How long was your premature baby in NICU?

Jean - posted 1 hour ago

My daughter(Alexandra )was born 24 weeks she weighed in at a little over a pounds..Although she is tiny I can see she is her mothers child determined to beat all odds.

Tanya - posted on 02/06/2013

My wonderful baby boy was born 5 1/5 weeks early. He spent a week in the NICU. I can tell you, that it was the longest week of my life. I still remember it like it was yesterday, as he is 7 years old now.. I know he wasn't there as long as some, but what I remember the most is how nothing else seemed to matter.. sleep, eating, even bathing just seemed like a matter of going through the motions, it felt like a different world. He came home on an apnea monitor, as he would randomly just quit breathing. He was on that for 4 months, and during that time, I had to do CPR on him twice. There are really no words to describe the feeling of having your baby in the NICU, but know this, you are not alone. Even when it feels that way sometimes... my thoughts and prayers are with you and your little one. The best advice I think I have is this, just take things one moment at a time... and take care of you as well.. as a healthy mom is needed when a healthy baby comes home. Hugs and Prayers!

Amy - posted on 02/05/2013

I just had my daughter January 29th.. Only a short week ago. She was born premature at 33 weeks. She was born early due to me getting diagnosed with preeclampsia. She had been in the NICU since minutes after her birth..(which was a c-section.) It has been hard to deal with. I so know what you mother's are going through. I go and see her everyday and she gets stronger everyday. I am not sure how long she needs to be in the NICU. I hope she comes home soon.

Anastasha - posted on 12/23/2012

Hi everyone!

My friend gave birth to her daughter at 7 months. She was given a shot few hours before the delivery. When the baby came out, the doctor injected the baby with meds. for lung development and after a few hours another one for liver. The baby spent just 1 day in the NICU and discharged on the 2nd day. The baby seems to be okay, sucking milk more often and sleeping all the time.
My question is, is it possible for a premature baby at 7 months or less than 37 weeks to recover for just a matter of 2 days?
BTW, I asked my friend if she's sure about the age of her gestation. She said her LMP was on May 20, 2012 and her due date should be on February 2013, but she gave birth on December 20, 2012.

Danielle - posted on 11/29/2012

My son was born at 24 weeks gestation (16 weeks early) and weighed 1 lb 5 oz. We were in the NICU for exactly 4 months.

Nil - posted on 11/27/2012

Yes, I feel the same way. My baby has also been in NICU for 16 days and was born at 34 weeks. He too had some respiratory distress, which he quickly overcame, now it is just waiting on brady watches. It is frustrating, because if he goes three or four days without a brady, and then decides to have one, his five day countdown begins all over again. We are now four days brady free and hoping he makes it through tomorrow so he can come home. He is two hours away from me and I have three other babies at home, so I have been very torn these past couple of weeks. Basically, the doctors have to clear the baby for temperature control, feeding, weight gain, and bradys/apneas before they can go home...good luck :)

Tina - posted on 11/27/2012

my son was 12 weeks early weighed 1 lb 14 oz...in NICU for 2 full months.

Valerie - posted on 11/20/2012

My son eas born at 28 weeks at 2 lbs a fatty compared to the other children had a c-section because they said trying to gave him naturaly would cause to much damage to his brain he was immediatly put on a respirator he could not breatj on his own he was then stabalized and life flighted to texas childrens hospital they tried all they could to get him off the ventalator that is whem they realized that he had what they called wet lungs where the valve on that heart that causes blood flow to the lungs when they are in the womb would not close due to the fact that he did not take his first breath by him self so that was one surgery he was able to come off the ventalator and go on the c-pap they then tried to put him on some formula trying to get him off his pic line but he could not digest it thousands of x rays later they found the problem NECK of the intestines whicb is where a part of the body dies that is surgery 2 they removed 7 inches of his intestines he had ostomies i had to learn how to clean it and put new ones on when they thought he would go home but never came home around that time he had the ostomies for a couple of months and the 3rd surgery was to reconnect his intesrones after that it was uphill from that he gained alot of weight came completely off the c pap ate like a champ i drove up there everydah weither it was before or after work for almost 6 months ot was so hard plenty of nights crying ... What ever you do do not let them tell you your kids has a high chance of having metal dissabilities my son also had bleeding on both sides of his brain on a scale of 1-4 1 being not that he had a 2 on one side and a 3 on the other my son is a littls behind which is what you expect with a baby being born early but he has no learning problems he is now almost 18 months and looking at him now you could not tell he went through all of that untill you see the scars i can not thank the nurses and doctors for saving my sons life

