For those of us who had babies in the NICU

[phrogger]

I am just wondering if it is a difference of personality, or if the NICU stay kind of changed my son, but all 5 of my other bio kids weren't as clingy as Shane. The biggest difference is Shane was in the NICU for the 6 days.

Now don't get me wrong, I am one who wants to hold my baby round the clock or have someone hold him, so that isn't the issue, BUT all of my other kids, even at 2 almost 3 weeks old, I could leave in a swing or a bouncy seat for a few minutes to use the bathroom, or I could put them in a bed when they were asleep and they would stay that way until it was time to wake up (like they would start the night in a bassinet and then when they woke up to eat, I would bring them to bed and they would stay there). Shane is having NONE of that. If he is awake, I have to be holding him or in his sight. If he is asleep, he has to be touching someone at all time. I love it, so don't get me wrong, but DH goes back to work tomorrow and I have a feeling it is going to be a little difficult the first few days to even use the restroom.

I just wonder if anyone else is having a clingy baby and if maybe it had to do with him being away from me when he knew he should be with mom.

[sunflwrmoonbeam]

I have an incredibly clingy baby as well, though no NICU time. Frankly, I'm having a hard time dealing with it, and trying to tell myself it's just a growth spurt.

[Erinz]

I have no idea about the NICU, but I can tell you that my first son could be put down for minutes at a time w/o fussing and this new son of ours won't have any of it. My first was born in the hospital after a long, fairly traumatic induced birth. My second was born at home into our loving midwife's hands... so go figure! Personality is paramount, although I have no doubt that there is a cellular level to all of our exeperiences in life.

[jessielove]

Ben spent 6 days in NICU, too, but we were very lucky that I was able to stay with him. I wasn't allowed to sleep with him, so there were times while in the hospital when he was laying in the isolette, but I barely slept while we were there so most of the time he was held. He is a very snuggly baby though. He doesn't like to be laid down, even for diaper changes. He wants to be held and cuddled close all of the time. His favorite place to sleep is on my chest with his cheek pressed against my skin. He loves skin-to-skin contact. I tried laying him on the couch with his big sister sitting next to him today and he was having none of that. Dh has the next two days off, but my mom goes home tomorrow and after that I'm on my own with all five kids. I have my wrap and mei tai, but they're not going to help much when I need to shower or pee

I don't know if it's the stay in NICU or just his personality, but yeah... Ben likes to be held. And I'm happy to indulge him almost all of the time, but sometimes I need my hands.

I have found that I am MUCH more paranoid this time though. He's 12 days old now and I'm still frequently checking his breathing.

[kamane18]

Hmmm... DD was in the NICU for two days and she was very clingy, although not for sleep - only while awake (and still is at almost 4). DS was not in the NICU at all and even though we spent two nights in the hospital, he was with me/in my room the whole time. So far he does seem more willing to spend 5-10 minutes awake in his swing or playmat while I get a few things done.

[musiclady]

NICU WARRIOR MAMA here....

7 weeks. Lilah doesn't have to be held all the time. she does still like that kangaroo position of cheek to chest, but generally, she likes to be around us. As she hits growth spurts, she eats more often and then stays awake a little more, but generally, I can still do the things I need to do.

And she's almost 3 months and over 8lbs now!!!: