NICU?

mrsj22

Hi everyone- I was a lurker throughout my pregnancy on the trimester boards, I really didn't post much- but I wanted to see if anyone else has had any experience with this and maybe had some words of encouragement?

I delivered last night around 10 pm- my little guy apparently took a big breath of fluid sometime before he came out and was struggling to breathe because of it, so off to the NICU he went. I got to see him for about 5 minutes before he went down and then I've gone and visited him there twice today. I know he needs to be there, I know he'll be okay, but I'm having a really hard time with the fact that he can't be here with me and that it's looking like we may have to leave the hospital without him. I may be overly emotional right now- but every time I go to see him down there it just breaks my heart... he should be being snuggled by me, but instead he's by himself in the incubator- I can't even think about it without crying... I don't know how I'm going to leave him here and go home.

Sorry, this was longer than I thought it would be... anyone here been there, done that?  

Ljd425

Sorry, I have no experience with that, but I had an unplanned c section and it was a difficult recovery..for the first week in the hospital DH changed every diaper and I was basically useless so I can understand the separation part and the closeness you are longing for.  Once I was able to have her in the bed with me I was in heaven and soon you will have that feeling. I just wanted to say congratulations and hang in there..will be praying for you and your little man

JoyousJulia

I'm so sorry. I know exactly how you feel. I had an emergency c/s and DS aspirated fluid (just like your DS) on his way out. He was in NICU on oxygen and several antibiotics for several days. It was so hard to see him hooked up to all of those monitors and the IV. I just wanted to take everything off of him and hold him close to me. Just know that there are things you can do to help him bond to you. Pump often and send all of your milk to NICU, visit as often as you can and give him as much skin-to-skin as possible.

My prayers will be with you and your family. I hope your little on will be ok!

If you need someone to talk to, please email me at nannyjulianne at gmail dot com.

JustaKidAtHeart

My sons had to be watched for 4 hrs (policy with twins) after the 4 hrs one some came to me and the other didnt.  I didnt get to even see my other son for 24 hrs because I had a csection and wasnt allowed out of bed yet.  I dont know what it is like to see them lying in there but I know what it is like not to have your child with you.  just know they get the best care and that is where he needs to be.  He will be with you soon.  GL

mrs.bridgettkay

DD was five weeks early and had respiratory distress so she needed to go to the NICU.  The hospital I delivered at didn't have the CPAP machine she needed to help regulate her oxygen so she was transferred to a different hospital.  Luckily, I was too.  I was discharged after two days and was able to board while DD was there another two days.  I'm not sure if your hospital has boarding rooms but it may be worth checking into if your LO needs to stay longer.  It was provided for free by the hospital as long as they had open beds.

I know how tough it is, especially seeing them being hooked up to machines.  I kept reminding myself that DD was getting the care she needed and extra special attention.  The nurses in the NICU were great and even gave me extra help with breastfeeding.  Before you know it you LO will be home with you where they belong!

RovingLanypoo

A few days after my son's birth, we were both diagnosed with Group B Strep (despite having tested negative twice before birth).  Because GBS can be very serious for tiny babies, my son was put in the NICU.  I was a complete mess!  Once I went down there, and met the nurses/doctors, and saw he was being very well taken care of, it was a little easier for me.  It still hurt like he** to be separated from him!  Visit him, touch him, and if you're bf'ing, pump your milk for him.  Ask if you can breastfeed him...  They might let you depending upon the situation!

My little guy was moved out of the NICU within 18 hours, we were both moved to the pediatric unit and we both got released yesterday.  He's gained weight since birth, and he's doing fine now!  My thoughts are with you and your son!

RovingLanypoo

Oh yeah, and don't forget to take care of YOU during this time, too.  I practically ripped out my stitches running around the hospital after my LO.

ncsubride

I am so sorry you are dealing with this, I hope he gets better soon and you can all be home together.  Get some rest and take it easy.  Big hugs.

Kerri

nbjenni

My girls spent 13 days in NICU after their birth. It really is hard leaving, and I did have trouble bonding for those first few weeks. I didn't feel like they were actually MY babies, because I had to ask permission to hold/touch them. The only good thing about them being in the hospital was it gave me time to recover from my c/s and 4 months of bedrest.

I hope your little one is released soon and this will all be a distant memory.

mrsj22

Thank you all so much for the kind words- it really helps to know that I'm not alone in feeling this way. It means a lot to me to hear your stories! Hopefully this part will be over soon...

By the way, I have to say that there are lots of gorgeous DC's on this board- I love looking at the pictures of everyone's little ones!!  

PD's_Momma

My DS was in NICU for a week and it tore me up. I got to hold him for just a few min before they took him. He had a skull fracture and billyruben so I wasn't able to hold him in NICU either. Seeing him there was the hardest thing, leaving with him was even harder. But I knew he would be home with me soon. The one good part of his little stay was he can now sleep thru ANYTHING! Just be sure to take care of yourself, you have to be well to take care of him. If you need to talk my email is wallekatie@gmail.com. Don't be shy! I will pray for you and the little guy!