How long were your babies in the NICU?

Janet - posted on 02/06/2010

My son was born at 33wks again amazingly came home in 10 days. Although he had to come home on an apnea monitor it was just awesome to be home. Friday January 13th was the happiest day of my life!

Melissa - posted on 02/06/2010

Hi, I had my baby at 26 weeks... in the NICU out of town for 6 weeks, then another 6 weeks at our local hospital. yes it can seem very long, but enjoy watching your daughter grow and grow and before you know it you will be home with your wee one! Dont' feel bad about not being there 24 hrs/day or about taking breaks while you're there, or about reading a book at her bedside. it can make the day very long to just sit there and stare at your baby when all they are doing is sleepign! good luck :)

Lesley - posted on 02/05/2010

My son was in the NICU for 23 days. And yes it does drag on. He was 34 weeks gest on the nose because I was on bedrest for 4 weeks as he tried to come at 30 weeks. He was going good and ready to discharge and got sick and almost died out of the bule and that lead us to the 23 days. The same time my husband was getting ready to activate with the army to go overseas. Hang in there, you will make it even though it may not seem like it now. Best of luck to you, the baby and your family.

Brandy - posted on 02/05/2010

With my son who was born at 26 weeks and was a micro-preemie weighing in at 1 pound 4 ounces and was 11 1/4 inches long we had a 6 1/2 month (198 days) stay in the NICU. He had a lot of medical problems and surgeries while in the NICU. Now he is getting ready to be 4 years old. With my daughter who was born 1 days shy of 31 weeks, weighing in at 2 pounds 7 ounces and was 14 inches long we only stayed 35 days in the NICU.

Pamela - posted on 02/05/2010

My twin girls were born at 24weeks. 1 lb. 8oz. and 1 lb. 3.5oz. They were in the NICU 99 days. They are 4 years old now and doing great!

Linda - posted on 02/05/2010

my son was born at 26 weeks and he weighed 2 lbs 10 ozs and 15 .5 inches long he was in the hospital for almost 2.5 months it was hard having him in there . he is now 15yrs old and doing good he has cerberal palsy the only problems he has are physical mental he is smart he is in 9th grade and doing good he goes to therapy twice a week and o the cp clinic at childrens twice a year they say he is doing well also congrats and hope she comes home soon

Tina - posted on 02/05/2010

I had twin boys that were born at 29 weeks. They were immediately taken to NICU and did very well. They were born on March 10th and were both home on March 28th! They did very well. They were 3 lbs 12 oz, and 3lbs 12 oz. They lost down to 3 lbs and when they came home they both weighed 4lbs. They were big babies for 29 weeks, but they are 6 now and very healthy!

Karen - posted on 02/05/2010

My babies were born 7 weeks early and weighed 2lbs 14 oz and 4lbs 9oz, they stayed in the NICU for 4weeks and 3 weeks, I kinda felt the same way that you are it does feel like it just keeps dragging on and never really knowing what is going on...I am proud to say that after 13 years all is well with the kids...Just hang in there....

Leah - posted on 02/05/2010

I am very happy that your baby is gaining everyday that is very good news! My boy was 2 lbs 5 oz and two monthes early. We were in the NICU for 70 days and after a while I felt like the walmart greeter. I knew everyone that came in and out that was over a week there. The NICU became my social circle with some moms and most of the nurses that took great care of him while he was there. I kept a journal for Austin every day. I talked to him and told him what had happen to him that day and had the nurses do it as well. Getting involved with the March of Dimes sometimes help pass the times too. I know that every experience is different. Austin had many other issues we were dealing with as well so there were upswings and downswings and many unknowns. If possible take some time to walk around as much as you can it helps with the slow times and your mood. Keep pictures in the isolete so that they have something to look at when you are not there. Remember to be very grateful because it could be much worse than you could ever imagine. Count your blessings. Best of luck to you and your little one.

Margorie - posted on 02/05/2010

My daughter was born at 28 weeks. She stayed in the NICU for 9 weeeks. She had to be at least 4 lbs, breathe on her own without oxygen, be able to eat on her own, and maintain her owm body temperature. It seemed like the longest 9 weeks of my life. Hang in there. I tried to look at things positively. At least I was able to heal and rest up before she came home.

