Anticipating NICU stay but not necessarily a preemie

goldenleaves

I lurk a lot here so I thought I might as well say hi! We're expecting our little girl to join us in mid-February. My OB and MFM team have said we'll have at least a few days in the NICU regardless of gestational age because our little one has Down syndrome and a serious heart defect. Open heart surgery won't be done until around 4 months old.

Just wanted to say come out of lurkerdom to say hello! Any general nicu tips?

ETA: I hope it's okay that I posted this here!

MrsRumpf

I would like to say "hello and welcome"!

It must be very hard to find a spot to talk with people of similar experience.  If you need any info on the NICU, each is different, but I spent 94 days at ours.  Feel free to ask away.  Good luck to you and your family. 

urbanflowerpot

Hello Of course it's fine that you posted here! I think the SN boards will be more helpful in the long run, though - I know of one DS mom whose blog you might like to read - https://prayersformason.blogspot.com/ - she was due around the same time that I was so it goes back quite a ways.

NICU is hard no matter how long your baby is in there for - some of the moms have experience with open heart surgery (Mason has had it a few times!). I'm of little help there, but I can point out our preemie blog where we mention NICU 290300000 times and also suggest you give the FAQ in my siggy to close friends and family so they will know how to help you when the time comes.

HTH!

goldenleaves

Thanks so much!

katie4253

I just wanted to say welcome!  I hope the remainder of your pregnancy goes smoothly.  NICU is hard, but this group is a great support.  I'd also post over on special needs because I am sure there are some moms who would be able to answer heart surgery questions as well.   

Keep on cookin' baby!