Carley - posted on 10/17/2012

My membranes ruptured at 19 weeks pregnant, ( Waters fully broke ). I was hospitalized for 3 days, all doctors said was I would go into labor at ny time and I would loose my baby. Completely crushed being my first pregnancy, I didn't know how to feel and what to do, I was discharged. And sent home :on strict bedrest, they said there wasn't much they could do for my condition and if I did go into labor they wouldn't resuscitate a baby born before 24 weeks gestation, because it would be too underdeveloped, and probably wouldn't survive anyway, my health was number 1, I would leak fluid everyday and every night because as soon as I built up ny fluid I would loose it from the rupture in the membranes, my boy was born 9 weeks post rupture at 28 weeks and 4 days, and was intubated for 3 weeks on clap for the last 3 months, due to his severe chronic lung disease, he is now 42 weeks gestation, and is on air wit a peep of 6, so so far my son has been in ICU for 105 days, n probably be home by Christmas xo

Colleen - posted on 10/13/2012

My son was born In March at 28 weeks. He was only 600 grams (1 lb 5 oz) due to IUGR.

He was breathing when he was born but was intubated anyway, only for 8 hrs. Then he was on SipAP/CPAP for 6 days at room air and doing beautifully. Then on the 6th day he got a lung bleed and had to be reintubated. In the following 2 weeks he was extubated and reintubated 4 times because he got inflammation in his airway, and required steroids to come off the vent.

Before the next couple of months his O2 requirements went up and he would swing, and had a hard time coming off CPAP to regular flow O2- they thought he had bad lungs but he didn't at all. His airway had been damaged.

He was in the NICU until just past his due date (12 weeks) and then was transferred to the Children's Hospital for surgical intervention on his airway.

He had a subglottic stenosis, caused by intubation when he was tiny.

He was in level 3 NICU for 7 weeks and level 2 for another 5. In hospital for a total of 142 days, or 4.5 months.

Other than the stenosis caused by intubation he's been extremely healthy. He is still small (10 lbs 9 oz at 7 months actual, 4 months adjusted) but we are sure he will catch up as soon as his airway gets all sorted out. He's had 3 surgical interventions for his throat and a surgery for bilateral inguinal hernias. Looks lime another intervention on his throat at the end of this month.

Renea - posted on 10/13/2012

Tracy,

I totally understand the feeling of "is my baby a lab experiment". Unfortunately, level 3 NICU hospitals tend to be teaching hospitals. This is both good and bad. The good is that these hospitals are up to date on the latest techniques and technology and they have very experienced teaching staff in their doctors and long time nurses. The bad news is that there are students, and nurses who really shouldn't be in the NICU to begin with. I hope everything gets better. It is not unusual for a NICU baby to be on an oscillator. My daughter was. What kind of vent they have your son on will be dependent to his lab work, which is also part of the reason he has had so many blood transfusions: they keep having to take blood to know how to treat the issues caused by his extreme prematurity. One thing to keep in mind is that you are your son's best advocate. If you think that the nurse is being inappropriate, either to you or him, then call the charge nurse. If they won't help, call the clinic manager. If they won't help, call the hospital patient advocate. I only had to call the charge nurse once, and that was because the nurse assigned to my daughter told me one thing, when I knew for a fact the doctor's orders contained something different. The leak around his vent tube is actually normally good news. It normally means he is growing, and there is space around the tube because his airway has expanded as he grew. I will include you in my prayers that things go well, and he is home with you quickly. Keep in mind that although they say to expect to be home by your due date, unexpected things can delay that. For Ashleigh, it was feeding problems. She had issues aspirating her food. As I said in my first post, She was in for 146 days. She was earlier than your son. She spent an extra month in the NICU. Hang in there, and don't let nurses get you down. Ask questions, and expect an answer you can understand. It is a teaching hospital, so they should have the ability to teach the parents about their babies' medical issues.

Christie - posted on 10/12/2012

Hey I'm not sure were you live! But 6 to 12 weeks in the NICU with a baby at there gestation seems aweful short! I hope he is healthy and strong and is able to get home in that amount of time! My 24.4 weeker was in for almost 7 months and then moved to a pediatric hospital for the rest of the year before he came home! In and out of the hospital this last year he'll be 2 nov 1st!

