Hints for a New Preemie Parent....

[angelical]

BE THERE in the NICU as much as possible (based on your health and other family or work responsibilities).

One day (sooner than you think), they will tell you to take that tiny baby home! and you have to be prepared. Especially if the baby will come home with any equipment (apnea monitor, oxygen, etc.)

Sharel & Kevin
Aaron - 28 weeker
Born 5/2/02 due to preeclampsia & HELLP

[angelical]

Use a sheet of paper or a small whiteboard to write down the date, the baby's age, and weight, etc. Then take a picture of the baby and the paper for special days like "1 week birthday" etc.

You might have a written record of the weights, etc., but it is cool to have pictures like that to match up the size, amount of medical equipment, etc with the special day.

Sharel & Kevin
Aaron - 28 weeker
Born 5/2/02 due to preeclampsia & HELLP

[angelical]

Take pictures of your child with objects that will give you an idea later of SIZE. We used a matchbox car and a stuffed animal. I know others have used rings, etc.

You probably don't think you'll ever forget how small the child is, but over time the images do start to run together.

Sharel & Kevin
Aaron - 28 weeker
Born 5/2/02 due to preeclampsia & HELLP

[angelical]

Attention all past preemie parents...

Since there is always going to be another preemie parent (or grandparent, etc) that comes to the forum seeking tips and advice for dealing with their little ones, let's start a thread of ADVICE.

I think that among us all is a VAST amount of information, ideas, tips, thoughts, that we figured out or WISHED that we'd figured out when our babies were in the NICU or home (but still small and sick).

So, let's try to start something here ... that way as new ones come on, we can direct them here, rather than trying to re-remember everything. (here at my job, they keep touting "knowledge management"...I guess it stuck!)

Sharel

Sharel & Kevin
Aaron - 28 weeker
Born 5/2/02 due to preeclampsia & HELLP