Cristina - posted on 02/05/2010

My daughter was born right at 28 weeks and was in the NICU just shy of 7 weeks. Most parents are told to expect discharge around the time of your original due date, but many go home much earlier than that. When she was discharged she came home on an apnea/heart monitor and caffeine. Try to hang in there. I know it feels like eternity.

Sandy - posted on 02/05/2010

My twin daughters were born at 32 weeks 1.1kg & 1.7kg. We were in NICU for 6 weeks at the Nottingham City Hospital. The doctors and nurses were superb. I just thought that if I got out by 40 weeks - I was lucky. My advice is take each day as it comes & make good use of the support you have while it's there :-) Best of luck.

Afton - posted on 02/05/2010

My 27-weeker spent 94 days in the NICU. She was there past her due date which was very difficult for me. She was by far the largest baby in the NICU by the time we went home - weighing 7 lbs 11 oz! It was hard to watch babies go home on all sides of us while we waited for our preemie to be able to take all of her meals orally. She was quite healthy which made staying so long even harder to bear! However, I'm glad we stayed until she was ready because it made me more confident when we brought her home. :)



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Jennifer - posted on 02/05/2010

My son was in NICU for three weeks. It may not have been TTHHHAT long but the NICU is a scary place for any mommy. Seeing our children hooked up to things is so sad. I cried EVERY time I was in his room. That was my second home! Anyway, he was born almost 6 weeks early but still he was 6lbs 12 oz!

Wendi - posted on 02/05/2010

My daughter was in the NICU 10 days, she was born at 35 weeks, 5 days and weighed in at 4lbs, .06oz. Kuddos to the moms with the babies who are in longer, my heart goes out to you, because it was heart wrenching for me for 10 days

Jessica - posted on 02/05/2010

my son was born at 30 weeks he was 3 lbs 3.5 oz and he was 17 inches long.. he was in the hospital for 6 weeks.. while he was in there yes it seemed like i was never going to get to take him home! the hospital where he was, was 45 min away from my house! so it was even harder to kno that he was so far away but i drove up too see him every day this was the time when the swine flu and everything was going around so i knew he was ok in the hospital and not exposed to any of the sickness.. it is hard but when she's home you'll look back and realize it went alot quicker than you think!!! lol Wesson is now 5 months old and he is 17 lbs!!! doing great he had a little trouble sucking his bottles thats the only thing that held him there but he has no trouble at all now!!!! good luck with everything and keep ur head up she'll b home b4 u kno it and ull get to catch up for lost time!!!!! and they are soo sweet and cuddly!!!

Michelle - posted on 02/05/2010

My daughter was born at 25 weeks 1lb 11oz we stayed in hospital for 84 days(12 weeks) It was long but worth every minute

Hayley - posted on 02/05/2010

my daughter was born at 28 weeks and 6 days weighing 2lb 12oz and she stayed in neonatal for 4 weeks

Monica - posted on 02/04/2010

My situation almost mirrors yours. My daughter was born 12/24/08 at 33 4/7 and she weighed 3 lbs 15 oz. She had RDS and was intubated for 2 days and treated with Surfactant then put on CPAP but intubated again after 1 day because she was having apnea spells. She also had some fluid in her lungs at birth that caused a pnuemonia type infection. Because of the infection her PDA didn't close so she was given 3 rounds of Indocin which caused her to back on IV. When she finally started getting breastmilk by gavage she got sepsis. Her total stay was 29 days. There were times I questioned if she was ever going to be okay and get to come home. My advice to you is be patient and know that your baby will be home very soon and you will have a hard time remembering the details of her prematurity and how the days seemed to drag on. My preemie is now in 75th percentile for weight and 96th percentile for height (not adjusted age either). I reached out for stories from Mons in similar situations to help me through the low times so I want to give back and say "everything will be fine...keep your chin up!"