Good luck hope all works out

Tracy - posted on 10/12/2012

My son was born at exactly 27 weeks. He had iugr and was 2 weeks behind. He weighed 1lb 15 oz. Hes been in the Nicu for 21 days today. He has a pda, rds, has had both lungs collapse, started off on conventional vent, switched to jet and on the same day moved to the oscillator and is now back on the conventional vent with a leak around his tube. He has a picc line, art line, iv's, and a feeding tube down his nose where he is now receiving 1.5 cc's of breastmilk every 3 hours. He has had sooo many blood transfusions, platelets and lets not forget the tpns and lipids. The list goes on and on. Whats really making my nicu experience hard is that not all of his nurses are wonderful and nice nurses. Some are great but the ones that arent...arent. And to top it off hes at a teaching hospital so at times it feels as though hes an experiment or some type of lab study instead of a sick baby. I am praying that he continues to get well and does not have to stay past his due date. Good luck to all you nicu moms.

Kassidie - posted on 09/28/2012

My baby was in the nicu for 28 days because he had gastroschisis SVT and an ASD

Vivienne - posted on 09/26/2012

All three of my babies were premmies. My first was born at 35 weeks 5lbs 13 and was in special care for 10 days, second was born at 28 weeks 2lbs 13 and was in NICU for 3 weeks and special care for 4 weeks and my third was born at 30 weeks 3lbs 2 in NICU for 10 days and special care for 5 weeks. It is extremely emotional but stay strong soon your baby will be home and it will all become a distant memory. Good luck and I hope your little man will be safely tucked into his own bed at home soon.

Hannah - posted on 09/25/2012

My son was born at 25 weeks gestation 1 lb 9 oz and 13 inches long and tomorrow he will be a month old already!! Its crazy how fast time goes by. They told me that we would be in here anywhere from 6-12 weeks and I keep thinking to myself that that is a very long time in the NICU, but he was born so early and he is doing great!! They told me that most babies born premature usually leave when they are between 4 and 5 pound.

Jade - posted on 09/17/2012

My daughter was born at 33 weeks and so far she has been in for 32 days. I had internal bleeding and the placenta had broke so was taken in for an emergency c-section, her lungs hadn't finished developing and she was on oxygen for 2 weeks. She forgets to breathe whilst taking her milk now so has to be tube fed when she cant take anymore from the bottle. Once she learns to breathe when drinking and puts some more weight on she can come home. I think every baby is different and takes some longer to recover then others. Its just a matter of staying patient and strong. I hope your son gets better soon.

Florence - posted on 09/14/2012

mine was born at 34weeks on the 22nd of August 2012 and was taken to ICU and she stayed only 3days then we both stayed an extra 1night in the hospital and both discharged the following day. She is doing fine and she is 3weeks now

Ami - posted on 09/07/2012

mine actually did really well and came home after 3 wks

Aleesha - posted on 09/02/2012

I had twin boys at 24w 3d on June 8 2012 baby A weighing 740g passed after a week due to complications (blood infections, level4 brain bleed) Baby B is still in the hospital fighting he was weighing 700g and now is 2354g (5p 3o) he had minor complications as well but not as severe has his brother, he is currently on High Flow which is sipap without the full mask. Id have to say this is the most traumatizing ordeal me and my boyfriend have ever experienced in our entire lives but what keeps us going is our son who puts on a smile when he hears our voices. He hasn't started bottle feeding yet due to the the pressures he still needs for his longs but hopefully in the next 2 weeks or so he will be weaned enough to start. Cant wait for him to come home ♥ Good luck to all the parents with preemies hardest thing to deal with but well worth it.

Laura - posted on 09/01/2012

My son was born @32 weeks and was in intensive care for 48hrs and special care for 2 weeks, when nhe came off his feeding tube he was alowed home a few days later.

