Any moms with experience delivering prematurely?

sarahjo842

Hello all,

A dear friend of mine just delivered her precious girl at 28 weeks after 2 weeks of severe complications. She and baby and doing well (baby girl weighs in at 2 lbs at the moment). Just hoping to hear some stories from other moms who have been through this so that I can hopefully give her the support she needs (anything I should/should not say?). Thanks in advance!

cortney626

No personal experience. I had two moms in my moms group that delivered around 27 weeks. One baby was 1 lb 8 oz and 13 inches long. He is now a healthy thriving (and very tall) 8 year old boy. I believe he spent 90+ days in the NICU. The other one is also a healthy thriving 5 year old. Our moms group set up meals to be delivered to their house since a lot of time would be spent at the hospital and not worried about making dinner, etc. 

JennyS86

Hi there! So sorry to hear that your friend is going through this. I delivered twins at 26weeks due to preterm labor.  They were in the nicu for 3.5months.  I was such a hard time in our lives, but we survived, and the twins are thriving, nearly complication-free, and 2 years old! 
Here is my general advice that I pass along when people ask "what they can do for their friend who had a preemie".  Are you local?  My best advice is drop off dinners that can be reheated (lasagna, chili,etc), and plenty of on-the-go foods like apples, oranges, yogurt, granola bars, muffins, chocolate, etc so she can eat going to/from the nicu, or whenever she chooses. One-handed snacks are great for pumping too!


It is wonderful when people call, text, email, but also keep in mind that it is overwhelming to respond to "how is baby doing?" because not all days are good days, and bad news is hard to talk about with someone who has never seen a micro-preemie.  This is why some families keep in touch with group emails or have someone else: aunt/grandma field calls and questions.  It is generally better to say "we are thinking of you", "we are praying for you".

If you are nearby, ask if you can come over to keep them company.  Ask when would be a good time to come see the baby.  Show up with food.  Help with housekeeping, cooking, setting up the nursery.

If you are long-distance, tell her to call you while she is pumping!  Maybe a nicu Mama care package would be appreciated. Ideas:  chapstick, hairbands, hand lotion, hand sanitizer, breast pads, lanolin nipple cream or organic coconut oil (some people swear by it for pumping comfort), granola bars (especially whole grain and oats!), trail mix, really any portable foods, a re-usable water bottle, a cute journal or pad of paper to keep track of nicu details/questions for doctors, cooler/lunch box for transporting breastmilk to nicu. 

wamam027

One of my good friends had a baby at 28 weeks because of complications and she is now a healthy 2.5 year old. She spent about 6 weeks in the NICU and did very well, so wound up being sent home earlier than expected. Nowadays a baby born at 28 weeks has excellent chances of thriving and growing to be a healthy baby. Obviously 28 weeks isn't ideal, but medical resources have come a long way and I'm sure mom and baby are in good hands. I will keep them in my thoughts and prayers!