My baby Ahlyssa was born 3 months too soon. She weighed 1 pound 4 ounces. We are going through the ups and downs of her being in the NIC Unit. I am in a state of shock. I hate when the telephone rings, because I think that it is the hospital calling with bad news, and it would be bad news because they do not call for any other reason. My daughter's lungs are under developed and she has an infection. Right now I would like to have some one to talk to. I am so stressed out. but I am trying to walk with faith and trust that GOD will keep her and protect her, but I get weak with fear. Is there anyone out there going through or has gone through this situation. I would love to talk to you.
Thank all of you for your words. I can't tell you how much of an impact they have made. I don't feel so alone, I have read all the responses over and over again, they help to incourage me when I am feeling like I am about to break. My little girl has had three uneventual days, and that is good news, she also gained 2 ounces yea yea. I pray day and night for my little baby and I appreciate all of your prays. Thank you all again for taking the time out to encourage a stranger, all of your words are a blessing to me.
I am a mom who has had a preemie. My daughter is now 17. I know what you are going through. I had toxemia and went into preeclampsic shock in my sixth month. If you want someone to talk to about anything just let me know. I know what it is like to have lots of questions and not a lot of answers. It gets frustrating. Just write back if you want to talk.
A.
Hi P.,
My son was born 6 weeks early. Although, he didn't have the degree of seriousness that your baby may have, he did spend 10 days in the NICU with breathing distress (his lungs weren't mature yet either), a possible infection, and chronic jaundice. We were blessed that he came home in great shape and is now a normal, very rambuncious 3 1/2 year-old. Those were the 10 scariest days of my life. I'm so sorry that you have to go through this. I would love to be supportive to you in any way. Keep up your strength, and your faith that your baby girl will come through this and be home before you know it. Feel free to contact me whenever you need to. My prayers and positive thoughts are with you.
Hi P.. My name is A. and I also had a premature baby. My son was born two months early and was in the NICU for 5 weeks. I got an infection in my amniotic fluid and they had to do an emergency c section. Being that this was my first child, I was very scared and didn't know what to expect. My son weighed in at 4 pounds, to the amazement of everyone. The first night that I was out of the hospital, without my baby, was very difficult. I didn't sleep, and worried all the time. Luckily, my little boy came out ok with no major problems. He needed to be on oxygen for a couple of weeks, but after that everything went smoothly. I went to the hospital twice a day, sometimes three times, and each day got easier and easier to see him. At the beginning it is rough, but I just had to keep telling myself that he was going to pull through and come home very soon. The doctors and nurses made sure that he and I were comfortable and knew all that was going on. Keep praying and have faith that your baby will be home with you soon. It gets better!
P., the Lord will see you through. Just trust, have faith and you will get through this. My son was born 1 month earlier than due, because of fetal distress and no more amniotic fluid left. When he was born he didn't even cry and was in nicu as well, he wasn't sucking and was fed through ng tube. My biggest fear though was his overall mental status. I knew that he had lacked oxygen while he was inside, and I didn't know what the results of that would be. He is now 7 years old, and happy, healthy child. He is advanced intellectually and started reading at age 4. I know this is a hard time for you but God will see you through. I am a christian and it sounds to me you believe too, "trust in him with all your heart and do not lean into your own understanding" so when you hear the phone ring, or get news, or doctors say various things, remember that it is not the human understanding but God's understanding that will direct you. Read psalm 121 and 46, it is of great blessing. I will say a prayer for you and your baby.
Hi i know it seems to be really tough but it gets better each as every day goes by. we went through the same thing Had a set of identical twins 3 months too early. but only one made it she was 2lbs 5oz in the NICU for 3 months for lung issues it was a really stressful year but if you see here now she is amazing and i have but to thank my husband for just stepping us to the plate and being a wonderful dad... the therapist say it will take her a little bit longer to do things or to catch up but i will be able to enjoy her more .... keep faith alive that is probably the only thing that will get you through the day and prepare yourself for when she comes home because you will need to have alot of love for her... I hope this has helped...
http://www.cafemom.com/group/503 <~ here's an online group for premie moms. my daughter was born at 33 wks, and was in NICU for 2 wks. she is now 3 yrs and 7 mths old, and my only concern is her speech development. those 2 wks were hell. I hope you join the group, and if there's anything else i can do for you let me know. you can call me or i can call you, whatever makes you feel more comfortable. Things will get better and this time will only be a memory!
