Any babies born before 35 weeks?!??

[sarahkahealani]

My son was born yesterday 11-14-13 at 33 weeks & 5 days. I've been on best rest for a lot of my pregnancy so I worried he'd come early but no one expected this early. I've suddenly been thrown into the world of premies & the NICU. I can't handle it. Having my poor helpless little boy with all of these tubes and not being able to hold him or take him home is killing me. I can't go in there without crying my eyes out. I just kind of need some mommies out there who have gone thru this or are right now. I want him home with us but I don't know how long until he will be able to.

[Ashelen]

I had three full term babies, then suddenly my fourth baby came at 34 weeks! She spent ten days in the NICU to gain weight and she's five months old now and doing great. I'm happy to answer any questions you have....and be kind to yourself. The nicu journey is HARD.


It's hard to say how long any baby will stay in the nicu???they all have different rules. Some won't let baby come home under 5 lbs...some require them to have no brady (low heart rate) incidents for three days...most require them to be gaining weight steadily and maintaining body temp in an open crib. For my baby that was ten days. Babies needing oxygen therapy or with infections or other special needs will stay longer. Most preemies from 34 to 35 weeks stay 5-20 days in the NICU.

[sarahkahealani]

I just want a timeline for what's happening and whet they're going to do next. So far no ones been able to answer my questions. It's frustrating. I want to know the plan and how long I can expect to have him in the NICU.

Also, any ladies found any premature baby forums like this one?

[thirdtimemum]

I had my daughter at 33 weeks and 5 days too, because i had pre eclampsia. She stayed in special care for 3 weeks. She mainly had to get her weight up to 4lb 7oz to come home, and be able to take all feeds via breast or bottle for 24 hours. Like you, i cried every day too, and it killed me having to kiss her goodbye each night i left the nursery. The 3 weeks felt like forever, but we got there! And you will too, that really is the best place for them to be at the moment while they get healthier and stronger even tho i know its hard. Just focus on the fact it won't be long before he's home with you, so enjoy those full night's sleep while you still can :)

[sarahkahealani]

Thanks so much ladies!! That helps so much. I think seeing him so helpless in the NICU plus my postpartum emotions I'm just a wreck. I can't stop crying as soon as I see him and I feel like a bad mom because it's hard for me to stay there for long periods of time.

[baileylooper]

I had my son in 2010 at 33weeks. It was hard to cope with.. he was in the nicu for a total of 17days. I lived an hour away and drove every day to see him. I was able to hold him at 3days old. Once he's off the vent and not having any other issues and eating the amount he's needed he will be home in no time.. I know it hard believe me. But its worthtit to know you have a healthy baby. I cried all the time from excitement about getting to see him and then leaving because it broke my heart to not have him with me when I left.. prayers for you and your family. I hope and pray he gets to come home soon and doesn't have any health issues.

[4thonecoming]

My last baby was in the nicu for two weeks because she was early and her lungs weren't developed enough, I know how hard it was but my hospital was very good to me after I got discharged they gave me an empty room free of charge and free coupons to the kitchen.so I didn't ever have to leave because I was an emotional wreck. I'm going to be going through it again probably next week delivering at 34 weeks and I'm scared to see what's ahead of me again. Good luck

[aubsivy]

I didn't delivery early. But my daughter spent time in the nicu. I hated being in the hospital with her there. I hated going home without her. It seemed so bleek! I cried a lot. I would always get skipped for rounds and I couldn't hold my baby. It was horrible! That being said she was in the best place she could be and with the best care. It's beyond hard, but it gets better. They get stronger! Try and see the positive, your son is here. He waited as long as he could and now he just needs to get stronger.

[4Nheaven1here]

My daughter was born at 34 weeks and she was perfect. She was able to stay with me in my room but she needed a lil help with feeding. Your baby will be fine. It's the best place for him. He'll be home soon

[sarahkahealani]

Thank you!!!

[katlynmorris]

its super difficult i delivered twins at 24 weeks they were both on oscilators for 2 months then a vent. then the cpap its soo scary. the nicu is a miracle!  my son came home first and my daughter was there for another month. stay strong god be.with u and.god bless ur family!