Renea - posted on 08/30/2012

It is totally true that nobody can understand how you feel unless they have a baby in the NICU. My daughter was born at 24 weeks 0 days, and had a case of IUGR (intrautering growth restriction) due to placental attachement issues I had suspected from day 1 (My hormone levels were low, and I had some random bleeding). She was born actually squirming and trying to breathe... practically unheard of for a premie that early. She spent 146 days in the NICU. Most of her issues were breathing, but after she could start taking feedings by nipple, we discovered she was having issues with aspirating her food. I actually made it almost 4 months before melting down, and the trigger then was I learned that she needed to have a gastronomy tube placed to be able to come home because of her feeding issues. Ashleigh had blessedly few medical issues, and only 1 invasive surgery before the tube placement (PDA ligation and she still weighed under 1lb). She is one of very few micropremies (she weighed only 355 grams or 12.5 oz at birth and was 10.75 inches long or 27.3 cm) who didn't get a blood infection, or spinal infection or necrotizing entercolitis. She had one small bout of pneumonia, and 2 topical infections from torn hangnails, but blessedly few issues. All of you premie parents, hang in there and just love your little one. Be there every day and be sure to let them know that Mommy and/or Daddy are there someway or another. My favorite was to just put my hand on top of her head gently for a little bit, but many of her nurses got irritated with me for that. Something told me she needed mommy's touch, and daddy's touch, and even grandma's touch, but they kept telling me I was "overstimulating her". I didn't back down, and was very careful to respect her cues. She has always been great at telling me when she is done. Quiet talking or singing help too. Ashleigh showed us early that she knew we were in the room, and that she was going to be involved in the group... She would lift her little head and turn to look at us, especially at who was talking. These tiny babies are fighters, we just need to be there to help them and fight the battles for them that they are incapable of fighting yet. Support your premie, and do everything to advocate for their best health outcome, no matter how you hate your options, do what your baby needs, not what you think you can live with. When you see those little smiles, you will be surprised what you can do to keep them coming.



Ashleigh has been home since November 15th of 2011, is now pushing 15 months adjusted, and is acting like a normal 10-11 month baby (what she should be if she had been able to wait until her due date). She is starting to crawl (some healthy term babies don't start until 1yr), but is still having feeding issues. She is small, but well within the "normal" range for a 10-11 month girl. She weighs 17lbs and is 28 inches long.



Hang in there all those of you still in the NICU. You are not alone.

Deanna - posted on 08/19/2012

I for one most definately understand! my daughter was born last month (July 3rd, 2012) at only 25 weeks gestation. she has been in the NICU for 1 month and 2 weeks now and we are probably going to be here until October if not longer depending on how she does. Since ur son was at 34 weeks, he shouldnt be there too awful long as long as he does well and takes his bottle (or breast feeds) with no problems, holds his temp in an open crib, gains weight, and does'nt get sick, and of corse.... can breath on his own with little to no support. However, each baby is different so its really no way to tell exactly how long he will be there, it really just depends on the baby but they told me anywhere from 2 weeks before to 2 weeks after your due date is ideal. I know its hard, trust me. Im still in that boat myself but stay strong for him. It wont be long. Best wishes to you and your baby boy!

Bridgitt - posted on 08/18/2012

My son was born at 28 weeks. He was 2 lbs. He had RDS also and spent 10.5 weeks in the NICU. When he was discharged, he came home on oxygen with a nasal cannula. He has been off oxygen for about 5 months. He is now 11 months old, and a whopping 20 lbs 11 oz ;) I completely understand being emotionally overwhelmed. People often don't understand because they think since your baby is in the hospital being taken care of by medical staff that you have it easy or don't have anything to worry about. My son had some amazing nurses that were very proactive about his progress. What are the concerns that seem to be keeping your son in the NICU?

Angelia - posted on 08/14/2012

My son was in the NICU for 4 very long months!!! He is now almost 2

Lynn - posted on 08/12/2012

Yes it really a traumatic feelings of being a preemies mom... I have a preemie twin baby. My son was 3 weeks at NICU team and my little girl still there now. they are 41 days old... I really wanted to see them together.. Suddenly i have to get back on job to fill their needs with my husband..
I really understand what you feel Amanda

Jameia - posted on 08/04/2012

Thank you so much!!! I will take your advice. It is so helpful to have other moms who understand.

Angelina - posted on 08/04/2012

Another one of my daughters was born at 32 weeks due to pPROM, she stayed miraculously only 8 days in the NICU to be sure she had no oxygen or issues maintaining her temp or eating. That was our lucky girl and now the tides have turned and we now have 24.2 week old ID twin girls in the NICU. I

