HELP! 31 weeker on an airplane...

ericanandy

Yes you read that correctly....

Long story short DH's cousin and wife came in to PA from CA over the holidays. She was 30 weeks at arrival to PA.  New Years Day spotting (placental tear), hospital kept her. Baby joined our family (here in PA) at 31.5 weeks last Thursday.

He's doing well... apparently too well as the insurance company has told our cousin that he's ready for air transport and is to be released from PA hospital to CA hospital. They are paying for an ambulance to take one parent and baby to airport, and for a medical plane to CA.

 So......... not sure what I'm asking for but we want to be there to support cousin with all the emotions of this move. We were all excited to have the baby here in PA and to help the parents but now they are headed back to CA with little family and support.

So I'm guess I'm asking for prayers and advice. Anyone been in such a situation? What should she expect tomorrow? Anything she should insist for on the plane? (She's not even allowed to bring a bag so we have to ship her luggage back and husband isn't sure when he can get a flight back to CA as they were told all of this yesterday) 

 Thanks ladies. 

ericanandy

Also I'd love to send her to this board, however she's not really the internet type. Any other places I could send her for preemie parental support?

kck329

I'm glad to hear that the baby is doing well enough to be transferred. It sounds like your family is doing great giving the parents support too which is awesome. I don't have any experience with transfers but many of women here do so I'll let them answer those questions.

In terms of other places for support, send her a link to our blog (link in siggy). It has birth stories, NICU tips, and lots more from the women on this board. One she might find interesting is:

https://preemiemomblog.blogspot.com/2011/11/153-days-in-nicu-one-hospital-transfer.html

 Also your family might want to check out the "how can I help" page 

https://preemiemomblog.blogspot.com/p/what-can-i-do-for-my-friend.html

 

I hope all goes well with the transfer!

AlwaysSunny925

I'm sorry I have no advice, but I hope all goes well for her.  And I'm glad to hear LO is doing well.  T&Ps.

ericanandy

kck329:

I'm glad to hear that the baby is doing well enough to be transferred. It sounds like your family is doing great giving the parents support too which is awesome. I don't have any experience with transfers but many of women here do so I'll let them answer those questions.

In terms of other places for support, send her a link to our blog (link in siggy). It has birth stories, NICU tips, and lots more from the women on this board. One she might find interesting is:

https://preemiemomblog.blogspot.com/2011/11/153-days-in-nicu-one-hospital-transfer.html

 Also your family might want to check out the "how can I help" page 

https://preemiemomblog.blogspot.com/p/what-can-i-do-for-my-friend.html

 

I hope all goes well with the transfer!

Wow that blog is wonderful! thank you!  I forwarded it to her and the family. I'm so excited to meet him tonight before they head back to Cali tomorrow. Thanks for all your prayers and thoughts. 

KatFCo

I also don't have any experience with preemie travel, but once they get to their home NICU, suggest she ask about a parent support group. Our NICU had a weekly support group led by a parent advocate where we could talk and share experiences.