From the article: Coping with Having a Premature Baby
Coping with having a premature baby can be difficult. The birth experience, first days, homecoming, and newborn parenting are all different from what parents-to-be dream about when they make plans for their little ones. What coping tips can you share with new parents of premature babies? Share What Worked for You
Help
- I had my little girl at 24 weeks. She is now 4 and has some issues not eating, not talking, and not potty trained. She also is hyper active. Where do I find info on older premies?
- —Guest Jennifer IL
No words!
- No words can express the emotional, physical,mental turmoil that comes with a preemie. I am a mom of four preemies. The first three 4wks early 7/8lbs...My youngest was 28wks and was in the N.I.C.U. for over 9 wks. I cried everyday until he came home. The level of separation anxiety was intense. No words could soothe me. I was released home and drove myself and three kids 1+hr to & from the hosp. everyday and stayed 3/4 hours. I felt robbed, I felt an intense feeling of loss, guilt, lost, alone,I had no help, no one to talk to, my husband was working 2 jobs night & day! I felt like I was not doing enough for the three at home and couldn't help the one in the N.I.C.U. My c-section took 4ever to heal and still bothers me 1yr later! I'm okay but I'm so much more emotional since his traumatic birth. I cry easily/super sensitive. This has changed me. I still often cry when I am alone! My little Nikolas is amazing, no hardship is too big for my amazing baby boy! Happy birthday Nikolas! Luv ya!
- —Guest Erika
NICU babies
- I just gave birth to my third preemie. He was born at 32 wks, he was fine the first two weeks of life and was set for discharge on day 14. Then out nowhere he had apnea spells and has been having them every day since. He is now 24 days old and no day of discharge in sight. I have been very emotional and find myself crying a lot and even angry at NICU staff because I just want them to fix my baby so he can come home. What I have to realize is that there is no easy fix to this and it is all up to my son. Thats the hardest part. Leaving your baby behind for strangers to take care of him is a huge hit to my pride. I feel like I have failed as a mother, but having other preemies I know this feeling will pass and the day will come that he will be able to come home and join the family. So all you parents of babies in the NICU, keep your head high and know every emotion that you feel is so normal and it will all be okay.
- —Guest katie
babysitters!
- We are having a very difficult time coping. Although we don't have the budget for a regular sitter, we've cut out on groceries to get a break and it helps. With no family in town ,tons of endless bills, and severe colic, don't feel guilty to make getting out and away from the baby top priority.
- —Guest Gidgetfinn