Catherine - posted on 08/04/2012

What you're going through is increcibly impossible. Here's my best advice:
1. Acknowledge that you can only do what you can do.
2. Organize your daily schedule to include EVERYTHING in minute detail. Shop for groceries. Take your 5 year old to the doctor. Put gas in the car. Every little thing. Then check it off as you accomplish it. That will both keep you on track AND give you an understanding of exactly how much you are doing.
3. Since you can't take a 5 year old onto the NICU, make a list of everybody else you know who has a 5 year old and see if they will kindly host a playdate with your child and theirs so that you can go to the hospital. If they can let your kid sleep over with their kid, that's even better. Anybody who says they can't do that much for you is a jerk who does not belong in your life. Make note of that.
4. Remember, NICU's are open to you 24/7 so if the only time you can get in is at 10pm, there will be people on staff. Your baby doesn't know what time it is because...no baby knows what time it is at that age! There. A normal benchmark. Write that down, too.
5. On that list of things to do you MUST include quiet time alone with your fiance. This is an insanely stressful time for him, too. He'll act like he's strong and as if he's managing it fine. But, trust me, on the inside his heart is hurting just as bad as yours. If you're there for him, you're there for you at the same time.
6. Spend some normal family time together with your 5 year old, too. They understand something bad is going on, but really don't have a clue what it is - and they shouldn't know too much, anyway. They're not capable of processing that level of information within a 5 year old set of emotions. So, get everybody in the car and go to the playground, go to a movie, go to the beach. Just be a normal family because your 5 year old needs it and you and your fiance need it even more.
7. Get ready to bring your child home knowing it's not going to be the same as it was the first time around. You may have meds and machines and all kinds of things to do beyond the typical mommy things. Don't let it scare you or knock you over - it's just a part of your life you'll have to deal with for awhile.
8. Think about how lucky you are to have this resource here. When my son wasn in the NICU 25 years ago, there wasn't even an internet.
9. Stop at least once every hour to close your eyes and take three deep breaths. Not just regular breaths - Yoga breaths. If you don't know what that is, you can find out on the internet. Trust me. It's a quick recouperation.
10. Just keep going.

Hope some or all of this helps.

Jameia - posted on 08/04/2012

Its crazy... I was just sitting here crying because I wish my baby could come home. She was born at 32 weeks and she has been in the hospital for 12 days now. It is so hard trying to maintain a family at home, my fiance' and our 5 year old son, and trying to be back and forth to the hospital. I feel so guilty if I am not at the hospital multiple times a day but it is hard when you have other responsibilities..

Stefanie - posted on 07/31/2012

Our daughter was born at 29 weeks was 2lbs10oz and was in the nicu for 52 days. It seemed like forever

Catherine - posted on 07/31/2012

My son was in the NICU for 5-1/2 months.

It is normal to feel emotionally overwhelmed by this experience. If you didn't feel that way, there would be something wrong with you.

Nobody else will ever understand what you are going through. The key is to put it behind you as quickly as possible and focus on being a mom and not a nurse-like entity when you get to take your baby home.

I wish you and your family the best of everything.

Amy - posted on 07/09/2012

My son was born in 2009 at 28 weeks. He weighed 3 lbs. 1oz and was 16.1 inches long at birth. He only stayed in the NICU for 7 weeks. He went home 5 weeks before his due date. He is now 3.5 years old :)

Cleaver - posted on 07/08/2012

i was 32 weeks and he was in the NICU for about a month 2 weeks at the one he was delivered at and a week at another that was closer to us his problem was that he was having a hard time sucking the nurses where he was at first (best NICU in the city) were great try talking to them

LIsa - posted on 07/07/2012

I know exactly where you are coming from. My Name is Lisa. My Daughter was born at 25 weeks ( 4 months early) . She weighed 1 pound 12 ounces. She was born July 9th, 2011. She will be 1 years old in 2 days. So she has been in Hospital 265 days and Hopfully Finally coming Home in 3 weeks. It has been a long first year. I know exactly how emotional and overwhelming it can be. ON tope of it all My Daughter has been in a different State Hospital since she was 3 months old. She needed specialist and where I live we didnt have that. I see her every weeeknd, and I call 3 times a day. My heart hurts I dont see her. Yeah I agree you wouldn't understand if you dont experinece it. I have people all the time ask me. " I dont understand How she can be in there for a year ? " or " what is taking so long?" and they dont realize that premiees go through so much, specially with My daughter being so early, I expected it to be some time. She has lung disease, she has had 5 surgeries, many many procedures, blood draws. She actually is My Trach baby along with G Tube... I dont know how I managed this first year without loosing it, BUT she was the one who got me through it, she is our little fighter. we still have a long road ahead, but I am truly blessed for her to be here..