I had twins 9 1/2 weeks early, born after an emergency c-section for a placental abruption. They were born fairly big for thier age (3.5 and 4 lbs.) but still had a whole variety of premie illnesses and spent 29 and 32 days in the NICU. Ian had breathing problems and Evie had a PDA, breathing difficulty and contracted staph while in the hospital so she had to be quarantined. I can totally relate to the helplessness, guilt and frustration. But now they are 3 1/2 and doing very well.
I think for me the hardest part after my general fear for the babies was how to be super mom. I had two kids at home (5 and 1) who needed my attention and my husband had to go back to work or we had no income, trying to pump milk, plus recovering from the c-section and being at the hospital all the time. It was overwheling and it took me a while to figure out that I wasn't supposed to do it all, that there were friends and family who wanted to help and it was OK to let them- especially when I needed a moment for me, just a shower or a quiet cup of tea. That, and it was OK to lose it evey once in a while and just cry because when I didn't I felt pent up. Letting it out made me feel temporarily renewed.
I am so sorry you are going through this. Keep your faith that your beautiful baby will be home with you soon. I wish all the best to you and your family.
my twins were 2 months early and One stayed 2 1/2 weeks and the other stayed 3 1/2 weeks. It was the hardest and most stressful time in my life! I had to look at a bright side. i did my best while I was pregnant and they were in the best hands possible. As hard as it was to leave them in the hospital, I knew the nurses and doctors could take better care of them then I could. At 3 1/2 weeks old, my daughter had to come home on a heart monitor. Now they are almost 2, happy healthy and as they run circles around me its hard to imagine that they were once so fragile. You will make it though, its hard, but your baby is getting the best possible care!
Hi....I have a 3.5 yr old daughter that was born at 30 weeks. She was 2 lb. 12oz. I had pre-eclampsia. She was in the NICU for 6 weeks. She had IVH Grade III Bilateral, Hydrocephalis, Jaundis, and had to have a VP Shunt put in before we brought her home. During the time she was in the hospital we were terrified and we wondered what long term effects this would have on her. Good news is, she is now a very smart, loving and wonderful pre-schooler who is doing exceptionally well and you would never know there was anything wrong with her in the beginning. I know you are going through a tough time now and it will be hard the first year or so, but trust me, it Does get better! The first thing you need to do when you get her home is call Regional Center, if you havent already. They will follow her until she is 3 years old at no cost to you and provide you with whatever services she may need and just keep you informed on how her progress is doing and let you know if she is hitting her milestones on time, (for her adjusted age of course). If you need to talk or have any questions please feel free to email me. Best Wishes...S.
I have a 9 year old son that was born at 28 weeks. I completely understand what you are going through. It was the hardest, most overwhelming thing that I have ever been through. I am happy to report that my son didn't have any long term effects from his prematuratey. It was such a roller coaster ride when he was in the hospital. He was 2 lbs. 13 ounces and spent 8 weeks in the hospital. My thoughts are with you and your family. Please respond to me anytime if you need to chat or vent.
Hi P.,
I have a son who also was born 3 months premature. He weighed 2.2 lbs. On top of being premature he has a heart condition. When he was born we were told that he was having heart failure and he was to small to operate on. I thought that was the end but to our surprise he made it through. He spent 3 months in the NICU and things were touch and go. My husband and I spent as much time as we could with him. We were so happy when he got to come home. When he left he weighed 5.62 pounds. Now he has been home for almost 4 months. It is going to be hard to give him back when he has to go in for his heart surgery. My prayers are with you and your family.
Take care,
I am so sorry for what you're going through. My son was born at 29 weeks and it was one of the most stressful times of my life. I was filled with guilt, resentment, anger, depression, fear...just everything. I know you feel alone and isolated right now and that it's hard to feel much compassion for anything else in your life other than what you're going through. I think it's totally normal to feel that way...especially if you're feeling overwhelmed and consumed with what is happening. This is a frightening and confusing time. If you ever need to talk or vent, please message me. I know that I can relate and will be able to support you!
There is a wonderful program called the Comfort Connection (http://www.idealist.org/en/org/16847-59) which reaches out to parents of children with special needs (including prematurity). I was involved with them after I brought my son home. If I recall, the NICU nurses would give me information regarding groups and contacts whenever I asked for it too...so talk to the nurses and see what information they have as well. Most importantly, after your daughter comes home, check out the RCOC (http://www.rcocdd.com/default.htm) to see if your daughter qualifies for any at-home care...the evaluation and services are free if she is delayed due to prematurity.
I don't have any advice but I've prayed for your baby and your family. God Bless.
Hello, I am so sorry you are going through this it's not easy.
My son was born almost two months earily so i know what you are going through. My son is almost 3 and he's doing really well now so keep your faith and trust in god everything will be alright. Take care and god bless. T.
