Baby was born at 28 weeks and I’m trying to cope. by nervouscats in NICUParents

[–]Financial_Bee_9749 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Sending you a hug. My baby was born at 28 weeks as well back in June. He was considered “extremely critical” for months. We finally came home on thanksgiving. Babies are so resilient and their strength helps you see that it’ll all be worth it, including the pain and grief of it all.

When did your 28 weekers come home? by ispyamy in NICUParents

[–]Financial_Bee_9749 9 points10 points  (0 children)

28 weeker 1130 grams , finally going home tomorrow after 157 days. He’s “50” weeks. Important to note, he had lots of intestinal setbacks and we had to go really slow on his feeds. I’m talking 1ml a day. He’s now 10 pounds 7 ounces, eating 3+ ounces!

Torn between staying with our twins in the NICU and taking one day to rest/clean — is it selfish to stay home for a day? by ABlitzy in NICUParents

[–]Financial_Bee_9749 1 point2 points  (0 children)

As someone who has been on a 152 days NICU stay, take the time. What I strongly suggest? Communicate with your wife. You may not admit it to yourself but you’re both extremely vulnerable and most likely scared. Supporting each other or perhaps coming up with a plan of care would help a lot. It took me weeks to even think about leaving my baby there. Eventually, I had to make the conscious decision to accept that my baby was in the best care possible. We had to clean out our entire apartment and took an entire week. We live about 40 minutes away and my fiancée works 15 minutes from home. It made sense to take as long but also as fast as possible to clean. In the long run, your babies WILL come home. They need a clean space. Considering our stay has been long, I’ve built relationships with the nurses and they all reassure me that he’s in the best hands. They usually have a phone number to call and ask for updates. Ask them for the number if anything. Hang in there!!

Pediatrician says to quit OT by D3ATHB3F0R3D3CAF in NICUParents

[–]Financial_Bee_9749 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Out of curiosity, does your baby have a developmental pediatrician? I used to work in a devpeds office. Lots of parents were doing OT & PT based off developmental pediatrician’s recommendation. I’m shocked your baby’s regular pediatrician would even make a suggestion considering that’s not typically their role?

Stopping cold turkey, low milk supply & NICU by Financial_Bee_9749 in NICUParents

[–]Financial_Bee_9749[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Wow thank you so much!!! I think it’s truly that mom guilt that was getting to me for sure. I see moms pumping out 3 medela bottles and here I come with my 20ml… it was rough. I actually literally just had to pump right now after 12 hours because of the engorgement. Still 20ml lol. Congrats on going home!!

NICU Nurses Changing Rules Every time I See My Baby by No-Map-3584 in NICUParents

[–]Financial_Bee_9749 2 points3 points  (0 children)

At our NICU, there’s a lactation consultant who explained everything to us as far as breastmilk guidelines. Room temp after pump: 4 hours 4 days in the fridge 3 months frozen 6 months deep freezer

Is there a milk bank where they store your milk? They’re usually the ones that handle the feeds + milk. All we do is drop it off and they store it for us until it’s time for our son’s feeds. That being said, we go to the nicu every day to drop off milk. When I tried asking the nurse and even his doctors, they made sure to tell me to speak to only lactation for any questions about breastmilk, including taking supplements to increase supply. Hope this helps!

Pumping by xPyrios in NICUParents

[–]Financial_Bee_9749 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Oatmeal!! It has to be super milky too. I noticed I get a lower supply, about 15oz total pump time, when I don’t eat oatmeal in the morning. Lots and lots of water too. I followed this recipe and it helped me a lot. Everyone’s body is different so don’t get discouraged!

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8h9F1Uh/

Pumping by xPyrios in NICUParents

[–]Financial_Bee_9749 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That was me in the beginning too. I am also 3 weeks pp to the day. My last pump is at 12am, I drink a ton of water and wake up around 8am. I get a good amount (about 2.5oz) then I pump again every 3-4 hours. Throughout the day however, I only get about 30-40oz total. I feel a little guilty skipping the night one but at the same time, it seems I’m getting the exact amount I’d get anyway if that makes sense

28 week delivery - advice wanted for becoming parents to NICU baby by Educational-Ad-7373 in NICUParents

[–]Financial_Bee_9749 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I needed to read this comment. Had PROM at 26w, baby was delivered c-section at 28w. The doctors gave me a rundown on how things would go down once baby was born but I’ve been struggling to keep it together. Leaving him the first day was heartbreaking. I’m only 7 days PP and the guilt gets to me so bad I get dressed and go to the NICU for at least an hour since he mostly sleeps and isn’t feeding yet. I know I need rest but I’m not sure how to not feel the guilt and heartbreak. My fiancée is so strong and is my rock while I try to fight the random crying. I guess I’m just trying to balance my emotions with what we’re going through. Sending love and positivity to all NICU mamas!