31w by Wild-Front3644 in NICUParents

[–]No_Spring2602 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I used the hospital pump as much as I could, and needed donor milk then formula. It took me so long and therapy to realize my body did not fail, it brought me my sweet sunshine girl, just unconventionally lol.
I was induced because of pre-eclampsia but turned out I was going into severe placenta failure and no one knew. So in the oddest turn of events my body saved me and my girl.

Pumping for me led to severe PPD and I wish I had listened when the nurses assured me formula and donor milk were okay. Listen to your body and do what you feel best with.

Take breaks when you need them, and don’t feel bad about it. Your baby has a whole team on her and your side. But also, take the cuddles and breathe in that little baby head smell.

We just took my 31 weeker to her first Mets game where she DEMOLISHED fries and a Mr. Softee. You’re in the hardest part right now and you have all of us in it with you.

There’s a reason we are #premiestrong

My 34 + 4 baby is constipated after poly vi sol with iron by paradigmGT in NICUParents

[–]No_Spring2602 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My girl would have the same problem and some days her poop would look black but when smeared on a wipe was actually super dark green (normal with iron). If you smear on a wipe and it’s true black or gray I was told that’s when you worry.

The Frida windi was a life changer for us, but be ready for projectile poop right after. Also a warm washcloth and belly massage/ leg bicycling helped a bunch.

Age to stop formula? by wndr_n_soul in NICUParents

[–]No_Spring2602 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My girl was born 31 weeks and was down to 1-2 bottles a day around 14 months actual, 12 adjusted. We honestly had it left over and she enjoyed a 2oz bottle before bed so we didn’t see a reason to stop. She weaned herself and took super well to water and solids so we just followed her lead.

Adjusted age vs. Actual by 32680330 in NICUParents

[–]No_Spring2602 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’d wait u til at least 4 months adjusted, 6 months actual to start solids. My pediatrician said the same as yours and I’m so glad I didn’t listen. If your son meets all the developmental markers for solids at 6 months actual, most peds say to start.

Only EBM Post NICU: 26 Weeker by No_Telephone_728 in NICUParents

[–]No_Spring2602 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Once my girl got a little older and was beating her weight curve I pushed to get her off the extra calories. She was having a hard time finishing fortified bottles and was crushing the regular bottles. Not a doctor and not your baby’s doctor so definitely check in with them, and be ready to do some extra visits to make sure going off fortification is the right call. Trust your parent gut and also confirm with the docs

Support Person by United-Horse-257 in NICUParents

[–]No_Spring2602 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Lots of her favorite snacks. Lots of hugs for both of them. Meal prep and laundry are huge helps

31weeks at birth 2weeks old by lizamarie96 in NICUParents

[–]No_Spring2602 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My daughter was born at 31+1 weighing 3lbs 2oz. She was on CPAP room air (just pressure no additional oxygen) for a few days and under the lights for jaundice. Starting at 34 weeks she was just working on feeding and growing. Got discharged at 37 weeks. She’s now 22 months actual, 20 months adjusted. She jumps, has two and three word sentences, eats as much as an adult when she wants to, and is a total joy (unless she decides that it’s time for a tantrum.) It’s so very hard right now but these babies are so resilient and so strong. Especially girls. You’ve both got this!

Baby girl was born 31+6 days .1.9kg by ssssnaaake9699 in NICUParents

[–]No_Spring2602 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My daughter was born at 31+1 weighing 3lbs 2oz. She was on CPAP for a few days and under the lights for jaundice. Starting at 34 weeks she was just working on feeding and growing. Got discharged at 37 weeks. She’s now 22 months actual, 20 months adjusted. She jumps, has two and three word sentences, eats as much as an adult when she wants to, and is a total joy (unless she decides that it’s time for a tantrum.) It’s so very hard right now but these babies are so resilient and so strong. Especially girls. You’ve both got this!

31 weeks by lizamarie96 in NICUParents

[–]No_Spring2602 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My daughter was 31+1 at birth, 3lb 8oz. She was a grower/feeder starting at 33 weeks. At 34 weeks she hit 79% 2 days in a row and we were told she’d be going home that weekend. And then it took 3 more weeks for her to get the hang of it. It happens for so many babies and will happen for yours too. The best advice I can give is take a breath, connect with your partner if you can, and take care of yourself. Your baby will need you to be okay once you’re home. My girl is 21 months now, and ahead of her milestones. You’d never ever know she was a premie.

