Am I crazy?

LaciJaxx

I am getting the feeling that people think I'm crazy and/or extremely overprotective of my preemie because I rarely take him out of the home. He was born June 28 at 31 weeks and 3.5 lbs. He was discharged from the NICU on Aug 4, at 37 days old. I think most people see him as nearly 12 weeks without taking into consideration that his corrected age is less than 3 weeks. We've been out to eat twice (and I made sure to sit away from others and not let anyone touch him) and to one public function where I was careful to try and avoid the touchy-feely people. He did get a few touches but I made sure to wash him up and change his clothes/blankets once we got home. So am I crazy and too overprotective? I am a FTM.

Throw3ks

I say no. I am VERY overprotective of my LO. We are still in the NICU and I have let no family come see her. And when the families of other babies get to close or rowdy I put LO back in her crib and guard her. It's probably a bit nuts but why risk it is my thought.

Mrs. Alice

No you definitely are not crazy.  Actually most NICUs and pedis recommend limiting exposure outside the home and with crowds. 

direy25

Unfortunately people who don't have preemies / haven't experienced the NICU will never understand. They think that it's just like bringing a term baby home. You're definitely not crazy!

rslhmg

Definitely not crazy! Dd is almost 15 months old and while we have loosened up a bit, I'm still wary of public places. When we do take her out I wipe down everything she's going to touch. Now that colds are kicking up in our area, I look like a crazy lady scrubbing down the cart before she goes in when she gets to go shopping with me lol. After our nicu experience and our first rsv season, I think other moms are nuts packing newborns out and about lol.

Brummy14

Nope, not crazy. We're having some friends over this weekend, and after that -- no more visitors outside of caregivers for the duration of the flu season -- with the very rare exception. 

LaciJaxx

Thanks ladies. I feel better now. I've tried to explain to a few people and some understood, I think. At least our family understands. One of my friends sent a message asking to come over for a quick visit (she has a 6 mo old and two other school age kids) and when I asked to confirm her household was healthy before making a decision, she said no they all had colds!!!! Really?!?!?! And you want to bring that to my preemie? I don't think she meant any harm but just doesn't understand. Then she said, "babies are more resilient than we think they are." That really kind of irked me. Needless to say, I had to ignore it in order to keep my composure. Other than the NICU nurses, only one grandparent has been allowed to hold him so far. And yes, we plan to go on lockdown (even worse than now) during flu season. I'm already a bit scared of it.

I too cannot imagine taking any newborn out & about like some people do. My hubby came home from Wal-mart yesterday and was commenting how he saw two tiny babies being carted around. I understand some people just don't have any other options but then others do, I'm sure. We even go as far as coming home and changing clothes and washing up after being out in public (especially like a wal-mart visit) before we even touch our baby. There are just too many germs!!!! 

Thanks again!!!!!! 

efortune

Not crazy! I kept Birdy home until she was home for about a month, except for required excursions out. After that point, I did treat her like a normal baby, but, to be honest, I dont care for strangers touching my children at all. I had 2 older children too, and getting out of the house was important for my (and their) sanity.