Introduction: After 45 days at the NICU, I finally find the time

Ali05

To sit at a computer and type an introduction. I hope to soon update my profile with some pictures. My DS was born at 30 weeks due to HELLP syndrome and it's been 45 days so far at the NICU. I am finally starting to celebrate because they say he should be home by Wednesday.

I've read this board during many late night pumping sessions and when I felt so alone. It's great to know that they are other moms who have been through the stuff I've faced. Moms who understand the NICU rollercoaster.

I can't believe he'll be home soon. He weighed 3lbs 5oz at birth. He is now 5lbs 5oz. I am trying to find a "nice" way to tell people they can't visit the house for a while. Any suggestions? I am just scared to expose him to lots of people (although they mean well).

lemen99

welcome!! Congrats on your LO and his soon-to-be homecoming!!  :-)

Every week when our baby was in the NICU, we sent out weekly updates to our friends/family.  When we sent a mass email announcing he was coming home, we had a paragraph explaining why they can expect us to be very protective of our son in the coming months and not to take it personally if we limit visitors, ask for repeated hand-washing, etc. We told them as his parents, it's our job to keep him healthy and protect him from germs until he gets stronger.

So far, every one has respected our wishes. So much so that I think they are afraid to come over to see him at all!

 

TriciaJoy

Congratulations!

As for keeping people away.. do you keep a blog? How have you been updating people on his status so far?

 We sent out an email and made a blog post basically saying that we're happy to announce that Robbie was going to be coming home. Things were still fragile and the doctor (always blame the doctors!) had us following strict guidelines to keep him healthy and then outlined the rules.

we followed it up with a caution not to take it personally if we couldn't invite someone over or in.. and that if they do, we will be asking everyone to wash up and take precautions, but that we'd spent 96 days working on getting him home and we don't want to visit a hospital any time soon.

So far, so good. The only person I've ever had give me trouble is one therapist (who got the stink eye and got in line quickly) and my dad, who got a firm lecture and is now the germ police himself.

 

Aidge

Congrats and welcome! Your little guy's journey sounds a lot like Sam's. He was born at 29 and 6 for unknown reasons, and came home after 49 days. ?Born at 3.9, came home at just under 6 and is now 24 pounds! We were also very worried, and continued to use caution (and still do) with visitors, but especially in the beginning and throughout RSV season. ?We sent out an email courtesy of Sara (SMBride) that described exactly why we needed to take such precautions, and it was very well-written and informative. ?I'm sure she wouldn't mind sending you that as well. ?Hard as it may be, don't worry about offending anyone- this is your child and you are protecting him as best as possible. GL and congrats on the soon to be homecoming!

Xina_Marie

Hello, I am also a lurker who is coming out of the wood work now. Amelia was born April 2 this year at 25 weeks, 3 days. She is still on a ventilator at the hospital, but is finally starting to make progress on being weaned from it. We long for the day she will be moved to CPAP. I am only beginning to let myself imagine what it will be like for her and us when she comes home and we can't rely on a staff of nurses and doctors around the clock to take care of her.

This RSV stuff and germ stuff worries me. My parents will be coming to visit the day after her original due date. I don't know if she will be home yet, but my parents are from the school of believing that parents are too vigilant with hygiene and by being so sanitary, it doesn't allow kids to build their immune systems. I think there is some truth to that, but for a preemie it is totally different. I think there is the attitude that she looks OK on the outside so she isn't different than any other baby, but she is -- her lungs are crap!

I strongly encourage all to write a blog. Even my not very techno-savvy mother is addicted to getting updates. It has helped me not repeat the same thing a hundred different times. It helps document the journey you are taking...and best of all for me, it was a therapeutic and inexpensive outlet for my emotions.

Ali05

Thank you guys so much for the responses. I have been using facebook to post short updates and pictures because I can do facebook from my cell phone in the NICU. But a blog is a good idea- I'll have a computer once he's home :-) so maybe I'll try that out.

it's awesome that I have a great support system but it's hard to update everyone and we all know how we really don't have time for long phone conversations.

 

mom2elijah

Welcome...there is nothing better than feeling like someone understands how you feel and where you are coming from. Glad to have you aboard.