MISTI - posted on 07/05/2012

HOW DID YOUR WATER BREAK 9 WEEKS B4 U GAVE BIRTH

MISTI - posted on 07/05/2012

MY MEMBRANES RUPTURED SO I WAS HOSPITALIZED AT 31 WEEKS PREGNANT WHILE THERE I HAD GESTATIONAL DIABETES AND IN 2 WEEKS AT 33 WEEKS PREGNANT I GAVE BIRTH TO A 4LBS 14 OZ 18 INCHES LONG BABY GIRL SHE WAS PUT IN THE NICU FOR 24 DAYS AFTER BIRTH. SHE HAD BRADACARDIAS DSATS AND SLEEP APNEA AND SHE COULDNT SUCK AT FIRST SO SHE HAD A FEEDING TUBE AND SHE HAD OXYGEN ALSO BUT AFTER THAT SITUATION SHE WAS FINE AND NOW ITS SOON TO BE HER 2ND BIRTHDAY ON AUGUST THE 1ST AND SHE IS 35 LBS AND 3 FT TALL

Jeanine - posted on 07/04/2012

My daughter was born at 29 weeks after my water broke at 20 weeks and if course lead to a lot of respiratory apparatuses such as endotracheal tube, cpap for many weeks ( I hated it!), and O2 by nasal cannula. She was in the NICU for 9 weeks. They say they won't leave much sooner than the day the were due to begin with. She is now 6 and just graduated from kindergarten! You would never know what she went through! Good luck!

Caroline - posted on 07/04/2012

My baby was in NCIU for 4 weeks.
My daughter was born 9 weeks premmie, weighed 3 pounds & 11 ounces, she had many challenges. She was not able to walk un-assisted, she needed support to sit up, drooled constantly, developmentally delayed, frequent body tremors, some seizure like episodes, kind of in a daze all the time, clenched left hand, choking on her food, speach problems, left side weakness etc. She was elevated on her toes when holding her to walk, she was splinted for a leg brace & they wanted to give her botox, but after researching botox and discovering how it’s made and there were no long term studies I decided against it. Her life was restricted & so was mine ...and it looked this way for the rest of her life ... & mine. I felt hopeless.

We were attending all sorts of treatments and therapies which cost a lot. A friend told me about some special wellness supplements from a particular company, she started taking them in her yogurt, after one week she was up walking un-assisted, it made an immense difference to her brain function, memory, balance, mood & cognition in a short space of time. I was elated!

I am so grateful to the person that told me about this incredible technology. She now has a life now ….. and so do I. It’s now over 14 yrs later and she continues to take these special nutrients, she has attended normal public schools, she is almost 16, in a few weeks she begins driving lessons and has just started an after school casual job in a fast paced food takeaway.
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Claudette - posted on 05/29/2012

I had a 26 weeker who stayed in the NICU for a little over 2 months and my 33 weeker stayed in the NICU for 2 weeks. The one advice I can give to any mother starting this journey is:
Having a Preemie in the NICU is a like being on a Roller coster ride. You will have your ups and your downs, good and bad days. Just stay positive and visit and call as much as you can. I would visit every day and call about every 2-3 hours to check on my babies. They weighed the baby's at around midnight everynight and I would call and check to see if my baby gained any weight each night before I went to bed.
Also just know that you are not the only one going through this. While there talk with other moms there, talking with someone who is currently going through this will be a big help as well.
Good luck to all.....

Sarah - posted on 05/24/2012

It is hard to see your little one in there and wish you could take them home but understand that the doctors want your little one to go home with the best chance. It is better to travel back and forth to the hospital everyday to see your little one than to have to rush back to the hospital with your little one and not making it on time. My miracle was born at 24 weeks and was in the hospital for 5 months (1 month of that was in Michigan for eye surgery) and it was very hard to deal with but he came home with no machines and never had to be taken back. You will not regret it in the end.

Veronica - posted on 05/21/2012

my twins was at 24 weeks two girls in stood in the NICU for 3 months

Gladys - posted on 05/03/2012

My baby was born at 31 weeks and was in NICU for 32 days.

Please do not worry so much about not being able to get your baby discharged as doctors will know the best time that they can be discharged. I Malaysia, where I stay, moms are encouraged to stay in the hospital to take care of their babies until they are discharged. I hope it is the same there.

I know you want your baby home soon as I wanted, but don't stress yourself over it.

I wish you all the best and please take good care of yourself too as you can only take good care of your little one if you are healthy.

Don't worry too much. My boy is now 22 and a half month and he is a healthy and active boy.

