- Pregnancy
- Baby & Toddler
- Parents
- Getting Pregnant
- Baby Names
- Product Reviews
-
Registry
- Community
-
More
Want a personalized experience?
Download the free app
Preemies
An Introduction
I'm so happy to have found this board! Our little guy was born last Sunday, 9/2 at exactly 34 weeks - 5lbs, 5oz - and he has been in the NICU since birth. I had a "textbook" pregnancy without any complications at all, but my water broke last Saturday and I was induced later that day. We were obviously completely rattled and shocked by this (who is ever really prepared for the NICU?), but we are making it through.
The craziest thing about our situation is that we were actually on a weekend getaway to the beach for Labor Day when my water broke, so I delivered at a random hospital three hours away from our home. The hospital has allowed for us to stay in one of the rooms as "boarder parents" until our little guy can come home with us, so we are literally in the NICU every 3-4 hours feeding him around the clock.
We're now going on Day 10 and I think I'm beginning to shut down. All of the days are running together and I'm not sure how to handle everything properly. I welcome any tips or advice that any of you may have!
This discussion has been closed.
Re: An Introduction
Welcome and congratulations! We have a few moms on here who delivered out of town (or state!). That's hard; it's all hard.
Would you like to tell us how LO is doing? What challenges is he facing right now?
Feel free to forward the FAQ to friends and family so they'll know how to help you through this better - NICU time will come to an end, but bringing home a preemie is a different experience. I hope you'll stick with us.
www.virginiakkent.blogspot.com
Thank you all for the congrats...LO is actually doing really well. All of the doctors and nurses have commented on how well he's progressing for a 34-weeker, especially because he's a white male. Over the last 11 days, he has had 5 days of phototherapy and has been in and out of the isolette. He hasn't had any breathing or eating issues (BF'ing like a champ!) and early this morning he was transferred into an open air crib to see if he can maintain his temperature.
We feel very lucky and thankful that he is doing so well - I can't even imagine how difficult it must be to handle much more stressful NICU stays. I think we've turned a corner, but I'm still nervous about what lies ahead. Again, thank you all for your support. I'll definitely be returning regularly to this board!
Congratulations on the birth of your son. Praying that your little guy is home with you soon.
I tried to take some time each day while my babies were in the hospital to have lunch with either family (near the hospital), or friends. This helped me decompress and vent if need be. I also got some great advice while in the NICU from the NICU manager, to get at least 5 hours of sleep and once I get up, pump as soon as I can. Hang in there Mama!