Shelley - posted on 02/04/2010

my twin daughters Willow and Katie were born sept 2004 at 30weeks weighing just 3lb1oz and 3lb3oz.....now 5 years on and they are both healthy happy children who started primary school last september 2009. both in NICU for 5 weeks then came home weighing 3lb15oz and 4lb12oz. I do remember katie dropping weight to 2lb12oz in the first week as she was only fed saline! they had no time to give the injection for lung development and were born within an hour of arriving at hospital! emergency section....katie stopped breathing twice.....once on the way to nicu and once in my arms.....NICU is very distressing and cried for days .....but now they are distant memories.:o)

Sara - posted on 02/04/2010

My son was 6 weeks early and weighed 5lbs 14oz He was born on 10/2 and his due date wasnt suppose to be until 11/6. I was told that he would most likely be in the NICU until his original due date. He did so well that he was able to come home after a week and a day. It was hard leaving him when i had to leave. But i was able to have someone bring me to the hospital every morning and then i was picked up at night to be home with my oldest. Have you done the kangaroo hold? It helps and its when you lay your daughter on your bare chest while they are in nothing but there diaper, so you are skin to skin. Its a very comforting feeling! Its hard i know. I only went through a week of him being in the NICU and that was hard enough, I cant imagine any longer than that. But know that these men and women that are taking care of your little bundle are angels and will do the best for your child. I wish you nothing but the best for you and your daughter.

Tequila - posted on 02/04/2010

When I had my daughter she was born at 29 weeks, she was only 2lbs. 7ozs. and had to stay in the nicu for a month until she gained three pounds. When I brought her home I was scared to hold her because she was so little, but now she is 6yrs old, and just like other six year olds.

Dianne - posted on 02/04/2010

Hi my baby was born at 30 1/2 weeks and he was in NICU for 5 weeks then transferred to our local hospital SCU for a further week so hang in there, she will come home, for the first 5 weeks I had to drive 65 kms each way every day but i felt extremely guilty when i had to miss maybe 3 days out of that. One day i was physically exhausted and the other 2 I was in hospital as I had retained placenta which they found after 3 weeks and had to have it removed, other than that I either usually went on my own as my husband had to work or he came in on his days off. Good luck to you, by the way he is 18 months old now and runing and climbing everywhere.

Pamela - posted on 02/04/2010

My son was born four weeks early and was in the NICU for about 4 days then we were moved to the Pediactric Unit for a few days. He had an IV in his head.. it was horrible. And my daughter was born at 38 weeks but was put in the NICU for about a week, and I was lucky enough to stay in one of their rooms they offer.

Jessica - posted on 02/03/2010

As I look through everyone else's posts, it brings back sooo many memories. Our tiny angel was born at 26 weeks, but then had digestive complications. After multiple surgeries, and numerous recoveries our precious little one came home to us. Seven months, 213 days to be exact, after she was born. And still had to be put right back in the hospital 3 weeks after discharge. Two years later, well, you would never know what she had to endure. She is a little small for her age, but it doesn't stop her. She is where she should be developmentally. She is covered in scars, we know each of them by heart. We will never forget her NICU experience. We saw so many other families come and go, we lost count. It was extremely disheartening to us. We just kept telling ourselves that each day with her, hospital or not, was a blessing. Hoping that someday we could take her home. When we did, and she had gotten through the worst of things, our time in the NICU seemed like a distant memory. The more time that goes by, the more details we have hard time recalling. It may seem hard now, but one day it will all be worth it. Our tiny one was in the NICU 70 miles from our home, and we also had two young children. If our family survived intact, anyone's can...

Christina - posted on 02/03/2010

my son was born at 24 week 4 days. weigh 1lb 10oz was in the nicu for 4 months. Came home one month after his due date. He is now 18pounds and growing. Happy as could be. Gets better after they are home.

Julie - posted on 02/03/2010

My son was born at 24 weeks gestation. He weighed 1lb 9 oz. In the first to weeks, he droped to under a pound. He was in the NICU for 33 weeks. I didnt get to hold him until he was 2months old. Surround yourself with family and friends. Get all the support you can, because it is tough. I also went to the preemie support group meetings at the hospital. It was good to have other moms around who shared a similar experience. I am sending you good wishes and thoughts.

PS.My son is now 12, he weighs 170lbs, is taller than me and is healthy. He is a little miracle baby as is your daughter. :)

Tina - posted on 02/03/2010

I had my son at 30 1/2 weeks. He was in the NICU Unit for five weeks. They told me that he'd have to stay in there till his due date (Feb 1st), but I got to bring him home on New Years Day. He weighed 3lbs. 15oz when he was born and now at two months he's 10lbs. 1oz. He was actually in two different NICU Units. We were out of state when he decided to grace us with his apperance. It was pretty hard when I was released from the hospital, but the Ronald MacDonal House took us in and I couldnt' have asked for anything better. I know it gets pretty depressing every day at the hospital, but just look at the great care she's receiving 24/7. Just hang in there and before you know it she'll be home. Congrats on your Christmas baby.

