Story of Vaishnavi

After Years of Waiting, A Joy Named Vaishnavi

For Sarita Devi and her husband Satyendra, becoming parents was a long-awaited dream. After 13 years of marriage, the arrival of their baby girl brought immense joy, but also unexpected challenges.

The family, originally from Uttar Pradesh, had been holding on to this hope for years. But when their daughter was born at 31 weeks, weighing just 1.76 kg, she needed immediate care. Soon after birth at Sri Sathya Sai Sarla Memorial Hospital, she was shifted to the NICU as she struggled with breathing and required support. Those first few days were filled with uncertainty, as the parents waited anxiously for signs of improvement.

Inside the NICU, she received the care she needed — including breathing support and surfactant therapy to help her lungs. Progress came slowly. From being on a ventilator to gradually needing less support, each step forward gave the family a little more hope.

Satyendra, who works as a truck driver, spent his days balancing work and worry, while Sarita stayed close to her baby, learning to be patient through the long hospital stay. The journey was not easy, but they held on.

During this time, Neonates Foundation of India (NFI) stepped in to support the family. With the help of donor contributions, the burden eased, allowing the parents to focus on their baby’s recovery and not just the growing hospital expenses.

And slowly, things began to change.

Their baby started feeding better, gaining strength, and responding more actively. What once felt fragile and uncertain began to feel stable and reassuring.

Today, she is lovingly called Vaishnavi Mishra.

Now, Vaishnavi is doing well, growing, gaining healthy weight, and responding to sounds and voices around her. The family often shares pictures and videos of her smiling and reacting, moments that once felt so far away during those early NICU days.

For Sarita and Satyendra, Vaishnavi is more than just their child. She is the joy they waited years for, the strength they discovered within themselves, and a reminder that even the most uncertain beginnings can turn into something beautiful.