Premature Babies Guide For Parents Of Preemies
Our Preemie Story
A brief moment in time can change your life and define it. It was the morning of April 10th that forever changed my life, my world. I awoke with a gush of fluid that I knew intuitively should not be there. At 3am, my husband and I went to the hospital. I was only 25.5 weeks pregnant with my baby boy. This was my first pregnancy. I was getting regular checkups, eating well, taking my vitamins, avoiding all the necessary evils, and was even going to the gym for light exercise. I had no risk factors to indicate problems with my pregnancy. However, no one knows why bad things happen.
I was admitted to the hospital that morning. I was wheeled around to ultrasounds, labor and delivery, and then finally to the antenatal care unit. I was told that my amniotic fluid levels were dangerously low and that it was likely that my baby boy would be delivered within the next 48 hours. However, I was advised that there was a small chance that my baby would remain comfortably in the womb for longer, but I had to remain on bedrest in the hospital to be closely monitored for signs of infection or infant distress. That room became my home for the next four weeks as I fought to keep my baby "on the inside."
My son was born by c-section at 30 weeks gestational age. He weighed 3lbs 8oz and was 17 1/2 inches long. He was on the ventilator only briefly. He lost weight, as all preemies do, and seemed to shrink before my very eyes. At one point, he was 2lbs 9oz and had lost nearly 1/3 of his body weight. His lowest point and my lowest point as well seemed to be the dramatic turning point and he began to rapidly gain weight and blossom into the beautiful baby he is today.
Our NICU staff were incredible and provided us with extensive information. However, once we got home it was a different story. Our pediatrican's office was good, but I had so many questions.
Fortunately, I have a fabulous sister-in-law & a niece born at 27 weeks gestation (2.02lbs) who had "been there... done that." She was a person I turned to -- my friends with term babies just could not relate. I spent countless hours creating, researching, and surfing for information on the internet.
I wanted to compile all the wonderful information into one organized place. I hope this will also become a network for families of preemies to support one another, ask advice, and exchange information as well. I hope you will find this site very useful. Good luck and if you have questions or advice for other families of preemies, please contact me.
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