May I join you?

EAMommy

I went on modified bedrest at 26 weeks due to preterm contractions and hospital bedrest at 32 weeks due to preterm labor. My LO was born last Sunday at 33w1d. He weighed 4 lbs 1 oz and was 17.5 inches...

He's doing well overall--been on room air from day one, is in a warming isolette, got rid of the IV on Friday, attempts to breastfeed each time I'm there for a feeding with some inconsistent success, and has taken all his feedings from bottle or breast until today. He's so tired from trying to stay warm and eat that he's unable to finish his bottles now, so they put a feeding tube in his nose tonight. The hope is that he'll be home for Christmas...

I hit a wall as of today--emotionally and physically. I think I've cried more than not. The hospital is a good 45-60 minutes away and I try to get there by 12:00 every day and stay until after his 6:30 feed (I'm usually able to leave between 7:30/8:00). I'm up every 3 hours during the night to pump and still trying to heal from my vaginal delivery a week ago. I ended up with stitches and am still very tender down there... I'm just plain exhausted and want my baby home with me.

Mrs. Alice

Welcome and congrats on your LO!  The NICU is definitely a roller coaster ride of emotions.  I also had to drive a long distance to our NICU (it was 2 hrs away).  After the first couple weeks I cut down the night pumpings so I could get about a 5 hr stretch of sleep.  That can do wonders for how you feel.  Hoping your little guy is home for Christmas!

Pips09

Congrats on your baby! Hopefully he will be home with you soon.