Have you ever had a baby in NICU? Only about 5 months along when born? What was your experience?

Question

I'm more used to the British term, Special Baby Care Unit, but I know Neonatal Intensive Care Unit is the norm here in America.

Answer 1

Yes I just had one and spent 5 weeks in NICU level three. She almost passed on me, but she was a true fighter, as they all are!! Here is a small article I wrote about our experiences. I hope this helps, and at the bottome of the article is her picture. I was actually overdue/post term.

If you are spending time in the NICU. Most hospitals here in the US have a foundation nearby called the Ronald McDonald House. Please look into this. They were wonderful. Also, the March of Dimes were God scent.

Best Wishes!

-barbara

Answer 2

My baby was born at 34 weeks gestation and weighed 4lbs. 7oz. It was the scariest time in my life. I was actually trembling prior to my emergency c-section (my BP was 200/110 and I almost had a seizure in the ambulance) that I had to be put to sleep. I can vaguely remember being wheeled into the NICU on my hospital bed to see my daughter. She was hooked up to so many machines and had cords going every which way from her body. I was just so happy to see ten fingers and ten toes!

I went home after four days, but commuted for another four days, with my husband, to see my daughter. We also had to go shopping for preemie items and baby items that we didn't have yet as I was put on bed rest at 28 weeks gestation.

The night before our daughter came home, my husband and I stayed overnight in a hotel like room for parents of NICU babies. She weighted 4lbs. 14oz, just eight days after birth and was about the size of a football.

She's now 11 months old and weighs almost 18 pounds. She's a little bit behind developmentally (just starting to sit and army crawl), but we will get there as she's in physical therapy twice a month.

I'm not worried as she's quite the talker and has the most heart-warming smile!

Answer 3

My baby was 6 mths along when she was brn but spent 12 long days in the NICU at welborn hospital. It was an experience we willnever forget. I slept on a couch in the lobby for most of this time so I didnt have to leave my Baby girl who is now almost 8 years old. Her name is Samantha Gean and she is healthy as ever. I am now workin on number 2 with no complications! good Luck!!!!!

Answer 4

My friend had her baby when it was only 21 weeks, the baby was in NICU for about 8 months and we all thought she was going to make it but sadly she didn't, it was so hard for my friend because after her baby made it 8 months she really thought her baby was going to live, she said it was such a pain full and emotional time for her and her husband and the rest of her family. This was the third baby they tried to have because the other two were miscarriages.

Answer 5

My niece was born at 22wks 5 days she weighed 1lb 6 ozs and 11 3/4 inches long she came home when she was 6 months old she is 9 yrs old now and she is fine except she has adhd from all of the phenobarb she was on for seizures they can really work miracles now hang in there

Answer 6

Yes, had one at 27 weeks (almost 28!). He was just over 2 pounds at birth. Was in the hospital for 2 months and survived.
The experience was not fun but it does not last forever. There are many resources now for people with preemies and better medical technology. If you are in this situation my heart goes out to you. Reach out, ask for help, get informed and accept your germ phobia if you have developed one. Take it one day at a time and be sure to support your significant other as well.

Answer 7

Well I was born Early. My "due date" was Thanksgiving but instead my mother went into labor August 15th. She had a C-section. I was boren 1 pound 3 oz. But then I lost 3 oz & just weighed 1 pound. I was in the hospital until December 1st, thats when I finally got to go home. The docotrs didn't really exspect me to make it & actually said that if I would of been a boy I would of died, because boys do just give up. My Mom got very sick after having me though. Her milk was like posioning her or something, I'm not exactly sure about how she got sick but sh e was, but sh e recoverd & so did I !! The only thing about my is that I do weigh alittle less then the people in my class because of being born early but otherwise I am fine. I weighed only 25 pounds in kindergarden. It took me several years to gain weigh regularly , you know, to get to my proper weigh. But I am fine now. If you are in thsi situation DONT GIVE UP!! TELL YOUR KID TO FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT!! and be strong.

Answer 8

Watch them like a hawk!!!! Ask questions constantly! I had one 2 mo. early and my twins were a month early. And mistakes were made due to miscommunication amongst the staff. We did have a great team of docs/surgeons/nurses and for the most part had the best experience you could in those situations. Just watch 'em. Make sure they explain everything to you until you understand it 100%. Don't let them bully you either. We had a nurse or two that were inconvienenced by our questions. Mine are all healthy and "normal". I hope your well and good luck!

Answer 9

My daughter was in the NICU. I loved the nurses and the care she recieved.
She only had to stay for two weeks. She had breathing problems and couldn't suck so she was fed through a tube.
The nurses and doctor's were very kind and helped me out alot. They were always willing to answer my questions.
Good luck

Answer 10

34wks when I delivered.Mine was 6wks early and he is older now and doing very well and there was a baby in there who was delivered at 26 wks and this baby was really tiny and stayed in the hospital for a while,but is also doing great!When my child was in NICU for about 2wks it was stressful going home with out the baby,but the people at the NICU were very friendly and helpful.Good Luck!