30 weeks, c section tomorrow, placenta previa...help!

Suz+Mo · December 2012

Ok preemie mamas...The last 24 hours have been a whirlwind and I'm having a c section tomorrow. Baby girl will be 30w2d. I've gotten the Mag for neural and steroids for lungs, but what can I expect? Any NICU survival tips? Preemie tips?

I have no bags packed or anything ready at home. Just sent friends out to buy some essentials for me.

Any encouragement or things to be aware if in these first few days? I'm still in shock and trying to wrap my brain around this. Yesterday I thought I would go 40 weeks and deliver vaginally! Oh what a difference a day makes!

Suz+Mo · December 2012

BostonKisses2:
Here's the link to the resource blog in case you're on mobile: https://www.preemiemomblog.blogspot.com

Awesome! Thank you!! Yes I didn't even know where to start so this is fabulous! Thank you!

rjade9 · December 2012

First I am sorry you have to have the csection at this stage, but know that it's great that you have time for the mag and steroids!

I was on HBR for 9 weeks and had my lo at 32w6d. Even with 3 doses of steroids (2 at 24w, a rescue at 32w) he had to be intubated but only for 2 days, was on cpap for a few days, then just nasal cannula. Once she comes out things will go very fast, they will give her to the neonatal team and determine what she needs, this part is very scary and we were not prepared for it. Just know that they are going to take good care of your little girl, my dh wasn't allowed to go with ds at first which was terrifying but he was in extremley good hands. Ask tons of questions before and after, the nurses are so smart and are great resources.

As far as survival tips, make sure you get your rest! It's going to be so hard because you will want to be with your little one and see her as much as possible but you are about to have major surgery. You need to heal, every nurse told me that and I didn't listen. I ended up getting sick and had to stay home a few days which killed me!

Good luck tomorrow, keep us updated when you can!

colemangal85 · December 2012

I was in the same shoes. I thought for sure i would go 40 weeks and deliver vaginally but no go. I went in for a regular doc appointment and was having a c-section less than 48 hours later at 34 weeks.

I agree with the comments said so far - sleep and rest as much as possible. Your LO is in the best hands possible and once you get that LO home - it is going to be hard work and emotionally draining but it does get better. Ask any and all questions you might have - no question is too dumb. Use the time that your LO is in the NICU to your advantage - they taught me and my DH a lot!! It was almost a blessing really.

You will be fine. Good luck!

Sept30Madison · December 2012

I had my DD at 30w, 2d. She's now 6 months old and doing fabulously. She had 6 weeks of NICU time, mainly just a feeder and grower with some oxygen assistance her first 5 days.

tips:

(1) start pumping as soon as possible if you want to breastfeed. the early days are critical for establishing supply. milk won't come in usually for a few days, but pumping colestrum and pumping to tell your body to start production is super important. Plan on pumping about every 2-3 hours (minimum of 8 times a day, 10 if possible).

(2) I bought a book on preemies by Dana Linden and that thing was my bible in the NICU (I got it on Amazon for about $10). I felt empowered by reading up on things and knowing what questions to ask the neonatalogists, etc.

Suz+Mo · December 2012

Sept30Madison:
I had my DD at 30w, 2d. She's now 6 months old and doing fabulously. She had 6 weeks of NICU time, mainly just a feeder and grower with some oxygen assistance her first 5 days.
tips:
(1) start pumping as soon as possible if you want to breastfeed. the early days are critical for establishing supply. milk won't come in usually for a few days, but pumping colestrum and pumping to tell your body to start production is super important. Plan on pumping about every 2-3 hours (minimum of 8 times a day, 10 if possible).
(2) I bought a book on preemies by Dana Linden and that thing was my bible in the NICU (I got it on Amazon for about $10). I felt empowered by reading up on things and knowing what questions to ask the neonatalogists, etc.

Awesome!!! Thanks for all the advice everyone! Ok now to take my ambien and attempt to get some sleep before she is born in 9 hours!

jcsntms06 · December 2012

Praying for you and your LO today. Please keep us updated.

CTbride79 · December 2012

Hi! Hope all goes well/went well with the c-section...I was in your shoes 10 1/2 months ago. Within 6 days, I went from believing I had a normal, uncomplicated pregnancy, to being told my baby was measuring very small (severe IUGR), the placenta was failing, and I had pre-e and would need a c-section right away.

I was lucky in that in those 6 days, I had time for steroid shots as well, and my DS was born screaming and breathing room air, and never need any assistance breathing. He was born at exactly 32 weeks, and came home 16 days before my due date (spent a total of 40 days in the NICU).

I hope your LO does just as well and is home with you soon! This board is an amazing source of support and knowledge, so I hope you will visit often during your NICU stay. The first few days are the hardest...I think I was still processing everything that happened in those first days, and was in a kind of shock. Sending lots of good thoughts and hugs your way!

Piper345 · December 2012

My DS was born at 30w5d. I went into labor out of nowhere and they tried to stop it with mag but he was born vaginally 24 hours later. It was very scary and like pp's said the NICU is a rollercoaster and will get frustrating but 30 weekers typically do very well. DS was mostly a feeder/grower and he stayed a total of 47 days. He is now 19 months and he's an amazing, active toddler and you would never know he was born almost 10 weeks early! Good luck to you and stay strong.