How to help NICU baby

[kellyanne77]

Hi everyone,

My daughter was 10 weeks old yesterday, and to celebrate went into the hospital for her 3rd surgery.  She was born without the holes in her nasal cavity and has been in and out of the hospital 4 times in her young life for observation and repair.  We are very lucky in that she is alert, interactive, and loves to smile.  My chief concern, however, is how to best help her now.  Just when she gets her feet underneath her, she gets put back into the hospital, exposed to chemicals, IV fluids, radiation (x-rays) and a whole host of other unnatural things.  I have struggled to feed her breastmilk (we haven't been able to nurse, just when she gets strong enough to try she winds up back in the hospital and we're back to square one) but even on fenugreek I can only produce 3oz a day.  I wear her and hold her as much as I can.

[sbgrace]

Welcome and many hugs to you. I don't have NICU experience but did have a sick newborn, in and out of the hospital, exposed to CT scans and etc, while I was trying to pump and dealing with all the emotions and hormones so I feel for you. Do focus on taking care of yourself the best that you can.

It really sounds like you're doing all that you can to me. I hope, though, some people have suggestions for you specific to NICU. There is a NICU parenting forum here. You might try to cross post there perhaps for more experienced views. http://www.mothering.com/community/f/371/nicu-preemie-parenting