Waiting to exhale

[jfindley]

My 26weeker (HELLP) is now 8months (4.5 months CA) and we just completed our second preemie followup appointment and I am so glad to hear he is developing normally and catching up and at a great rate. He is hitting milestones between 4.5 and 7 months now. He still hasn't rolled over yet, but they assure me he is close and it will be any day now. This is all such great news, but I still have a nagging, uneasy feeling that if I ease up on my hypervigilance, that I am going to miss something in his development or he will get RSV or something. I realize that now he is past his most vulnerable period, but I just don't really know when I am supposed to relax. We nearly lost him so many times in our complicated (IVH/ROP) 3 month nicu stay, and I just can't seem to get past that fear. Any other Moms out there that coped with the same feelings? Would love to hear from you.

[amandaoasis]

I totally share your fears/worries. Bennett was not as early and did not have the same complications, but I still think about his development constantly. I think you are just being a good mother by being concerned. At the same time, I have to realize sometimes that even term babies vary considerably on developmental milestones...and there are moments when I just need to lighten up!

Sounds like our babies are the same age...born in November?

[kara]

Absolutely. What you're feeling is pretty normal. RSV concerns are minimal until about October, when you'll want to be hypervigilant about germs again, but you can relax a bit in summer. Obviously major germs like grocery carts are a no-no, but every day house germs are good for Isaac, so that he builds more immunity before winter germ season.

You have a mother's intuition and you know Isaac better than anyonr, so you can relax a bit, and know that if something is off, you'll know it. I don't think I relaxed until my daughter started crawling, and even then, I only relaxed a little. It's just natural for us to protect our precious children. It really only becomes a problem when it prevents us or our babies from enjoying life, going places, and having fun.

Hang in there. It's tough.

[patty]

((hugs)) I think it is normal to worry too. I panic at every fever and runny nose still and my baby was not born as early as yours either but it is still scary. I don't know that you ever really relax once you are a mom but it does get better. Randall is my 5th so I am more laid back about things and I think once we get through this coming winter I will worry about his health less. It is just so hard when they are still babies and can't tell you what is wrong. I agree with the others though that you can't live in a bubble just use common sense about being around sick kids and people and start enjoying things with your little one.

[kdreher]

I think you worry just like I do. I silently worry all the time and hate that I have to work and he is in daycare...but he's fine. Michael is 8 mos as well (32 weeker) and he is rolling over and now we are working on sitting up. I am trying to enjoy every moment and not panic at every sneeze or cough...he does get out in public for walks but we do not do public places often (malls, stores, etc) just yet...we're not ready for it and it's too much work for me LOL

I do think preemie mom's tend to worry more but my mom said...I would worry even if he was full term...and it never ends even when they are grown.