Staci - posted on 04/26/2012

My son was born at 32 weeks and spent 20 days in the NICU. He's now 9 years old and its hard to tell that he started out so small (only 3 lbs 12 oz and 17 in. long)! The time spent in the NICU is emotionally overwhelming and draining and it seems like you will never get to go home. But you will! Just trust that the drs and nurses will know when the time is right for your son. Good luck to you and your family!

Merisha - posted on 04/14/2012

My son was 28 weeks and 1lb 15oz at birth. We stayed 89days in the NICU. His large intestine ruptured due to Necrotizing Entercolitis and he had to have a temporary Ostomy for bowel emptying. He is now 6 and the light of my life! He was also the inspiration for me returning to nursing school...I graduate next summer and I am already working at our local NICU as a nurse extern. He has spastic diplegia which is a form of Cererbral Palsy but he can walk and he runs with he best of them!! We've also gotten a diagnosis of Aspergers syndrome but we deal with that as well! I am so thankful for him and the battles we have come through. God is so good!

Ali - posted on 04/14/2012

He was in distressed when i was in labor and he pooped inside of me and swallowed it so he was on medicine threw his iv.It was sad to see I was just hoping for a healthy baby and it broke my heart to see him like this. I felt like i did something wrong during my preg. to cause this. But now he is 18 months and very healthy and active. I thank god everyday for him overcoming the illness. Christie I hope yours son gets better fast. Little ones dont deserve to go threw what they have to.

Christie - posted on 04/14/2012

Sounds like your son has similar issues as my son! We spent a total of 209 days in and are still in and out of hospital! My son has had 14 surgeries and still has many issues he's 17 1/2 months and 11.7 lbs very small! I talk about NICU and stay in touch with ours to, and if anyone wants to talk about things I am more the willing!
Christie

Ali - posted on 04/11/2012

My son what also in the NICU for a week with tubes coming out of his nose and cords attached to him for his heart rate. It was very overwhelming to see. What was really hard for me was when I had to breast feed him and i had to do it in the NICU. As a new mom I was a little embarrassed. But I hope everything works out for the best for you and your bundle of joy.

Amy - posted on 09/30/2011

I have two son's both Preemies. My 7yr old spent no days in the NICU. My 13-1/2mth old spent 154day(5mths) in the NICU-he was born at 30 weeks was 2lbs 11oz & 14-1/2 in. After my water broke at 26 weeks and was put in the hospital on bed rest. We came home in Jan 2011. He endured 3 surgeries,cpr,vents,15 blood transfusions,4 platelet transfusions,Picc lines central line,TPN/LIPIDS,the list goes on,at one point he wasnt suppose to make it. He was diagnosed with NEC at 2 weeks old. ROP,Chronic Lung Disease,PDA,Reflux of the Bladder,Reflux(gerd) failure to thrive,has in home PT/OT and a in home Nutritionist.I'm probably forgetting something..wanna know anything ask me I try to share my story and be involved with both NICU's my son was in.

Kelly - posted on 09/29/2011

it is challenging to say the least! our daughter was born at 29 weeks and we were in the NICU for almost 2 months (we were released the week of my due date!) they always told us just expect to get out around your due date and if it is sooner then that is the icing on the cake! the NICU is exhausting to say the least...a roller coaster everyday. but soon it will be behind you. just know the doctors know their stuff - so if they want to keep you longer it is for the better. rather be safe then sorry especially if he is having breathing issues. be glad you were able to make it 34 weeks!! all the best!

Wendy - posted on 04/14/2011

hi! In 2003, My first born is a boy1lb 11oz (now almost 8 years old), 28 weeker. My baby was in the NICU for 4 months. He was really sick :( He came home at 4lbs! our 2nd child is a girl. born at 32 weeks 2 lbs 13oz stayed 2 months and came home around 4 lbs. Both babies were in the NICU and are healthy as ever now!

Bobbi Jo - posted on 04/14/2011

My Son Was Born At 25 weeks And 1 day. My Baby Was In The NICU For 5 1/2 Months....

Maijken - posted on 04/08/2011

I have 2 premature babies- one was born at 33 weeks 6 days (weighed 4 pounds 9 oz) and the other was born at 33 weeks 5 days (weighed 6 pounds 3 oz). they were born 26 days shy of a year apart. I had to have both babies in the NICU 17 days before coming home. one is 5 now and the other is 4.

