Katie4253

damabo80

Thank you for the tips! I imagine I'll be stalking you for additional tips soon, and making my way over the preemie board (which I admit...is a scary step).

I got up for the first time, and holy schnizz. I never knew such pain was possible, nor that such colorful curse words could fly out of my mouth. I'm dreading the second time I have to get up, but your post is helping me get up my courage

Hopefully I'll be able to see her this afternoon. It's tough...they are bringing me pictures, but right now, it just looks like someone else's kid. I think it will feel more real (like she's actually MINE...well, and DH's too ) once I can touch her.

katie4253

Seriously, I cussed too.  I still had the catheter in and they wanted to take it out at like 3am the 1st day (less than 24hrs after birth).  I told them, "Hell no" (in a light hearted way).  The thought of getting up to pee was so upsetting.  So, I had it for the 1st and 2nd time I was in the NICU.  The next morning they took it out and I was able to walk down to see him on my own. 

I'm not gonna lie, I don't have the bonding that a "regular mom" has.  But, the first time I was able to touch him really did help.  Last night H and I got to really touch him and he was opening his eyes and responding to us.  I felt more attached then.  We get to hold him for the first time today.  I am chomping at the bit for him to wake up because I am super excited to actually be able to hold him.

Also, I am pumping like a maniac and that helps.  I set my alarm for every 2hrs (day) and 3 hrs (night) to pump.  It is the one thing I can do that is like a "normal mom".  So, it is nice.   I'm already getting enough to keep up with him.  I'm not sure when they'll start feeding your little gal, but don't stress about your milk.  Just pump what you can and do the stimulation.  They'll freeze anything that won't be used right away and she'll get it soon.  

I was just discharged, but my hospital allows boarding.  So, I'll spend the majority of my days here and sleep at home at night.  E-mail me if you want to know anything you think I could answer or you want to hear our experiences.  You have no idea how much you are about to learn.  I feel like I've gotten an entirely new education in a matter of days!