Seeking Preemie Support Group in NW Burbs

Dear K. -

I don't know of any, but my son was 8 weeks early and in the NICU for a month, then quarantined for another 6 months because of the potential for RSV. (My daughter was born 5 weeks early and in the NICU for 9 days). I know that both of them together don't even add up to your son's early arrival, but I well remember how hard it was to have a preemie baby you couldn't show off when everyone else had full-term kids and no idea what you were going through. E-mail me ANY TIME!

Hello K. B,

Congratulations on your new bundle of joy. You should check out www.meetup.com and do a search there. Good Luck

V.

I don't know of any preemie support groups but my triplets were born at 32 weeks and spent 4-6 weeks in NICU before coming home. If you have any questions I'd be happy to try and help answer them.

Congratulations on the birth of your son and for making it home! As the mom of a preemie (now 3), I would have LOVED to have had some more focused support after I brought my son home. Sometimes "regular" friends with "regular" babies just did not understand our extra emotions and challenges. I befriended one other mom in the NICU, and we've kept in touch. At our hospital there was a social worker as well as a parent group (however, it was sort of in the process of falling by the wayside), so that's unfortunate...but I could have at anytime telephoned the social worker and had her help to provide my name to other NICU parents who were interested in speaking and started something up that way...could you try that? Or the nurses you may have been close with may know of other parents to try to connect you with.
Otherwise, looking on/starting something up via Meetup.com is a great idea. Good luck and good health to you all!

If you go to the March of Dimes website, you can connect to parents there! If you still are looking, email me. I had a daughter born 9 weeks early and became friends with different familes in our NICU at Central Dupage Hospital. We use each other for support and help...we'd love to have you joing our next playdate!