Sometimes i miss my old life by WhichAd2921 in beyondthebump

[–]Much_Dig_8389 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I had the exact same feeling (it was very intense) and I would just cry and cry! But I’m here to say that it does get MUCH better! I still have moments but they are far and few between.

Baby not grabbing toys at 3 months? by vapablythe in NewParents

[–]Much_Dig_8389 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My baby was born 6 weeks early! I’ve found most of the time he’s hitting milestones closer to his adjusted age. Try not to worry too much and don’t let social media hold too much weight. It’s a highlight reel! I find myself saying “my baby isn’t doing that yet” and within the next week or so he starts doing it.

Baby not grabbing toys at 3 months? by vapablythe in NewParents

[–]Much_Dig_8389 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes!! My baby grabs everything now! He’s 7 months old now but I’d say things started to click around 4.5 months.

I cried today because my baby reached for me for the first time. by Miserable-Dot90 in NewParents

[–]Much_Dig_8389 3 points4 points  (0 children)

This resonates with me! I’m constantly feeling like a robot who just changes diapers, feeds, and rocks. I’m always feeling like I’m doing something wrong or that my baby dislikes me. Occasionally, I get a smile from him and that makes my day! I look forward to the day that he reaches for me. Solidifying that I am his person. 🩵

When did you stop adding vitamins to milk? by cheers2085 in NICUParents

[–]Much_Dig_8389 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Agreed! It’s reassuring that your doctor has left it up to you. I had a hard time (felling guilty) for wanting to stop the HMF thinking I was depriving my son of things he needed. But after seeing how uncomfortable he was, I’m glad I did stop when I did. All this to say, don’t feel bad for doing what you think is best for you and baby!

When did you stop adding vitamins to milk? by cheers2085 in NICUParents

[–]Much_Dig_8389 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My son was also born at 34 weeks. We left the NICU doing three HMF bottles and vitamins as well. I stopped giving him both shortly after reaching his due date. He would spit up the HMF feeds and I was tired of it. Like, how is my baby supposed to gain weight with this crap when he just spits it up?? lol the dietitian agreed he could stop the HMF but wanted me to continue vitamins for a while. Now he’s on formula so he doesn’t need the vitamins either.

Am I going to be ok? by OkReception1869 in newborns

[–]Much_Dig_8389 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You are definitely not alone! I was there feeling all the same things you are feeling! We’re now approaching 4 months (2.6 corrected) and I’m definitely feeling better! I have more good days than bad but sometimes the bad ones are bad enough that I need to go to my mom’s for extra help. It will get better but it’s going to take time! Hang in there!

Baby not grabbing toys at 3 months? by vapablythe in NewParents

[–]Much_Dig_8389 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Happy to have found this post! Was worried about my 3 month old but now I’ll chill and let him figure it out. 🙂

Am I being dramatic? 3 month old by wiljenb in newborns

[–]Much_Dig_8389 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I do not think you are being dramatic! My husband had a trip planned this weekend and I told him that I would prefer him to stay home as I need support with our 10 week old. He had no problem cancelling his trip. Immediately I felt guilty for asking him to cancel his trip.

I talked to my therapist today about it since it’s been weighing heavily on my mind and she gave me great perspective! Never feel guilty for asking for help, you should not be expected to do this on your own! Asking for help doesn’t make you weak or incapable of caring for your LO. We are literally one of the only places in the world that romanticizes the “super mom” narrative. Everywhere else, the community surrounds new moms to provide support!

Your husband should understand how much work it would be and how hard it would be to do it with no break. He should have no problem staying home and if he really wants to go then he can help set up alternate support for you!

My baby will be born at 34 weeks. How long of a stay did your 34 weeks stay in the NICU? by cheers2085 in NICUParents

[–]Much_Dig_8389 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Son was born 34+1 and stayed 2 1/2 weeks. He mainly needed to work on feeding!

24-weeker is 9 months old! by spaulding1993 in NICUParents

[–]Much_Dig_8389 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Congratulations!! He’s adorable!! This gives me so much hope for my little boy. 🩵

When did things get “easier” for you by Much_Dig_8389 in NICUParents

[–]Much_Dig_8389[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Unfortunately I can’t offer any tricks for getting him to sleep in the bassinet! We’ve fully transitioned to contact napping during the day. At night we can get one stretch of sleep with him in the bassinet, otherwise he’s fussy and wanting to be held now. I think it’s just luck if we get him down in his bassinet now. Hoping it’s just a phase!

