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Preemies
talk of the boys coming home next week and I'm terrified
The boys both moved to 3 nipple feedings a day today and they are discussing the idea of them coming home next week with apnea monitors. Since they stop breathing and turn blue a few times daily I'm terrified of them coming home. I know the monitors will do their job but it's still scary. They had told us at first they didn't expect them to go home till about their due date (which I realize is the standard line). They will be 35 weeks next week. I know they are not going to send them home till it's safe and I know things could change quickly if they don't keep up their feedings (they need 8 a day) or continue to gain weight.
but am I the only one who is terrified of bringing the babies home? how do you handle it without loosing your sanity and staying up 24/7 staring at them to make sure they breathe?
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Re: talk of the boys coming home next week and I'm terrified
Peanut Butter and Jelly!
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We are rooming in overnight at the NICU right now in preparation for our baby to go home tomorrow... and yes, I'm terrified! Thankfully he's 38 weeks and even just in the last week has improved by leaps and bounds. Just one week ago, I was at the Red Cross giving blood because we thought he would need a transfusion -- and now he's coming home! It's exciting but scary.
Our LO will be on an a/b monitor too, and it's already given me so much peace of mind just tonight. As others said, the NICU won't discharge them until they're ready. I'm still afraid of dropping him or of the dogs jumping up and knocking him out of my arms, but those are probably typical newborn fears. I bet within a few days we'll feel like old pros!
My LO just got off of his monitor yesterday (YAY!) after about 5 weeks. I was very anixous too at 1st. In fact, I asked to be trained in CPR 2x before we left the hospital.
Are you also getting oxygen tanks sent home? We were sent home with oxygen to use during feeds which I also planned to use in the event of an incident. Make sure that you also call your local EMS department to let them know about the monitor. I did & they were appreciative so that if they got a call, they'd know what to expect.
The 1st few days are nerve wracking esp when the alarm goes off, but after then, you'll get the hang of it. And, by the end, you'll be so anxious to ditch the cords. It was so nice snuggling with LO this AM without tripping over the wires! Good luck to you!
I went through that same emotion with DD. The day that she was supposed to come home, I started crying and felt really nervous. The root of it was that I wasn't sure I could provide everything she needed for her. It was very overwhelming. DD came home on oxygen and an apnea monitor to top it all off.
DH wasn't very supportive - he didn't understand the emotion and felt that I had the completely wrong reaction to the whole situation.
In the long run, you'll be a great mother. Don't let anyone make you feel otherwise!
The only good thing about your babies being in the NICU is that you know someone is watching over them 24/7! It's comforting. I think we all get a little nervous when that time comes. You want them home so bad, but it's scary when you're so used to them having constant nursing care. You will do great! I used to drive myself crazy at night...just when I would get comfortable, I would think something like one of them hasn't made a noise in awhile. Then I would have to roll over and check to make sure they are breathing. 10 min. later, repeat! I bet even people with full term babies do that though, so you're not alone!