Day 80 in the NICU

jennbent

This is a stupid post because it's pretty much just me whining, but I can't help it.  I know you ladies will understand.

Today is day 80 in the NICU. Today is also DS's due date.  We were supposed to go home 2 weeks ago.  Then it was moved to this past week.  Now the doc is saying "a few more weeks."  He's not eating well (too slow) and his weight gain has slowed this past week (he only gained 1 oz in 5 days).  So obviously those two factors certainly aren't going to help him get out the door any faster.

Now that he's term, I feel like the best place for his brain development is at home, but I don't know when that's going to be.  I feel like we're going to be stuck there forever.

I am not the type of person to walk around depressed, but it is very difficult to keep my chin up right now.  I don't know how some mamas with babies in the NICU for 150+ days do it.  I just need some encouragement please!!!

CTbride79

I am so sorry you are still in the NICU after that long :-(  My DS was in the NICU for half that amount...I can only imagine what you guys are going through! 

I know it feels like you will be stuck there forever (we felt like that too)...he ended up getting a week extension on his projected release date because of an apnea episode, and then at the last minute on the day he had been cleared for release, the doctor decided to keep him for an extra couple of days just to be on the safe side...we were so devastated.  We realized it was for the best (and in his best interest) and it made us feel that much more confident he would be ok when we did bring him home. 

Hang in there...I know it's easier said than done...my best advice is just to keep taking it one day at a time.  Today marks 5 months since my DS came home, and I can hardly believe it's been that long!  You'll be there before you know it. 

urbanflowerpot

I'm sorry. The end stretch is the worst. I remember right at the end for us I kept thinking about how he was too old to be in there, so I know what you mean. Even though some babes are in for much longer than us - in our NICU DS was the oldest by far in his bay and it had become obvious. His cries were louder and his reports were that he was alert and just watching everyone when before he had the baby lamb cry and slept all the time. His hang up was choking/bradys so it just dragged - like a brady every 12 hours, restart. ugh. I hear you! I call it hitting the wall - and there can be more than one wall! Hang in there.

MrsPookaLuv

The end is hard- and although it's easier said than done, just keep telling yourself that it's for the best.  There is an end in sight- it's a just a little further away than you'd like...you'll have your baby home with you soon!  (((hugs)))

jennbent

Thank you all for your support.  DS was born weighing 1 pound 3 oz, and with that small of a birth weight, we are honestly blessed that he has done as well as he has.  I try to remind myself of that every day, but as they say, the first two weeks and the last two weeks in the NICU are the hardest.  I'm ready for it to be over!

DrRx

Hang in there--the end is always hard. My little girl spent 83 days in the NICU. But she came home on oxygen, pulse ox, and an apnea monitor--if not, she would've been there longer.  

When we were feeling inpatient, DH and I would remind ourselves that it's not like she would be starting school,  going to college, getting married, and having children while being in the NICU. 

GL and keep us posted on your LO's progress! 

mbc2009

Thinking of you and hoping that your time in the NICU is over soon so you can enjoy your little famly at home!!  Hang in there!!

Denesdia

My heart is with you,  mama.  I think the last couple of weeks were actually the worst for me.  I really fell apart because of the anticipation of it all, and the NICU time just wore me down.  We went home at 96 days, and I think I was a hot mess from about day 80.  Does that make you feel better, or worse?    The good news is, as another micropreemie mama told me, no children get on the Kindergarten bus from the NICU.  So, there is an end in sight.  Hang on! 

gringa78

Sending you lots of support - this must be SO hard.  You can do it!  Hang in there.

thishappyhouse

Im sorry, I know how hard it is to be in "overtime" and past your due date.  There is a point right around term where these babies do seem to need to be home and not be patients anymore.  He will get there soon.  Have they discussed upping his calories per ounce or any other strategies for gaining weight?

 My daughter struggled with bottle feeding for so so long and until 4 or 5 days before her discharge it felt like there was no end in sight.  She came home after 124 days and at 42.5 weeks.  If he is just too slow right now, Id bet he "wakes up" and gets a hang of the bottles very soon.  

jennbent

thishappyhouse:

Im sorry, I know how hard it is to be in "overtime" and past your due date.  There is a point right around term where these babies do seem to need to be home and not be patients anymore.  He will get there soon.  Have they discussed upping his calories per ounce or any other strategies for gaining weight?

 My daughter struggled with bottle feeding for so so long and until 4 or 5 days before her discharge it felt like there was no end in sight.  She came home after 124 days and at 42.5 weeks.  If he is just too slow right now, Id bet he "wakes up" and gets a hang of the bottles very soon.  

124 days in the NICU is incredible.  I feel guilty complaining after hearing that! 

Yes, he's been on 27 cal breastmilk for awhile now.  But he still managed to lose weight for a couple of days on that!  I think it's honestly just taking him sooo long to bottle feed that he's using more calories than he's taking in. 

 

thishappyhouse

jennbent:

thishappyhouse:

Im sorry, I know how hard it is to be in "overtime" and past your due date.  There is a point right around term where these babies do seem to need to be home and not be patients anymore.  He will get there soon.  Have they discussed upping his calories per ounce or any other strategies for gaining weight?

 My daughter struggled with bottle feeding for so so long and until 4 or 5 days before her discharge it felt like there was no end in sight.  She came home after 124 days and at 42.5 weeks.  If he is just too slow right now, Id bet he "wakes up" and gets a hang of the bottles very soon.  

124 days in the NICU is incredible.  I feel guilty complaining after hearing that! 

Yes, he's been on 27 cal breastmilk for awhile now.  But he still managed to lose weight for a couple of days on that!  I think it's honestly just taking him sooo long to bottle feed that he's using more calories than he's taking in. 

 

 

Dont ever feel guilty, no stay in the NICU is fun.   Is he on MCT oil or any other meds for weight gain?  He probably is expending too many calories so the likely thing to happen is that he will get the hang of the bottles and start some consistent weight gain at the same time.  

SquishyMine

Just adding to the "hang in there" crowd! We're on day 75, and the "stir craziness" is setting in.  So I understand!  I keep saying that it was "easier" to leave them in the hospital when they looked like they needed to be there.  So sending encouraging vibes your way!