My friend delivered at 24wks

travelingkris

My good good friend that was put on bedrest yesterday due to a shortened cervix , and a UTI. Long story short, but she went into labor last night, and had her son early this morning-- He is 1lb 8oz and 12" long.

Please send any thoughts and prayers you have... I know it's a long road ahead.

The apgar for Max was a "6" and then an "8" and the docs and nurses are remarkably surprised at how well he is doing... but he is on oxygen, and a feeding tube.

Thanks, all.

 

I'd also welcome any thoughts or advice you have--

Afton3

I'm so sorry she was not able to stay pregnant longer!  24 weeks is a very young preemie and barely in the "viable" stage, but it sounds like the baby's doing okay?

Give your friend all the love and support you can by taking care of her and her family with meals, cleaning, money, babysitting, whatever you can.  Don't be too optimistic about her baby's health and assume that he will thrive or live...be realistic.  Show interest in her baby and go visit him if you can, but wait awhile until your friend invites you to see him or until the shock has worn off a bit for her and her family.  Mostly, offer your help and suggest things that you can do for her instead of waiting for her to ask for your help because she may not dare ask you to do things for her.

I pray everything turns out well!

www.preemiebabies101.com

KellyMichelle

Praying for her and the baby.  24 weeks is early, but there is alot that can be done for them.  My son was a 26 weeker, he is now 4 and has no problems from being so early. 

Be sure to congratulate her on her baby, as preemie moms we miss out on that.  

travelingkris

Thanks girls.  I'm scared for them, and i feel so helpless.  I know they will be swarmed with family, but is there anything I can do in the days/weeks ahead to help?

 

They have NOTHING done at home... which, really... baby wont be there for a while anyway...

 

Gift cards to restaurants?  Any suggestions? 

KellyMichelle

Just being there to support them is really helpful. Gift cards to restaurants near the hospital are nice, helping with things around the house (yard, dogs, etc) are nice so that they can spend time at the hospital.  If you want to make a gift basket I would put quarters so that they can get snacks at the hospital, a disposable camera to leave at the bedside, lotion, a journal and an encouraging note. 

 

dmblack

Tell her congrats.....and lend any support you can.

mek10976

It sounds like little Max is fiesty from the get go!  I hope he continues to amaze the nurses/doctors.  T & P coming!!!

witt0198

Suggest , or give as a gift, the book Preemies the essential guide for parents of premature infants.

I agree that anything that you can think of to offer to help with would be good. Just offer.......mow the lawn, food, cleaning, are there pets? take the pets off their hands if their are. Don't be surprised if your friend kinda withdrawls for a bit, so if she doesn't respond to your requests now, try again in a week.

Email me at witt0198@umn.edu if you'd like to hear more about Evan's story. It's long, bumpy, but has a good ending : )

Denesdia

I hate to sound redundant, but just be there.  My DD was a 25-weeker and I remember being so amazed that people stayed with me, and stayed in tune with DD's progress for the whole NICU stay and beyond.  The support is what I remember the most, now that it is all said and done.  Being consistently available will allow you to see what your friend needs as it pops up.  It changes day to day.  Lots of prayers coming your way.

RedheadJenny

Praying for your friend. When my son was born at 24 weeks it always helped me when people would ask me how he was doing. Knowing people were praying for him helped a lot too. We always had to eat out, so the suggestions pp had about gift cards is a good idea. It is possible for baby to be fine being born at 24 weeks, I have proof.