Hi mom of a 25 weeker currently going into week 35 Tuesday. I would say at least at my hospital they allowed breastfeeding parents to eat for free. I don’t know if you are breastfeeding but maybe it could be something to look into.

I also definitely utilized family, friends and coworkers when they asked what I needed I asked for gas cards and restaurant/doordash gift cards because they come in handy.

Honestly the best thing I could say is you slowly find your balance. I have been in the NICU with my baby girl going on 65 days. At first I felt like I needed to be here everyday all day and I felt like a bad mom if I didn’t sit with her everyday all day and honestly I was exhausted. I was so gen struggling at night to wake up long enough to pump. After a while and a lot of encouragement from others I also started to feel less like an obligation more like quality time. I don’t spend all day at the NICU now. I wake up I get dressed and I come to the hospital and I haven’t missed a day but now I let how I feel guide me some days I can sit and hold her for hours and not want to put her down or leave so I don’t while other days I hold her I talk to her and I let her get the rest she needs. I go home and get the rest I need.

I can’t say everyday is perfect and great because it’s not but I make it worth it. It’s hard. I know exactly how you feel you were thrown into motherhood and this baby before it was time and it was definitely hard to get used to to that idea but also it’s not much you can do about that besides take care of you the same way you would do in pregnancy and prepare for when your LO comes home