My daughter was born one week ago, at 34 weeks 5 days. We knew she might come early and she received the steroids at 28 weeks. She came out breathing fine and weighed 6lbs 10ozs. Doctor had us stay in the hospital for 72 hours to ensure she didn't have any problems; she didn't. She stayed with us the entire time. She had an IV for about 24 hours to get her glucose count up. Needed suppositories to get her stared, but is fine now.She lost 1& 1/2 lbs, the docs wern't too concerned as the wife's milk hadn't come in yet. She is being breast fed and eating very well with normal bowel movements. She has gained back up to being 5-10. She has a little Jaundice, but not enough to use the glow blanket. Doctor says it will pass as she regains her weight and moves her bowels more. I've been reading about preemies all week; why is my daughter doing so well? Should I still be concerned? Our pediatrician doesn't appear to be. Is she really just a normal baby now? I fear we're overlooking something.
2007-01-09 14:32:17 · 16 answers · asked by newdad 1 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
She wasn't very, very early (a coworker had hers at 25 weeks, the baby has been in the NICU for months) and it sounds like she is doing great.
We never, ever stop being concerned about our kids. But it sounds like she thriving, (the weight loss and jaundice are normal, both of mine were like that too) and I think you should relax and enjoy her. At 6-10 she was a good size too!
Congratulations!
2007-01-09 14:38:14 · answer #1 · answered by Simply_Renee 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like your baby is doing fine. If she wasn't the doctors would tell you. Jaundice is common and it will pass. My son had it too and didn't have to be put under those lights.
I had my son at 35 weeks via c-section and he weighed 4lbs 15.6oz and was 17 inches long. He was healthy. He didn't require no IV though. We both stayed in the hospital for 3 days. (normal stay for c-section)
He didn't have any problems and now he is 5 years old.
Everything will be fine. I know how you feel, you will worry because your a mother now. She will do good. Congrats!
2007-01-09 16:13:38 · answer #2 · answered by ஐ♥Julian'sMommy♥ஐ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My daughter, too, was born at 34 weeks gestation and was 4lbs. 7oz. and spent 8 days in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Consider yourself blessed for having a 6lb. baby with NO problems at all a blessing being born six weeks early.
As far as concerns....Keep an eye on that jaundice; however, due to being over 5lbs. at birth, you should be OK. .I don't want to scare you, but there could be developmental delays such as sitting late, holding a sippie cup late, talking late, etc. My little one didn't sit unassited until 10 months, and didn't crawl until 12 months and still isn't walking at 17 months. She's been in therapy (birth to three program through the county that we live in) since three months old due to torticollis/flat head syndrome. As long as you find a GREAT pediatrician that keeps track of your preemie's development you should be fine. Your daughter will do things, as she grows, at her own pace. Don't force her just because she was born early. Good Luck, God Bless, and CONGRATS!
2007-01-09 15:33:50 · answer #3 · answered by Mom of One in Wisconsin 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like your daughter is doing great, and it sounds like your Dr. feels the same.
Every new parent is concerned about their newborn, especially if the child is delivered a little early. But, since she was born at 34 weeks, and is doing fine so far, I think all is well.
My daughter was born about 3 weeks early. She was jaundiced also, and did not have to have any treatments either (although we did have to go back for several blood tests, to make sure everything was ok).
Please try not to worry, trust your Doctor, enjoy that precious little girl, and be thankful that your baby is just fine.
2007-01-09 14:39:56 · answer #4 · answered by star22 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First of all - Congratulations! Your baby is healthy and not all that premature. She was almost full term. The reason you are confused is that your daughter is not, in the medical sense, a preemie. You are most likely reading about issues that affect very premature infants (under 30 weeks). You would expect at 34 week baby to be doing very well right now. Congrats, don't worry, everything you described is perfect and right where she should be!
2007-01-09 14:39:03 · answer #5 · answered by wldntulike_2know 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are very lucky to have a preemie doing so well!!! Believe me, the doctors are very particular about a premmies health, and would readily voice their concerns if they thought something was wrong. It is normal for a baby to lose weight after birth. Just be thankful that you precious baby isnt hooked up to a bunch of machines and IV's, and being fed through a tube. Count your blessings!!! Congrats on your healthy baby girl!!!
2007-01-09 14:42:51 · answer #6 · answered by cleverness_444 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I was a premie born at 33w 5lbs 15oz ... my lungs weren't mature and that was my only holdback (so says my mom) a friend of mine had a baby at 35w 6lbs 5oz and was in NICU for only a few hours. She's totally healthy now at the age of 5. All preemies are different, some excell some don't. There's risk even in halthy full term babies... I say if your doctor isn't worried you shouldn't be. This is a touching story, gives all us expecting moms hope should we have preemies ourself.
2007-01-09 14:39:06 · answer #7 · answered by Gig 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Congratulations!!! sounds like she is doing fine. My cousin had her baby early, she was 34 weeks as well, it was unexpected, the baby stayed in the hospital for 2 weeks till she could eat on her own and shes doing great. Shes now 6 months and 16lbs, born at 5lbs. Shes doing great. Its good to be concerned, enjoy your baby, and don't worry so much.
2007-01-13 14:33:00 · answer #8 · answered by Proud Mother 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Breastmilk is so healthy for preemies!!! Studies are showing that babies who get at least some breastmilk are leaps and bounds ahead of others...especially the "little ones". It is helping your baby so much, you don't even know!!
Congrats and you are being a great parent, just keep taking her for her checkups and you can never call your doctor too much!
2007-01-09 17:02:52 · answer #9 · answered by stephiii2003 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like she is doing wonderfully. And it's so nice to see a new Daddy concerned about his baby daughter's health! Good for you.
Talk to your pediatrician about your concerns. He will probably help to put you mind at ease.
My husband still worries about our completely healthy 2 1/2 year old daughter. lol
Good luck, and enjoy her while she's small and can't talk back!
2007-01-13 14:08:11 · answer #10 · answered by TB 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