Preemies
Intro and Question with RSV Season (long, sorry!)
Hi Ladies,
I am active on a few boards, but figured you ladies would be a great resource for me! I had preemie twins back in June born at 32 weeks due to PROM. We hopped in the car after my water broke and drove 3 hours to the hospital. We had to go to a distant hospital to deliver because the NICU closest to us did not have the resources to handle my son's known birth defects. My son had a very rare set of birth defects (5 in a million- incomplete pentalogy of cantrell) and died within a few hours of birth. When we got to the hospital, we realized my daughter had a prolapsed cord. I was rushed into an emergency C-section. My daughter was born at 3lbs 4oz and was in the NICU for 5 weeks. She was a rockstar though! She got surfactant shortly after birth. Was on CPAP for a few days and on RA within a week. She also was able to latch within a week, but took a little longer to wean from all TFs. She spent 5 weeks in the NICU and has been doing well since we've been home. She's hitting milestones and we continue to work with PT. She's still not on the regular growth charts, but gaining weight well.
Whew! That's my story! Anyways, I really like her pediatrician but he also drives me a little crazy. When asking him about catch-up growth, he told me she would be caught up and not considered a preemie at 6 months! I have a background in healthcare (clinical dietitian) and knew that he was talking crazy, so I let it go. He is VERY laid back about things and has never really given us restrictions about going out and about. Insurance did not cover synagis so she did not receive it. We want to protect her from RSV. The pediatrician just advised good handwashing. We decided to keep her out of any childcare setting (church nursery, group babysitting for bible study, etc). I stay at home so she is not in daycare. Does that seem normal to really have no restrictions? He just said "stay away from snotty-nosed kids." Also, I would really to like to take her to classes at a local "baby gym." It is VERY clean and there would only be 4 other babies in the class. They have a no sick policy. Parents are with the babies the whole time, so I can keep other kids out of her face. We have been to mom's groups with other babies. The doctor, of course, is very laid back and just thinks it's good that we are social. I figured you ladies might have some good input.
2 year TTC journey with successful IVF in Nov 2012- B/G Twins!
Baby Boy diagnosed with omphalocele and diaphragmatic hernia
Born at 32 weeks due to PROM. Emergency c-section due to prolapsed cord.
Said Goodbye to our sweet Bennett after 5 short hours.
Spent 35 days in the NICU with our little girl.
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Re: Intro and Question with RSV Season (long, sorry!)
We are currently keeping my son home and he had the synagis shot (he's 3 months actual but only a few weeks adjusted). I have a friend with a preemie one year old, who began going to day care in September, when he was 11 months actual (8 adj). He has been sick with cold/flu/rsv since he started going to daycare through the entire winter. Unfortunately, both parents work and they don't have anyone to watch the baby. Honestly, I would wait as long as possible before taking her out in public, especially around other kids. I would never forgive myself if my LO contracted RSV because I wanted him to socialize. It can wait a few more months. Better be safe than sorry.
I would avoid the baby gym until your RSV season ends. RSV can be really rough on any baby even if they weren't a preemie. I have three friends who have had their full term kiddos (ranging from 3m to 18m) hospitalized for RSV this year. It's just not worth the risk IMO. My boys are 22m actual 19.5m adjusted and we're still being super cautious this year.
I think it's one thing to be "social" where you keep your daughter with you in the stroller, carseat-carrier with a cover over it, or moby, so her exposure is extremely limited, but I would not be ready to do any type of childcare. I won't judge those that do, but it would be difficult for me to not worry and enjoy the activity that I'd made those arrangements for.
I've also only heard of being caught up around age 2, not 6 months. My older kids were born at various early GA's and 2 yrs is pretty accurate.
your pedi sounds similar to mine. Our son was born at 31w5d and 3 lbs 5 oz in June and had no breathing problems. He was in for 27 days before he came home. We did get synagis for 5 months though. Even with that we were told we could take him out but not to let people touch him and to avoid kids and sick people possible. We went to Christmas but only two other people were allowed to hold him. We limited the number of people to decrease risk. I knew grandparents wouldn't be able to not hold him at all. The covered with a blanket so germs on their clothes wouldn't touch him and washed/sanitized frequently. We did not go to the mall and were specifically told no church (old people love to touch babies :-) ) but I understand that isn't an option/choice for some people. As the rsv season ended we had no restrictions. Ds started daycare mid April at 10.5 months. Got a bunch of ear infections but I think that would've happened anyway. He's done great. He will be 20 months soon (wow) and is basically caught up with everything. Sometimes I look at him and can't believe he's my preemie!! Welcome!