were any of you able to take home your trached baby?

Stacy - posted on 05/09/2012

I have a baby with a trach and I do it totally myself. I am married but my husband works 2 jobs so I can stay home and care for our daughter. Before we could bring her home, we had to attend trach class, cpr, and much equipment training. Then there was testing. We had to change a trach together then each one of us had to do an "emergency" trach change alone. Then we could bring her home. We qualify with our insurance to have a home nurse but I am her mother and I do not want someone else taking care of my baby. My needs will be second to hers for quite some time but that is the sacrifice of motherhood. I have 4 other children as well. In the beginning it was tough. It was all so sudden but now we have things mastered. She has a g-tube as well. When there are things needing done around the house I have a stroller that reclines all the way and I just take her with me throughout the house. I have a bouncer set up in the bathroom for showers etc. All the mandatory equipment she needs is portable so I just take it around the house too. She is 18 months now and a handful with taking off her "nose" as we call it and her oximeter sensors. But we have a routine. I have her set up in my bedroom so I don't have to run in a panic to check on her. It makes life so much easier and in the middle of the night much easier for care. I do feel it is possible for one person to care do the care needed. I think it is sad that you can't bring your child home. I even take her places with the younger kids. Good luck and I hope you have your child home soon!!! You will be tired - I am but it is all worth it when she smiles at me!!

Ellen - posted on 08/29/2011

Oh, that is great! If you have any questions please ask, i am will keep checking in.

Bloodrayne - posted on 08/29/2011

thank you. a nurse offered to be his backup so i'm working with her.

Ellen - posted on 08/29/2011

It is exhausting if you don't have someone else to give you a break once and awhile because you must do all the regular baby stuff and you are just stressed about this newer concept of a trach. Every little noise my baby made i would run-though it was not necessary. Baby monitors are essential!

Ellen - posted on 08/29/2011

I took my 5 month old home trached. We had a home nurse to help, but I had already learned how to take care of him in hospital so that helped. You can do it at home. My son was trached til about 2 years old.

Melissa - posted on 08/23/2011

It is alot of work and if you can find one person to help it makes all the difference. You are not alone and I wish you the best of luck!

Kathy - posted on 08/23/2011

Great advice from Candi. A friend brought home a trached baby. I agree--a good support team is vital.
BTW, this child outgrew the need for the trach, learned to walk (to her doctor's tearful astonishment), and has grown up. You are not alone.

Candi - posted on 08/23/2011

they should have given you the names of respite care providers in your area. The big problem is that even if you can care for him by yourself, it's going to get exhausting and super stressful, and you will feel like breaking very soon. They've probably seen this happen many, many times in the past. We didn't have family in the area, but we had people stay with us for the first few months, and we were still exhausted. Ask for the names of respite care providers in your area and for referrals to state nursing care. If you're on medicare/medicaid, this should be provided to you. Also, call the local university early childhood programs and ask for a mother's helper to come in at least three times a week. IF you set up a system of caregivers and can show that you WILL follow through, they will be more comfortable letting your little one go home. It's really too much for one person to handle on her own, even if you know everything to do.