So, I got to thinkin'

tsoyster

LO was born 5 weeks early and spent 5 days in NICU. LO was 7lbs when she was born.  She had a beautiful color, was crying, and very responsive.

She scored a 7 on her first apgar, and then an 8.  But, she was rushed, I mean literally rushed, to the NICU.  DH and I got to look at her while they cleaned her up.  We didn't get to hold her, get any pictures or anything.

Her first days in the NICU, we could touch her, but not hold her or nurse her. I didn't get to see her until five hours after she was born.I was discharged on Wednesday, and she didn't get to come home until Saturday.

I just didn't get to have any of that special mommy/baby time. I didn't hold her until she was almost three days old.  I in no way wanted to jeopardize her health, but it was never really explained why it was all so dramatic.

Any other's have the same apgars but have a different experience?

meg1974

I can't exactly relate, but I can say that DD was born 2 days past due via c-section and got 8 on both apgars, which the hospital considered to be just fine. She was alert, crying and kicking when she came out. DH held her right away, and I held her within 20 minutes.

However, the hospital we were at is very family friendly. They don't even have a regular nursery (only a NICU). The babies stay in the room with the mom the entire time. There's another hospital here that just about makes you put your baby in the nursery and doesn't let you hold them right after a c-section. So, it might depend on the policies at your hospital. 

Sugarish22

My DS was born 4 weeks early.  They prepared us for the worst -, telling us that I wouldn't be able to hold him right away & he might have to be in the NICU for a week, they also had a breathing specialist in the delivery room to assess him.  He came out screaming & scored an 8 on his apgar.  After the breathing specialist checked him, they cleaned him up, weighed him (6 lbs. 10 oz.) & gave him to me.  We both left the hospital 2 days later.  I EBF & because he was early they made me give him formula after each feeding (his pedi said I could stop when we got home).

I think maybe it depends on your hospital's policy.  I often wonder if DS was born at 40 weeks and still weighed 6 lbs, would they still have made me supplement with formula?  I wonder if they were just being extra cautious with your LO.  Before you have another (if you decide to) I would talk to your dr about your concerns, maybe he/she can help shed some light on your experience.  I'm so sorry that that happened to you, but thank goodness your LO is ok now and you can hold her and love her all you want!