Jennifer - posted on 08/06/2009

my oldest daughter was born at 31 weeks in Nov 2004, she was 3lbs 14 oz . My baby was in the NICU for 2 months - she will be 5 this November and you would never know that she was a premature baby. Hang in there, the Dr's know what they are doing and they will send him home when they know he is absolutley ready.

Chrystal - posted on 08/06/2009

My daughter was born at 27 weeks weighing 2 lbs 10 oz and she stayed in the NICU for 3 months....and being a first time mom of course i was a wreck. But even though these babies get a rough start at life, they are so strong and persevere through it all. And just watching them get through it all while they're hooked up to every tube and wire and monitor imaginable, gives us the strength as parents to be able to be by their incubator every day that they're there even though its the last place in the world you'd ever want to be. They're strength gives us the strength to be the good parents that we are. My heart goes out to you Amanda, and to everyone else who's spent what seemed like an "eternity" with their premature baby in the NICU just waiting and watching and praying.

Amanda - posted on 08/04/2009

My daughter was born at 30 weeks. She weighed 2lb 14 oz. My baby was in the NICU for 37 days. It is very emotionally overwhelming and it is very hard for people to understand what you are going through. It was a long 37 days but I know that every day in there she was growing stronger. I hope you get to bring him home soon. Best of luck!

--- - posted on 08/02/2009

baby number one was there for 14 days

number two was there for 9 days.

it was exhausting both times having a baby in the NICU. I cant imagine being there for over a month like some families are.

Kathleen - posted on 08/01/2009

my baby was in the nicu a week and two days. it was the hardest time of all. it was hard leaving him there but i was there everyday almost all day. i barley went home to rest. after the last hands on at 8pm i went home and stayed up til after midnight and called to check on him. i didnt recover from my c-section as quickly as most cause i was always on the go. it took a lot longer than 8 weeks i know. i want to say it was nearly 12 or 13 weeks for the insision to completly heal.

Mallory - posted on 07/30/2009

My daughter was born at 33 weeks; 3lbs 1oz + 16in long. My baby was in the NICU for 3 weeks. I was a wreck for those three weeks. Everyone kept trying to comfort me + it just made me feel worse. She's been home for close to 2 weeks now + is growing a ton. We have a nurse that comes out to the house + weighs + measures her every week. She's a month old now + the most precious thing I've ever known.

MIchele - posted on 07/30/2009

Actually my little guy was born at 26 weeks 1lb 7oz 12inches he was in the NICU for 3 months. we had many ups and downs but with the technology they have today! there is a good chance these premature babies today will make it and live a long happy life! The best of luck with your precious little life!

Taryn - posted on 07/30/2009

My daughter Emily was born on June 16 2009 at 1lb 15oz. I was 27 weeks pregnant. They tried everything to stop my contractions but Emily was ready to meet the world. She been in the NICU for about 6weeks now. Emily has another 6weeks to go. She had a PDA ligation surgery about 3weeks ago. She also has chronic lung disease and still unable to breathe on her own. I am having a very tough time with everything. It is so hard to watch my child in a isolate for 6 weeks and unable to do anything. I never thought i wasn't able to carry full term. I have some guilt for her being their. It is true, nobody understands until they have a baby in the NICU. Hope your son comes home soon!

Paulette - posted on 07/16/2009

My daughter was born 11 years ago at 30 weeks she stayed in the NICU for 11 and a half months but she was having breathing problems whic was determoned she hd bi-lateral vocalcord paralysis. she eventually had to have a trach but had to be 5 pounds in order to get it...she was born April 25 and recieved her trach on Sept 25. She only weighed 14.4 ounces.

Mary - posted on 07/05/2009

My son was born 3 months early and weighed 1lbs and 11oz...he is now 13 years old and is truly my miracle child. My baby boy was in NICU for about 3 months. It seemed like forever, but now you would never know that he was a premature baby, he stands taller than me. My daughter was born 5 weeks early and stayed in the NICU for about 3 weeks. She weighed 3lbs and 15 1/2oz and she is now 9 years old. My prayers are with you, just be strong.

Maria - posted on 07/05/2009

Both of my babies were in the NICU. My son was born at 34 weeks he spent 6 weeks in the NICU he went home the day before his due date.He is 14 months now and doing well. I know how hard it is having a child in the NICU as I have had two. My daughter who is now 6 years old spent 3 months in the NICU she was born at 27 weeks. These children come into this world fighting and we the parents have to be strong for them and I know sometimes we don't think we are so strong but God never gives us more than we can handle. So be strong and hang in there for your premature babies.