Susan - posted on 02/03/2010

my son was born at 31 weeks and came home seven weeks later. he would have gotten home earlier, except he had a hard time taking a bottle. The speech therapist that works with the babies on such issues tried every position there was and we finally found one that worked. The he struggled with anemia, and we ended up doing a transfusion and that did the trick. He weighed 3 lbs 15 ounces when he was born and 6 lbs, 9 ounces when released. They told us the weight was not as much of an issue as (1) being able to maintain body heat when taken out of incubator, (2) taking eight bottles a day and (3) gaining weight. Once you hit those three, you should be good to go. I know it is depressing and so hard to be there at the NICU, but they only have your babies best interest at heart. Hang in there.

Sara - posted on 02/03/2010

I had my daughter at 26 1/2 weeks. She stayed in the NICU for 3 months. She had to have immediate heart surgery, then she had to be able to breath on her own and then after that it was smooth sailing for her, She could do everything that the doctors wanted., We were so happy. My daughter weighed 1 lb 14 oz when she was born. And my NICU experience was not the best, the nurses treated me and my husband at the time like we were 15 years old. We were 22 yeah young, but they didn't need to treat us like that. But they were good with my daughter, they did take really good care. Can i give you a little reccomendation . When they offer you class through the hospital such as CPR and what not, take it now!!! My daughter has choked so many times, It doesn't take very long for the classes, I would highly recommend it. And also remember about you too!! Take good care of yourself, that is what your baby girl needs. Is a healthy mom. When you mentioned the time dragging take up a hobby like croquet and make your daughter something simple like i did a little yellow flower. It was really easy i made it in the hospital when i was visiting her. And start a scrap book, ask for diapers and the blood pressure bands, they will give them to you ., My daughter who is 4 now loves looking at the scrapbook. I also kept all the business cards of all the people that helped her in the 3 month hospital stay, Take care

Charmaine - posted on 02/03/2010

my son Nathan was in NICU for 4weeks then went to scbu 2 weeks and another two weeks at another special nursery closer to home he was 32 weeker four pounds it does seem forever but the sheer joy when u take them home is all worth it keep your chin up and remember to take care of yourself aswell

Kreana - posted on 02/02/2010

My son stop growing at 29 weeks. We were going to schedule induction at 33 week, but he decided to grant us with his presents at 32 week. He weighed 2pds 9 ounces and was healthy. He did not need oxegon and did very well. It was hard driving to see him everyday, but worth it to see his smiling little face and hold his precious little hand. Joe did have a feeding tube because he was to small to nurse. That was hard as I had always planned to breast feed. He was in the hospital for one month and came home at 3pd 14 ounce. Today he is 9 years old, still small but very active.

Kreana - posted on 02/02/2010

My son stop growing at 29 weeks. We were going to schedule induction at 33 week, but he decided to grant us with his presents at 32 week. He weighed 2pds 9 ounces and was healthy. He did not need oxegon and did very well. It was hard driving to see him everyday, but worth it to see his smiling little face and hold his precious little hand. Joe did have a feeding tube because he was to small to nurse. That was hard as I had always planned to breast feed. He was in the hospital for one month and came home at 3pd 14 ounce. Today he is 9 years old, still small but very active.

Laura - posted on 02/02/2010

I had my triplets at the exact same stage. My boys were both around 4 lbs each. My daughter was 2 1/2 lbs. All three of mine spent 5 weeks in the hospital. First to learn to eat and then because they had apnea and bradycardia. My daughter purely for her weight and she went home two days after she reached 4 lbs. Talk to the nurses. They will advise you also ask them to get her on a schedule for you. They got my three on a wonderful feeding schedule and it made my life so much easier when they came home. Also, keep reminding yourself everyday that she is getting the best care possible. Although we can't imagine anybody taking better care of our baby than us, I know how stressful it is when they come home. You constantly worry if their breathing right, if their eating right, etc. She will be home soon and the days in the NICU will be but a memory. Someday, you may even wish you had that option again:)

Michelle - posted on 02/02/2010

My son was born at barely 31 weeks, he weighed 3 lbs. 10 oz. He was considered a pretty healthy preemie, but it was all very scary nonetheless. It was a frustrating, depressing time. I spent all my time pumping milk and shuttling back and forth to the NICU to see him. I cried a lot, especially the first couple weeks. We brought him home in 26 days though. Hang in there. My teeny baby is 5 now, smart, rambunctious, and at the 99th percentile in both height and weight. Nobody believes he's 5! Someday you're going to look at your daughter and say "Wow! Look at you now!"

