Ashley - posted on 02/03/2010 ( 13 moms have responded )
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When my twin boys were born, they were sent to the NICU. They had minimal problems, needed feeding assistance and some oxygen, and were released after 8 & 9 days. They are almost 6 weeks old now and not a day has gone by that I havent been nearly brought to tears thinking about how lucky I am. While I was in the NICU everyday visiting my boys I witnessed things that as a parent were utterly unbearable. My heart bleeds for the mothers that are unable to hold their child or children and have to look at them struggling to survive. I was overwhelmed with guilt the day I left the NICU for good, how unfair it was that I was able to leave when so many others had to stay.
I remember the first day I was able to dress my babies in ACTUAL clothes, not those generic white shirts and diapers. It was probably one of the best days I had in the NICU, because even with all of the monitors and cords and such, my babies looked like babies, just like they would if they had been home with me. It didn't change the fact that I was still sad they were there, but it did make me feel like more of a mother as silly as that sounds.
My boys did not fit in their premie clothes for very long, by the time they came home they were too long to fit in them. Unfortunately, almost everyone that bought me clothes bought premie sizes. Luckily I have a 1 y/o son and the boys can wear his old clothes. Since I have all of these clothes and TONS of recieving blankets and such, I plan on putting together a bag and taking it to the NICU that my boys were at. I figure if I can give a few mothers that same feeling that I had when I got to dress my boys, maybe I will feel a little less guilty about being able to leave when they couldnt.
As I thought more about this, I realized that there are THREE level 3 NICUs in my area (Cleveland, Ohio). The city in itself is full of poverty, and alot of people simply do not have cute comfy clothes to put their premature babies in. So I got to thinking, and even though this may not work out the way I am hoping it will, I figure it can't hurt to ask or try.
I was wondering if there are any mom's out there that would be willing to give up their premie clothes. I would absolutely love to put together something to where I could take clothes and recieving blankets and things to the other 2 NICUs in my area for those mothers who can't afford it. Like I said I live in the Cleveland, Ohio area. I would be willing to pay for shipping and handleing for anyone that would be willing to donate their clothes or anything else they feel they dont need. I know it's alot to ask, but I figured it would be worth a try.
I will still be taking my collection to my NICU, and maybe those of you that live farther away could do the same with your local NICU, I really believe it will help. Message me in private if you wish to help and I'll send you an address. Thank you :)
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