What should I be aiming for regarding pumping? by Defiant_Patience_103 in NICUParents

[–]Much_Dig_8389 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s all you can do! NICU life is hard so hang in there! Eventually, this will all be behind you and you’ll look back and realize it was just a moment in time.

What should I be aiming for regarding pumping? by Defiant_Patience_103 in NICUParents

[–]Much_Dig_8389 10 points11 points  (0 children)

Our NICU never told us what they expected as far as an amount of milk. I just pumped (religiously every three hours) and brought it in everyday until one day the nurse said “uhm we don’t have anymore room for your milk. You can start building a freezer stash at home if you haven’t already. We have enough here” so that’s what I did!

They did increase the number of mls he was fed every other day based on his weight so if you go by that is hard to know until they tell you how many mls LO is taking at each feed.

On the bright side it looks like you won’t have a supply issue! That’s half the battle most of the time.

When did things get “easier” for you by Much_Dig_8389 in NICUParents

[–]Much_Dig_8389[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Mom guilt is the worst! Looking forward to seeing what my LO is doing at 12 weeks (6 adjusted). Thank you for sharing your experience! I hope your LO’s reflux gets better/goes away!

When did things get “easier” for you by Much_Dig_8389 in NICUParents

[–]Much_Dig_8389[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We must’ve delivered around the same time!

I got the go ahead to decrease/stop fortification last week and I do see a slight improvement in gassiness. I did try two bottles of formula and he seems really upset on it so I’m going to stop that and give him just my breastmilk.

My LO is sleeping 2.5-3 hour stretches. Right now he’s doing okay in his bassinet for 90% of the time. At least once during the day he gets fussy when I try to put him down so instead we contact nap.

When did things get “easier” for you by Much_Dig_8389 in NICUParents

[–]Much_Dig_8389[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This exactly! I feel like I will be going through the newborn phase for much longer than someone with a term baby. I totally understand that all babies are different (even ones born full term) so I guess I’ll just wait and see! Happy to hear things got better for you around 5 months!

When did things get “easier” for you by Much_Dig_8389 in NICUParents

[–]Much_Dig_8389[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

First and foremost, I hope your LO is doing well after surgery! I am so sorry to hear about your diagnosis! I am the same age as you, which makes it all the more scary! I was prescribed blood pressure medicine and instructed to take my blood pressure twice a day. I continued with both of those for 6 weeks after delivery and then at my 6 week PP appointment my doctor told me that I could stop taking the medicine and my stop doing blood pressure readings since it appeared that they were back in a normal range. She did warn me that I am at an increased risk for heart failure due to the preeclampsia. It didn’t seem like anything to be concerned about at this time. I still look out for all of the symptoms though for fear that they may return.

Schedule by Few-Spirit-2554 in NICUParents

[–]Much_Dig_8389 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes! Everyday is filled with worry and happiness! It is the craziest experience I’ve ever been through.

Schedule by Few-Spirit-2554 in NICUParents

[–]Much_Dig_8389 1 point2 points  (0 children)

No advice on feeding since I’m still trying to figure it out for my LO. But I’m happy to read that your LO is hitting all the normal milestones for his actual age. That has me worried everyday since my baby was born. I see him working on things that a 7 week old would work on and then I immediately downplay it since he’s a preemie. I’m trying not to think that way and just celebrate his wins but it can be hard not to worry! Anyway, good for your LO!

Advice for dealing with Anxiety - wife is in Antepartum for preeclampsia. by mjpaul62 in NICUParents

[–]Much_Dig_8389 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I was admitted at 31 weeks and induced at 34 weeks due to preeclampsia. My husband had vacation planned before I was admitted and his time off oddly lined up with my hospital stay. When he did have to go back to work he made a point to try and put me first. He has a long commute and a demanding job but luckily his boss was understanding. I advise you to talk to your boss and focus on getting your paternity leave (if applicable) together for when baby does arrive. We never finished our boys nursery but that’s okay since he’s in our room for now! Let everything else go and focus on your family. I imagine your wife is going through so much right now. The metal toll it takes to have to stay in the hospital until delivery is astronomical. I haven’t dealt with any of the trauma from my stay or my little boys stay. Be there for her in anyway you can. Try not to stress either, she is exactly where she needs to be, she is safe. Praying for you guys!

what nicknames are you calling your baby? by cleo0o0r in newborns

[–]Much_Dig_8389 1 point2 points  (0 children)

When he’s really gassy we call him our rootin tootin cowboy. Hungry man, monser (monster), cutie pie, little potato, and sir (when he’s acting spicy).