Janell - posted on 02/02/2010

My boys were born at 32 wks and one weighed 2lb5oz, another 3lb2oz. One was in the nicu for 5wks the other for 7wks. It wasn't easy and it was worse when one was home and the other still there. But we got through it and they are normal healty three year olds now. I know it seems rough now, but hang in there, she'll be home before you know it! Good luck!

Michele - posted on 02/02/2010

My oldest daughter (now 26) was born at 31 weeks (placenta previa) and weighed 2lbs 5.5 ozs @ 14.5" long. She spent 63 days in the NICU. My youngest daughter (now 24) was born at 29 weeks (ruptured uterus) and weighed 2lbs 5ozs @ 14.75" long. She spent 71 days in the same NICU. They are both healthy wonderful women with no real lasting problems. Keep your head up and don't forget to remember yourself...even if it's just lunch with the girlfriends. You may feel like time is your enemy, but it will get better as you watch her grow stronger. I got the wonderful chance to watch my girls' nails, eyelashes and even butt cracks grow. A premature birth is an experience that no mother wants to go through, but you get the chance to see many things that other mothers don't. Good luck to you and your "little" girl.

Christina - posted on 02/02/2010

My daughter was born at 32 1/2 weeks @ 3lbs 2ozs. She was in the NICU for 16 days. I understand how you are feeling. She was born Dec. 11 and we spend the holiday in the hospital. The key to her going home early was every night I would do skin to skin (kangarooing) and her weight went up everyday. Some days more than others. Now my daughter is 13 months old and doing great! Best of luck to you;)

Chelsea - posted on 02/02/2010

My son Jayden was born at 29 weeks and was 2lbs 12oz and he stayed in the NICU for 2 months. It does get real drepressing but what kept me going was knowing that I was there for him anytime I could. I would get upset when I saw others babies going home before mine but I had to be happy for them too. Just spend as much time as you can with your lil girl, changing diapers, feeding, or just sitting there staring at her. Always when you have to go home without her at the end of the day just think about her face and beautiful hands and feets what you will tell her the time you see her, that you love her with all your heart and that you are there for her.

Mandy - posted on 02/02/2010

Hi Britney!! My name is Mandy and I have 9 1/2 Month old Twin Boys~ Ayden & Konnor. They were born at 32 weeks and stayed in the NICU for exactly 1 month....they got to come home on their 1 month birthday which was very special! Ayden was 3 lbs 11 oz and 16 1/2 inches long and Konnor was 3 lbs 14 oz and 16 1/2 inches long. They were both perfectly healthy and breathing on their own and everything. They had to stay inthe NICU so they could gain weight, maintain body temps and learn to oral feed. It ws an emotional roller coaster for me. Some days were better thatn others. It seemed like we were going to be there forever. However, looking back now...that 1 month was such a short time. I am very lucky to be able to be a stay at mom to my boys. So everyday, we sing, read books and hang out! You will make it through....I promise. And, one day you will be looking back at pictures and enjoying your new life with your little one. Every day is precious. Best of luck! Please let me know if you ever want to chat! Take care

Mandy - posted on 02/02/2010

Hi Britney!! My name is Mandy and I have 9 1/2 Month old Twin Boys~ Ayden & Konnor. They were born at 32 weeks and stayed in the NICU for exactly 1 month....they got to come home on their 1 month birthday which was very special! Ayden was 3 lbs 11 oz and 16 1/2 inches long and Konnor was 3 lbs 14 oz and 16 1/2 inches long. They were both perfectly healthy and breathing on their own and everything. They had to stay inthe NICU so they could gain weight, maintain body temps and learn to oral feed. It ws an emotional roller coaster for me. Some days were better thatn others. It seemed like we were going to be there forever. However, looking back now...that 1 month was such a short time. I am very lucky to be able to be a stay at mom to my boys. So everyday, we sing, read books and hang out! You will make it through....I promise. And, one day you will be looking back at pictures and enjoying your new life with your little one. Every day is precious. Best of luck! Please let me know if you ever want to chat! Take care

