New mom to 25 weeker...

FlemFam718

Last Sunday our little man entered the world 15 weeks early. It was such an unexpected whirlwind. I'd had a perfectly healthy pregnancy until Saturday when I had back pain and a tiny bit of spotting. The docs think cervical incompetence.

 Our little peanut was 2lbs 4oz and 15 inches long. Doing ok so far. He got off the vent and onto CPAP the first day. We just had the duct closing surgery yesterday and he's back on the vent for the time being. My partner (who's simply amazing) and I are just overwhelmed and trying to stay strong one day at a time. Our NICU is amazing, but its hard to stay confident with everything we have coming our way over the next few months. Any suggestions for how to stay sane?  

rslhmg

Try to take it one day at a time. I was fortunate to have people with me that made me stop and focus on myself once in awhile. It was difficult to take time away from my lo, but I honestly couldn't have kept going with out taking time to recharge. And congrats on your lo :

vsalt31

Hi, Momma.  Congratulations on your little man.  What is his name?  So happy for you and your partner.  But, I'm sorry that you've ended up on this board.  The ladies on here are awesome, so hopefully, just having their support will help.  I think you hit the nail on the head with "taking one day at a time."  The NICU is an emotional rollercoaster.  Babies tend to take a few steps backward before they take one giant one forward.  So, its so frustrating & hearbreaking at times, but it usually does get better.
A few things that helped me when my DS was in the NICU was that I was as hands on as possible when I was visiting.  I asked if I could change the diaper, take the temp, clean DS's face, etc.  I also put a huge effort into keeping up with my pumping.  That helped me to feel less useless.  I also made the decision to return to work until DS was home.  I wanted to save my maternity time for when he came home, so I worked it out with my office that I had slightly shortened days so that DH & I could go and visit both before and after work.  I'm not the kind of person who can watch the clock tick by, so it really kept me busy. 
And, a few things that I wish that I had done differently...  I wish that I would have had professional photos taken in the NICU.  Sounds crazy, but most of the photos we have for the 1st 44 days were taken on cell phones.  And, I wish that I would have taken better newborn shots.  Also, I wish that I had taken a photo of DS next to something (stuffed animal, etc) early on so that I could continue placing that animal next to DS in other pics to see how much he has grown. 
I'm not sure that this helps much.  Hang in there!   You're doing great so far!   We like pics too if you'd like to share

haziedaze

We definitely need pics and a name (when you're ready) ). Congrats on motherhood and what sounds like a big, strong guy for a 25 weeker. Having a preemie kinda feels like getting sucked down a rabbit hole, everything is so surreal. I agree with others, take it one day at a time, do as much as you can for him, and take some breaks for yourself. When H's grandparents were at bedside (only 2 could be at a time) I would run get a quick pedicure nearby, I even got my hair done once. Taking a little time for yourself here and there can help your supply too if you're pumping. A little tidbit for later, document, document document. Take photos, save his little hats and diapers, keep any signs the nurses make. This is his story and some day these things will help you tell it! ((HUGS))

Mrs. Alice

Welcome and congrats!  I'm sorry you have to be here so soon.  Your LO is a great size for 25 weeks!  Praying he does well, gets off the vent soon, grows big and strong.  The beginning is very overwhelming and you just have to take it day by day.  Take tons of pics because your LO will change so quickly.  Remember the NICU is a marathon not a sprint.  There will be ups and downs along the way.  Let us know if you need any support or have questions.  HUGS.

Denesdia

Welcome and congrats, mama!  My 25 weeker is turning four in a couple of months.  You can do this, and so can your little miracle!  Keep us posted and ask questions as they come.

MamaKoria

Welcome and congrats! I don't have any experience with a baby being born that early, but I'm sure there are a lot of moms here who do!

ssg73

Congrats on the birth of your son. I am sorry you have to join the preemie mom club but welcome. A great size for a 25 weeker. E was 2lb 5 oz at 14 inches at 30 weeks. If I remember right you are in the Boston area. What hospital are you at? Anyway if you want to chat about navigating the nicu as a lgbt parent or just need a local resource I am more than willing to be in touch.  Hugs and one foot at a time.  I am sending you a pm with my info.

thishappyhouse

Congratulations on your little boy!  What a great size for a 25 weeker... good job mama!  Im glad his PDA surgery was a success and hope that he has smooth days ahead.

I also had a 25 weeker and what helped me the most was having an outwardly positive attitude (even if I felt like I was dying on the inside).  I did learn to rely on certain people (my best friend, one particular nurse, and a former nicu mom) to "let go" to, to cry to, to complain to.  I also wrote a blog.  Most of our friends and family are out of state and initially it was just a good way to keep our loved ones up to date but it then became very therapeutic.  

jcsntms06

Congratulations on the birth of your little guy. Praying for an uneventful NICU stay. Please keep us posted.

FlemFam718

Thanks for the support everyone! Silas is doing as well as can be expected. He's back on CPAP (he actually extubated himself because he hated the vent so much). He's stepping up with his feedings with limited spit-ups. We are hoping this continues and he starts putting on some weight soon. 

 I'm struggling with milk supply. Trying to pump as much as I can but not always getting much. It just makes me feel like my body is failing in another way. Hopefully, it keeps improving and I ordered some herbal capsules that the LC recommended.

 I've also been fighting the feeling like I might be getting sick. I've had a sore/dry throat since I got out of the hospital, but it hasn't materialized into anything. I'm obsessively checking my temp and I didn't go into the NICU yesterday. I feel guilty for not going in and then guilt for wanting to go in. I think I will go in today with a mask and no touching.

One day at a time.

Lulukl

I had twins at 26 weeks.......12 years ago.  Life altering event, I will never forget.  My girls are now 12 and brilliant and athletic.  A long road to recovery, but hey are special tiny miracles.  My experience was so life altering I helped develop the tiny miracles foundation to help new preemie families.  Foto ttmf.org and read the miracle stories.  It will help you.

How did I cope, each day turned my job into caring for my twins and learning as much as I could, took a lot of hot baths, needed a lot of alone time, avoid friends for now, stay close to family and other preemie parents.

Pray, stay positive....one day at a time