How do I prepare for a preemie???

[daisysmom]

We are facing the very real possibility of having to choose between a dead fetus and a rather premature baby. We don't yet know how premature, but I was told to be prepared in case I have to stay at the hospital after my U/S next week (I'll be 25 weeks). We're praying to make it to at least 28 weeks, but have been told to prepare in case we can't. I'm not sure what to do. Any suggestions?

[boscopup]

Here's (http://www.kanalen.org/prom/preemie.php) a set of pages that talks about preparing for a preemie - it's geared towards PROM moms (don't know what pregnancy complications you're dealing with), but I think much of it would apply to any preemie.

It's kind of hard to really prepare yourself, especially since you just don't know what will happen. And alot also might depend on when the baby comes. If you can hold out until 28 weeks, that will be *wonderful*. My baby came at 29w4d, and he's a completely healthy almost-2 year old now. He spent 4 weeks in the NICU, but he was big for his gestation, so that's why it was such a short time for a 29 weeker. When I was hospitalized with PROM, people came out of the woodwork telling me about their 28 weekers or that they themselves were 28 weekers. I didn't realize how many preemies were around me!

You might check out the NICU support thread in the Birth and Beyond forum. There is also a NICU support thread in the June DDC right now, as they had several preemies, including one that came 24w6d - Maggie. She's home now and doing great, so you can read about her trials, tribulations, and triumphs. :)

I pray that you'll be able to hold out until 28 weeks or so. What is the nature of your complication? Maybe you'll hear from other moms who have BTDT.

Another thing... Get the steroid shots. My son was breathing completely on his own because of those. They gave me 4 shots in a 48 hour period, then waited 48 hours before taking me off meds and allowing me to go into labor (I delivered vaginally, thankfully!).

[BethLS]

I myself am dealing with this. Nothing can prepare you for what you feel, and see when having a premature little one.

I had my preemie on May 15th, so definately not long ago. Baby Cynthia was 27 weeks, 3 days. On Monday she will be three weeks old. :) It's hard and scary. It's scary because of all of the uncertanties you are delt with in that short of a time. Things are being done to you to prepare your baby for early entry, and try to prevent labor, and you have to feel every side effect. And once she's here, it's just plain hard to deal with your baby being hooked up to several monitors, and iv lines. Not being able to hold and bond with your baby after birth sucks. I've only held my daughter twice, and she was two weeks old the first time.

After birth your baby will be taken to your hospital's NICU. Your baby will probably be on a ventilator, at least for a little while. Mine was on it for a few hours after birth, and then changed quickly to a cpap. (much nicer!) Lots of tests will be preformed, ultrasounds, head scans, ect ect. She probably will have "episodes" every once and awhile where she might forget to breathe, but try and not be scared. It is normal and usually goes away with gentle tap on the back and maybe the upping of her oxygen percentage. You will become all-too-familiar with what each sound is and when caution should be used. Usually they don't even mean anything, because your baby moving can cause them to trigger. (My baby wouldn't stop kicking her little foot for nothing last night, which of course has the pulse-ox on it. At every kick the monitor alarm would go off, saying she wasn't getting enough oxygen. This wasn't the case, she was fine, however she just kept moving it enough to make it go off!)

But it gets better! Your baby responds to you like no one else. You have the ability to calm your baby in her little isolette, and increase her stats that no one else can. You can see how she changes each day, by her color changing, weight increasing, ect. Soon you will be able to hold her, give her baths, (my other "first" last night!) change her diaper and clothe her. At first I did NOT want to do any of these things. I was sooo scared to even TOUCH her for fear of breaking her! And now it's like second nature and I wouldn't miss a bath for anything in the world!

At first I didn't feel like a mom because I didn't have a baby to take home with me at the end of the day. I cried a lot over this, and like I mentioned before, being involved with your premies care when she can tolerate it is the best medicine. Also, buy her some onesies, hats, and socks for her. (preemie, of course). Let her wear them instead of the hospital ones. The NICU nurses will put a laundry basket next to her for her clothes that you can take home and wash and bring back. This is very theraputic for me, LOL.

If your state is anything like Michigan, if your baby is born under 2 lbs 10 ounces, she will qualify for SSI. And believe me, every little bit counts! She will also count for her medicaid if she is staying for longer than a month. (which she will) Speak with the social worker that will be assigned to you after you deliver, for more information. But then again she should mention all of this anyway.

One last tip, pump for your baby. And try your hardest, because it is so rewarding to know you are feeding your baby, and feeding her the food nature intended.

It isn't easy, and it isn't fun, but in the end it's worth everything. (taking care of a preemie) They are so special. All babies are special little miracles, but a preemie? Well...they're just different. :love

You can talk to me anytime if you have any questions, or just wanna talk.

And you can see pictures of my little one (for an idea of the habitat your sweetie will be in) at my website.

Good Luck Mama!
BethS

[boscopup]

Beth, it's so good to hear that your baby is doing so well! I've been wondering about you! :)