Emma - posted on 02/01/2010

hi hun, firstly i hope you and baby are doing ok :) when i had my daughter she was 31 weeks 5/7 days old. she was a similar weight to ur little one, she weighed 3lb 8oz. we were lucky and she was off of the oxygen after 12 hours and then off of the c-pap (assissted breathing) about 3 days. i was like you impatient to get her home lol who wouldn't be? its awful having ur child in hospital. once she was around 4 weeks old they let us take her home, but she had to be feeding without the tube and i think they need to get up to around 5lb before they think about letting them go home. but they told me i was lucky because preemies nornmally stay in til at least their due date so my daughter was out nearly a month earlier than they had expected when she was first born! hopefully you're home soon... if you're not already :) x

Jessica - posted on 02/01/2010

My son was born at 24wks and 4 days. He weighed 1lb 13oz and was 14 inches long. He spent 4 1/2 months in the NICU. He is now a happy, healthy 2yrs old. you have lots of ups and downs during your stay in the NICU. All I can say is stay strong and positive and pray. It's is the hardest thing you will have to go through but you will find strength you never knew you had :)

Pamela - posted on 02/01/2010

My son was born 8 weeks early and stayed in the hospital 10 days shy of two months. Check with the doctors to see how long they think that your daughter might have to stay, some places wont let the child out till the are over 5 pounds since car seats start at 5 pounds and possibly will keep the child for as long as she was early so if 5 weeks early will stay possible around 5 weeks, but it all depends on hospital policy and what the doctor thinks. Good luck momma

Pamela - posted on 02/01/2010

My son was born 8 weeks early and stayed in the hospital 10 days shy of two months. Check with the doctors to see how long they think that your daughter might have to stay, some places wont let the child out till the are over 5 pounds since car seats start at 5 pounds and possibly will keep the child for as long as she was early so if 5 weeks early will stay possible around 5 weeks, but it all depends on hospital policy and what the doctor thinks. Good luck momma

Pamela - posted on 02/01/2010

My twins were on the Neosure also. They did very well on it too. It is hard to believe that my twins will be turning 11 yrs old in June. I am completely amazed how difficult I thought everything was going to be having twins that were in the NICU and had to come home on monitors. I still see the doctors and nurse that took care of them 10yrs ago. I am so appreciative for all the love and care that they gave my girls. My girls are just as normal and healthy now as any other child out there..

Ashley - posted on 02/01/2010

I had my little girl on Jan 23rd and I was only 24 weeks pregnant. I was told that she will remain in the NICU until her original due date which is May 15th. Im hoping for the ultimate Mothers Day gift of me taking her home early

Regina - posted on 02/01/2010

Until someone has been in the shoes of a mother born with a preemie it is impossible to know the pain and emotion that is involved with all of it. Brianna was 1 pound 7 ounces and 11 3/8 inches long. She came home at 5 1/2 pounds and I was the most protective mother over EVERYTHING, but it made me a much stronger person with all the time spent in the hospital. The worst for me was the first month she was there, everytime the phone rang I thought it would be THEE call, I balled everytime. But by the grace of God she is my miracle baby and I had a son two years ago and still gave birth at 35 weeks (5 pounds 14 ozs.), so my body has a hard time keeping them in. Think we may be done having babies.

Jamie - posted on 02/01/2010

My son was prescribed Neosure as well, and will be on it until he is a year corrected. So, we will be weaning him shortly; he only gets two bottles a day, everything else is solids!

Pamela - posted on 02/01/2010

Hi Brittney, my name is Pamela and I too had babies in the NICU. My twin daughters were born at 30 wks. They were rushed right to the NICU where one of them was place on a ventilator to help her. Their weight was 3lb 6oz and 2lb 14oz. They had to stay in the hospital for 29 days. I cried everyday I went to see them knowing that they had to stay there and I wouldn't be there to care for them. The ICU Nurses are great. You will get through this. Just keep telling youself that she is getting the best care that she could get at this point. The time will go by faster than you think. If you ever need someone to talk to that can relate to your situtation you can look me up. Best Wishes.