It was almost 2 years ago that my daughter was in the NICU for 8 weeks (not a preemie!) I continue to have nightmares about that whole experience from time to time. Am I alone in this? My daughter is very healthy now. Thanks.
2006-11-27 17:48:18 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Other - Pregnancy & Parenting
Beachie, your answer made me cry. I'm so sorry.
2006-11-27 17:52:09 · update #1
Yes, I had twin premie boys in the NICU. Wasn't allowed to see them. They didn't make it. Not a good experience. I would've liked to hold or touch them.
2006-11-27 17:50:10 · answer #1 · answered by beachie51 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
My fourth child was in the NICU but only for a few days, he was the giant in the crowd there! I had him normally, but had a small complication during his birth... he ended up swallowing a lot of the fluid and his lungs were full... He was quite dark at birth from this complication and was rushed to the NICU in a nearby city. He weighed in at 8 lbs. 1 oz... and didn't fit in with the preemies in there... He was affectionately called "baby Goliath" and now the young man has grown to his ripe old age of 21 in December!
He also grew in stature to 6' 4" tall, and over 200 lbs. So he's still a Goliath of sorts, but we just call him the "Gentle Giant"!!!
He's my sweet natured boy...!
I do understand the fear, anguish and pain of separation though!
I know I was there at the NICU every waking minute of those days
2006-11-28 01:59:21 · answer #2 · answered by MaggieO 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hi there....
I have 8 1/2 month old preemie twins, they are doing really well now, they were born at 28 wks., 2 lbs. 13 oz. went down to 2.2 lbs...so like yours, mine too were in the NICU, then a special care nursery.
You are TOTALLY not alone!!! Oh my goodness, I still have difficulty looking at their photos, I cry every single time I look at them. My husband worked out of state(police academy) during this exp., and I was literally on the verge of a nervous breakdown...I can't tell you how many woman I have since talked to with the same emotions...
I mean it is a really, really, terribly, frightening exp. for any parent to go through...Not only your child, but the surroundings of the NICU itself, 2 babies in our room passed, 1 I was rushed out of the room...I was visiting mine at the time, it was terrible. I sobbed every day....
Do you have Myspace? I have found some great groups on their for NICU parents, etc...Some may be listed under preemie parents, but many in their are not nec. preemie parents...anyone with a child in the NICU...Myspace is great though, I have met several other moms in the surrounding area with similiar exp., you can look me up on their, search Carriss.
I'm glad your little one is healthy now!! Isn't it just overwhelming to look at her and think how far along she's come, how miraculous, how just simply amazing....
Carriss,
2006-11-30 06:59:19 · answer #3 · answered by Carriss P 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My water broke in my 26th week and I spent 5 weeks in the hospital. My son was born at 31 weeks and was in the NICU.
I do understand your feelings. Post Traumatic Stress is very common in parents of children who go through this kind of thing.
I remember having trouble even THINKING about going into a hospital for a long time. Certain smells would trigger memories. Additionally, I am very protective of my son and I attribute it to his NICU stay.
2006-11-29 00:34:00 · answer #4 · answered by Jennifer D 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Nothing prepares you for when things go wrong. The assumption is always that you will have a healthy pregnancy, problem free birth then get to cosy up with your cute bundle.
The shock when this perfect ideal is snatched away is too much sometimes.
It is only now that you have all this time between now and what happened and your little girl is doing well that you can start to relax. Your mind is slowly working through the trauma you were not able to deal with at the time.
There are many support groups out there that deal with birth trauma. Sometimes something as simple as writing your story down helps.
What you are experiencing is perfectly normal.
2006-11-28 19:11:16 · answer #5 · answered by xoymaq 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My second child was in the NICU. Mechonium was present in the fluid and he had to be treated for sepsis. He also had an extremely high fever. He is doing fine now but when I think back to that day it still scares me.
2006-11-28 02:12:37 · answer #6 · answered by Coffee Lover 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hi ther well i had this very frightning experience my self, i had twin girls about seven months ago, i had them on time, but the smallest was sent to the nicu for about two weeks, the longest of my life. It look like she wasn't going to make it, but thank the lord she did. She was having problems breathing,and eating the toughest time in my life. like i said i'am thankful to the lord that she came home.
2006-11-28 02:57:05 · answer #7 · answered by bunnygirls3 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