Hello Ladies,
My name is Vee, I'm a first time mom and my baby was born at 32 weeks (10/20/11). I had preeclamsia and did not know, so things escalated and due to a spike in blood pressure I had a seizure (thank God my DH is a light sleeper). They delivered my baby shortly after I came through it. I am trying to get back into the swing of things, but I am struggling to deal with leaving my baby in the NICU!
I want to be with her all the time and I don't know proper NICU etiquette. I'm sure that I'm offending those nurses with all of my questions and scary thoughts. I just found out about a book on how to deal with being a NICU parent. I had no idea things like this existed. I'm just looking for advice and support. My baby was also very tiny, weighing in at 2lbs 11oz at birth. I am so anxious to start breastfeeding her and growing her to get her home.
Re: Newbie Preemie/ 1st time Mom
Being in the NICU is hard. You don't ever get used to leaving your child. As far as offending the nurses, I doubt that. They are there to care for your LO and make sure your needs are met too.
We had babies at a similar gestational age. My guy weighed in at 2lb3oz.
This link might help you.
FAQ: Resources for New NICU Moms
We'll miss you sweet Debbie Girl (4.21.12) and sweet Cindy Girl (8.9.12)
First of all, congrats on your new little one! My DD weighed 2 lbs, 11 oz at birth also! She was born at 29 weeks and I also had pre-e. She was in the NICU for 8 weeks. So, I know what you're going through! It's a long (emotional) road. I didn't discover this board until after DD came home, I wish I had known about it before. Don't worry about getting on the nurses nerves or anything- I'm sure they don't mind one bit and it's what they are there for! They understand that you're just a concerned mommy. I think the more involved and hands on you are, the faster your baby may get to come home. (in some cases) Again congrats! and welcome! I wish your LO a short, uneventful NICU stay.
Welcome! I was going to write out all of the above. Ask all your questions to the nurses, don't feel like you are in the way. You are your baby's biggest advocate because unlike the medical team, you are only watching one baby and you will notice things they don't. If you can, be there for rounds so you can talk to the doctors and be a part of the care plans. Ask questions, make suggestions, point things out, whatever you need to do. I kept a notebook and made notes each day so I could see progress and notice if there were patterns in any issues.
I hope you have a short and uneventful NICU stay!
Our precious girl, born at 27 weeks.
I was surprised to find a book, too - but even moreso a whole community! These ladies got me through it and we'll get you through it, too!
Congratulations!!!
The previous posters covered everything but I just wanted to say hello - and also give you a head's up that BF'ing might be a very long, hard journey. It was one of the few things that I had my heart set on while pg - my only plan. I think most of the ladies shared that - but we also shared the hardship of it. Please feel free to ask questions - whatever, pester away! We've all asked them plus dozens more Biggest advice - if you want to BF -do not give up and pump like a maniac-
BFP#2 3/16/11, beta 138; 4/12 Baby/HB DS born 9/10/11 at 29w4d due to partial abruption and PTL
BFP#3 8/19/13 Another boy! 17P, modified bedrest and Nifedipine helped us have a termie! DS2 born 4/19/14 at 38w5d.
Thank you so much ladies! I am at the hospital twice a day and tonight I just had to stay home because I think I'm wearing myself out! I have been so stressed out about BFing and I don't know how to feel. My ob said that she went through the same thing and her milk didnt come in until the 3 wk mark. I was told by the LC that if I didnt get it in a couple of days, that it would never come in properly. I'm just trying not to be stressed cause I know that also affects my milk production. I am trying to also be careful b/c I'm still on blood pressure meds and it shoots up whenever I get agitated
I want to be with the baby all day, but I know for my health I need to try and calm down. I'm also trying to connect with other NICU moms and preemie parents. It is so comforting to have others to talk to that understand what you're going through. I am happy to have found this forum as well. It's already been a blessing!