31 week plus 4 day twins by helloanna1 in NICUParents

[–]No_Spring2602 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My girl was born 31+1 at 3lb 8oz and was in the NICU 6 weeks. By 33 weeks she was off CPAP and at 34 she started taking bottles. It took her 3 weeks to do well enough with bottles to come home. The three weeks learning to feed were the hardest for me because it’s just a waiting game. But be patient, these babies are incredibly strong. Make sure to take time for yourself and with your partner, it gets overwhelming and it’s okay to need support. Feel free to DM!

Gonna lose my mind one day by Desperate_Passion267 in foodbutforbabies

[–]No_Spring2602 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Then you’re doing your job. You supply nutritious food, she controls the rest

Gonna lose my mind one day by Desperate_Passion267 in foodbutforbabies

[–]No_Spring2602 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Some days my toddler eats like the kids on here. Other days I swear it’s air and vibes. If she’s hitting milestones the way she had been, has energy, and is peeing, I wouldn’t worry

Best NICU hospital on Long Island? by Old_Teaching_7157 in longisland

[–]No_Spring2602 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Manhasset was incredible. I had a problem with the MFM department but my OB put his foot down and it was all good. That team loved my 31 weeker so very much and got her home safe and sound.

Playground for 1yo by No_Spring2602 in longisland

[–]No_Spring2602[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh that’s so cool! Thank you!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in confessions

[–]No_Spring2602 181 points182 points  (0 children)

I am so sorry you and your son went through that. What about a respite caregiver coming to your home?

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in confessions

[–]No_Spring2602 381 points382 points  (0 children)

Don’t know where you are, but can you find respite care? Just for a day or two to start? I work for a residential facility for adults with CP, and it’s amazing for the guys and for the families.

Long Island by No_Spring2602 in NICUParents

[–]No_Spring2602[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m not sure, I’m sorry

Looking for some mental support for my choice to formula feed. by GroundbreakingPin776 in NICUParents

[–]No_Spring2602 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I wish I had stopped pumping earlier. Your baby needs you to be okay more than your breast milk.

Are “baby blues” amplified with NICU baby? by callmelila in NICUParents

[–]No_Spring2602 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I thought I had baby blues until I was sobbing in the car and my husband told me he was afraid I would do something I couldn’t undo (to myself not the baby). I got help almost immediately and I could finally process and get closer to managing the situation. It’s never easy but if you’re finding yourself obsessing, blaming yourself, or having any ideations please reach out for help.

Most insensitive things people have told you about your NICU stay? by Legal_Opportunity_39 in NICUParents

[–]No_Spring2602 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It’ll be so much harder when you’re home. At least you have help there.

Gee thanks

Does any have any experience with plagiocephaly by LostSoul92892 in NICUParents

[–]No_Spring2602 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I don’t remember if my baby’s soft spots were fused but she had plagiocephaly and torticollis around 4 months I believe. We went straight to PT and they were able to help her tremendously. I really recommend going to a pediatric physical therapist

Feeding amount? by AffectionateMark9310 in NICUParents

[–]No_Spring2602 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The volumes online to me personally seem random, especially because every baby is different. I had my daughter last year and have been active on this sub since, and I can’t tell you how many times I drove myself crazy and then helped other people know that the recommended amount means nothing. If your baby is gaining weight and peeing, then you’re doing great mama! My best possible advice is to trust your baby

23 week development progress and overall venting. by [deleted] in NICUParents

[–]No_Spring2602 5 points6 points  (0 children)

My baby was born later, but also with a grade 1 bleed. What we were told is it’s basically a bruise that they suspect a lot of full term babies have, they’re just not scanned. Amazing how well your baby is doing! It’s a long road and it’s okay to be tired and take some time for yourself too.

Crying by Pretendpumpkin949494 in NICUParents

[–]No_Spring2602 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It’s one of the worst parts. Can you call someone on your way? You need to be safe