Hints for a New Preemie Parent....

[canada1]

I think the biggest thing for me is to seek out others who understand the experience you are now going through. Especially as a first time mom, I found I had a lot of anger and sadness at losing the last 2 months of my pregnancy and not being able to fully experience being pregnant. It seems like many experience this. Give yourself permission to "mourn" the loss of a "normal" pregnancy. As much as my husband tried to be understanding, he just couldn't truly understand how I was feeling. And get support for that first day you are released from hospital and have to leave your baby behind. I think this was one of the hardest days I have gone through.

BUT, enjoy your precious baby now that he or she is here! After only 6 months, I can hardly remember how small he was. Each day is a blessing.

Stephanie

[care-o-line]

Here is a link for a preemie book you might find interesting and therapeutic

http://www.thepreemieplace.org/bom/bom.htm

Caroline - 26
dh - 25
dd Sylvia 8/21/02- 32weeks- 3lbs,5oz- pre-e
http://www.babiesonline.com/babies/s/sylviakim/

[care-o-line]

Here is a link for preemie clothes patterns - if you sow! Preemie clothes in the store is for 5 pounders - HUGE! These patterns are for 2 - 6 pounds.

http://www.prematurity.org/shops/thorpe.html

Caroline - 26
dh - 25
dd Sylvia 8/21/02- 32weeks- 3lbs,5oz- pre-e
http://www.babiesonline.com/babies/s/sylviakim/

[care-o-line]

Here is a link for a preemie baby book.

http://www.prematurity.org/shops/special-start.html

Caroline - 26
dh - 25
dd Sylvia 8/21/02- 32weeks- 3lbs,5oz- pre-e
http://www.babiesonline.com/babies/s/sylviakim/

[angelkat]

Take time to eat and sleep [:)] Try to have date night with family and friends.

DH and I used to have DQ ice cream every night while at the hospital (in the cafe') it's no wonder why we gain 10 pounds while Katlyne was there...


Mommy to
Drew(12)
Ky (10)
and our Angel Katlyne(12/9/02-04/02/03) forever in our hearts and thoughts

[momathelete]

Along the same lines of not being there 24 hrs....

Go on a date with your husband. Do not neglect your life because of what is happening in the NICU. Marriages becomed strained during tough times, especially when moms tend to shut out everything else in life that is not NICU related. Nurses are the most expensive babysitters in the world, and you aren't paying for them, insurance is. We tried to go out on a date once a week with both of our preemie babies. We would go out to dinner, talk about us, try to not focus so much on the baby and then at the end of the date we would stop by the NICU, kangaroo or fight over who gets to kangaroo. This experience can either make your marriage stronger, or break it. Remember that you have a husband who is going through the same stresses and fears that you are going through, he just may show it differently. I also like the 2 visits a day instead of being there all of the time. I would only go for a few hours each visit, kangaroo, sing, read, or just sit and watch them sleep. DO NOT feel guilty if you are not there all of the time, especially if you have other kids at home, they need you too.



Michelle
mom to Cole Thomas -former 28.5 weeker (3-5-99, 3 lbs)due to HELLP and Madelaine Grace "Lainey" -former 29.5 (10-11-01, 3lbs 4oz)weeker due to Pre-E and now expecting third, on bedrest, have high blood pressure and I am scheduled to have a c-section on July 1st- about 37 weeks! Due to perinatologist's suggestion, I am on C,E,B12,B6,Omega-3, iron, prenatal, calcium, baby aspirin and bp meds- Labatalol -300mg 2x a day

[care-o-line]

Aimee,

I definatly agree. I guess I didn't make myself very clear. Here is another try.

Don't let yourself get consumed with worry, because the majority of preemies turn out perfectly fine, but do get all the expert opinions that are available to you - especially if you notice something you are concerned about. Even though I had no real concerns & the pediatrician had not recommended it.....When my dd was about 4 months (adjusted) I called Early Intervention (for 0-3 years old)in our state (you can look it up on line for your state) and they did a FREE screen to see if there were any concerns and determine if there were any speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy needs. If there are they will set up the services at no cost to you. I would recommend every preemie parent do this - especially if you are a first parent - and aren't too sure what babies should act like. If baby does need therapy you will feel great that you got the ball rolling right from the beginning.

Caroline - 26
dh - 25
dd Sylvia 8/21/02- 32weeks- 3lbs,5oz- pre-e
http://www.babiesonline.com/babies/s/sylviakim/

[care-o-line]

Take one of your baby's first diapers - people will be "Wow'd" by it later.

Caroline - 26
dh - 25
dd Sylvia 8/21/02- 32weeks- 3lbs,5oz- pre-e
http://www.babiesonline.com/babies/s/sylviakim/

[aimeejane]

Caroline, I agree that parents shouldn't worry about developmental problems, but they need to be aware that it's a definite possibility. In our case, relying upon the doctor's recommendation was detrimental, which is why I warn parents to be on the lookout.

Actually, I treat it much like preeclampsia! Doctors don't always know best. LOL! [8D]

Aimee - 28
Dh - 29
Ds Nicky - 3/24/00 (28 wks - eclampsia)
EDD #2 - 8/3/03 (It's a BOY!)

[care-o-line]

Check out this parents of preemies site.
http://www.babycenter.com/bbs/2565

Caroline - 26
dh - 25
dd Sylvia 8/21/02- 32weeks- 3lbs,5oz- pre-e
http://www.babiesonline.com/babies/s/sylviakim/