my baby is in the nicu he was born early it feels like he will never be home!can anyone help?

Ink - posted on 11/12/2010

http://i51.tinypic.com/a1ip6p.jpg



The younger child in that picture is my best friend's grandson. He weighed less than 1 pound when he was born at 20 weeks. His mother kept going into labor early. He was in NICU at Palmetto Richland Memorial in Columbia SC for FOUR months.

His Grammy named him Rocky...because he is such a fighter.

Your son is in the BEST of hands! With lots of prayer, a BUNCH of love...and a MILLION trips to the hospital...you WILL have your bundle of joy home in your arms!

I will do all I can to help...the prayers are already rolling in! :)

Lillian - posted on 11/12/2010

My twins were born 4 weeks early, weighed 5lb 2oz each. They were in the NICU for about 2 weeks, They had a feeding problem and ended up losing a lot of weight for their size. It was very hard not having them with me but I knew they were in the best care they could be in, in that NICU and they recieved alot of love. Regular babies were put in the onies shirts my twins were dressed in cute little outfits the hospital provided for them. They were given a special quilt that only NICU babies got. Those nurses really gave my husband and I alot of support. Your baby should be home soon and you will get to enjoy sharing your love with him everytime he is near. Good luck and congrats on your little love.[

Carly - posted on 11/12/2010

I was given a 50 50 percent chance of my baby surviving when he was born and was in nicu for four and a half weeks until he came home after his surgery and coming off a ventilator etc.
Not as long as a lot of mums have in the nicu and it does seem like forever when you are there but when you get your beautiful little bubba home you will just look back at it as being a distant nightmare and wonder where the time has passed.
I feel for all of the mums and dads with their babies in hospital and one of the hardest parts was leaving for the first time with out a baby to come home with.
I called the hospital during the nights usually a couple of times per night and they were always happy to tell me what he was doing and reassure me that he was okay.
The nurses are absolute angels and you do get to know them which helps to make you feel more comfortable also.
You will get through this time, just spend as much time as you can with your little baby but also look after yourself too as your bub will need a strong mummy to take him home very soon.
I wish you all the best with your journey.

Andrea - posted on 11/11/2010

My twin boys were born at 30 weeks gestation. The youngest died when he was 2 days old and my other one stayed in the NICU for 5 weeks. Being with him as much as possible helped and kangaroo care is definitely a good idea. I know it feels like an eternity, but hang in there.

Julie - posted on 11/11/2010

If you are able to visit, do so. "Kangaroo" with him and just cherish your time together. Know that he will come home when he is ready and in the meantime, take care of yourself.

There are several wonderful Preemie Moms groups on here, join one or a few and spend time with other moms who have gone through or are going through the NICU experience. They are a wonderful support group.

My son was "in" for 124 days, as he was born at 26.5 weeks. I "kangaroo'd" with him as much as I could and loved the time I was able to spend with him.

Good luck and congratulations on your son!

Jessica - posted on 11/11/2010

My baby was born at 34 weeks and weighed 4 lbs 13 ozs.She was in the NICU for 2 weeks.Its all about the eating, once your baby is eating all his feedings and everything is going good he'll be home.I know that it is terrible to leave the hospital when your baby is still there but it shouldnt be much longe at all since hes eating well and in the cribr!Keep your head up.Just know thats hes in good hands and there is no one better,besides you, then those nurses caring for your baby.=]He'll be home before you know it

Laura - posted on 11/11/2010

Going home with no baby from the hospital will be the hardest thing in the world you will ever do. But belive me it WILL get better! My son was in a NICU at Primary childrens for 4 MONTHS and he was born at term. We had no idea anything was going to be wrong. But having to leave him behind and go to visit was like he belonged to them sometimes :( Now he is having his first birthday and you would never know he had a tough start in life.....It makes you love and enjoy every second with them that much more!! He has to eat breath and stay warm and he will be home before you know it! What a lucky little boy to have such a loving mom!

Olga - posted on 11/11/2010

My first pregnancy ended in 11 weeks in scbu. Our twin girls were born at 26 weeks. One survived 2 days and the other was in the unit for 11 weeks. You must talk to the nurses, they can become very good friends. If you remember your due date, aim to have your son home then and if it is earlier that is great. Treasure every moment and always let him know how special he is. Good luck. p.s I went on to have 3 more children all full term and no more trips to scbu!

Alison - posted on 11/11/2010

Angel, I have never been in your shoes and can imagine it must be very challenging for so many reasons. I have a friend whose baby was born 5-6 weeks early and had breathing problems as well. Set your mind on being there for at least 2-3 weeks, it will be less discouraging that way. Just stay hopeful that he will eventually get home and you have a whole lifetime ahead of you together.

Kristine - posted on 11/11/2010

I've got a fb friend that has two & the youngest was born at 29 weeks...
You're welcome to friend me on fb & connect with her...kristine at yahoo dot com

Alecia - posted on 11/11/2010

i have a friend whose baby spent about 3 1/2 mnths in the NICU bcuz she was born at 26 weeks gestation. ur baby will be home soon. trust me when i sya ud rather ur baby say there til healthy bcuz it sux taking ur baby home and then less than 8 hrs later u have to go back to the hospital and stay there for a week (thats what happened to me and my baby). Good luck. I hope ur son comes home soon healthy and happy!