Bringing baby home

Misty - posted on 02/04/2010

My daughter was a 24 weeker and spent 142 days in the NICU. I completely understand what you are saying about watching the monitors, it is very reassuring. However, we chose to not bring one home, Courtney came home with no need for oxygen. We did purchase an Angelcare monitor which was such a peace of mind for Dad and I. It comes with a pad that goes under the mattress & if the baby has an kind of apnea episodes or stops breathing for more than 20 seconds, the alarm sounds. We had to stop using the pad once she was crawling around because she was setting off the alarm when she was moving around in her crib. A little pricey for the monitor, but well worth it. I personally was thrilled to bring her home not hooked up to anything. She came home at just under 6 pounds and was in a bassinet until she hit about 8 pounds. The monitor may be a better choice for you because you won't be able to be in her room with her to watch the monitor from the hospital. Best wishes on the homecoming of your little miracle, it gets so much easier once they are home!!

Wanda - posted on 02/02/2010

I had this worry. My son's biggest issues while in NICU were breathing issues and I was terrified that after I got him home he would stop breathing during the night. The nurses kept telling us to ignore the monitors and pay attention to our son, that we needed to know the warning signs. They told us not to buy a monitor because then we'd become dependant on it and that wasn't a good thing. I didn't listen to them and bought the Angel Care monitor. It helped me a lot, without that monitor I would never have gotten a nights sleep, I would have been constantly up checking on him.

I never used the monitor while he slept during the day only at night (just so I wouldn't become too dependant on it).

Carie - posted on 02/02/2010

I also had this worry. I expressed the worry to the NICU RN's and they took her off the monitor when I was there. This forced me to read Kaylee and not the monitor. You should try asking them about this. You are an RN you know the signs of trouble. Have faith in your self as a mother and nurse. There are ones that you can buy at babies r us or bye bye baby that you put on their beds.



It is called Graco Angelcare Deluxe Movement Monitor. They are quite expensive but it is worth it for your piece of mind.

Good luck and keep your head up. Things are going to be awesome when your little one comes home.