, really emotional."
The NICU at Baystate is a Level 3, which is the highest level. That means they are able to care for the tiniest of premature infants and critically ill babies.
The NICU treats close to 600 newborns each year.
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