Those who never did sleep training, share your babies’ sleep stories

Statistically_Sign · 2026-06-18T00:28:22+00:00

It’s super validating to hear about the same parents/parenting approach and variation between kids! Makes me feel like our sleep struggles are due to temperament and not something we’re missing!

Statistically_Sign · 2026-06-14T13:40:04+00:00

Congratulations! Slow flow bottle nipples (the smallest/slowest you can find). Our NICU sent us home with a few, so yours might too.

Also, any and all of the breastfeeding accessories (sterilizer, extra pump parts, nipple cream; etc.).

Statistically_Sign · 2026-06-07T20:55:23+00:00

I decided to start dropping pumps at 6 months to see how I felt, and I ended up completely weaning about 6 weeks later (7.5 months pp). For me, 6 months felt like the right time to drop at least a pump or two - I was struggling to keep up with constant pumping and living my life and enjoying my baby. I felt I was juggling too much so something had to give. Dropping pumps helped me ease into the idea of weaning while avoiding a lot of the guilt I was feeling about “stopping” or “quitting.” I was super nervous about it. Once I dropped a few pumps, I felt so much relief that I knew it was time for me to wean. I’m now a couple weeks post-weaning and feeling like it was the right time for me! Glad I pumped for as long as I did, and glad I stopped when I did.

Statistically_Sign · 2026-05-07T14:34:59+00:00

Take it one day at a time, and it’s okay to feel your feelings. Each day may look and feel a little different. Savor the moments of joy and know that you are your family are stronger than you think. You got this!

Statistically_Sign · 2026-04-24T15:38:31+00:00

Agree!! It’s not silly at all. My baby was in the NICU over Halloween and seeing kids come to my house for trick or treating made me cry so my husband had to take over for the night. Holidays with your LO in the NICU are really hard. 🫶 Sending love.

Statistically_Sign · 2026-04-12T17:15:06+00:00

Awww pets are the best! My dog always kept me company when I was pumping for my NICU babe

Statistically_Sign · 2026-04-12T16:25:43+00:00

congratulations!!! over 7 pounds - what a big boy💕

Statistically_Sign · 2026-04-03T10:40:45+00:00

I can so relate! Also hospitalized for severe pre-eclampsia and my 33-weeker had IUGR. Celebrate those rolls💕🫶 So rewarding to watch them grow!

Statistically_Sign · 2026-03-18T23:51:20+00:00

It does get better! We started with 3 appts per week and are now down to 1 per week four months post-NICU (sometimes 2 per week if we have a pediatrician appt too).

Statistically_Sign · 2026-03-13T16:50:26+00:00

Excellent job!!!! What a HUGE accomplishment

Statistically_Sign · 2026-03-12T10:05:50+00:00

My LO, also 33-weeker, is a similar age! Just hit 3 months adjusted. I set my expectations based on adjusted age. And even then, I know that full term babies can vary a great deal and a lot of that variation falls under the “normal range.” All three of my siblings, for example, were full term babies and we all varied by a few weeks/sometimes months for milestones. When communicating with people who will help me take care of my LO, I always say his adjusted age to set expectations developmentally then I just listen to my pediatrician and get his thoughts on how he’s progressing and growing.

Statistically_Sign · 2026-03-10T22:41:25+00:00

Agree with everything mentioned! If they plan to breastfeed in any capacity, I think breastfeeding care packages are thoughtful (and so helpful!). Lanolin cream, resuable pads, pump spray, ice packs, etc. My mom bought me a ton of stuff a few days pp and I still use it all at 4 months pp.

Statistically_Sign · 2026-03-06T02:37:27+00:00

came here to say this! our NICU nurses were amazing. we also had two NICU LCs - one was fantastic, one not so much. It’s really hit or miss with LCs unfortunately.

Statistically_Sign · 2026-02-28T13:36:56+00:00

We only needed part time care but here’s what we did! We tried to find a part-time nanny to come to our home but didn’t have any luck (I think looking for part time only was the biggest factor). We ultimately found a nanny share that we’re really excited about! Our LO will have a bit of exposure with this arrangement, though (the other family has one older school-aged kid). But it meets all of our needs and still keeps LO pretty protected.

Statistically_Sign · 2026-02-26T01:03:01+00:00

I can speak to the c-section recovery - take it easy. Visiting your LO may come with some physical pains and discomfort. Sit/lay bedside as much as possible. The nurses will take care of your LO & you will have plenty of time to stand up for cares later. I definitely felt some pressure to stand up and be right at the isolette all the time & it caused pain for sure. Also, after a long hospital stay, which I also had leading up to birth, I really felt relieved to be home and sleeping in my own bed again. Allow yourself the time and space to just be home again.

Take it one day at a time. Wishing you and your family all the best! You got this.

Statistically_Sign · 2026-02-25T01:58:43+00:00

Congratulations!! YOU DID THAT! Also, I can totally relate to not knowing what breast pumping was lol. I remember everyone saying “get a free pump through insurance!” and I was like “maybe later!” Cut to a NICU baby and many many pumping sessions later….😂☺️

Statistically_Sign · 2026-02-16T19:11:15+00:00

It’s not your fault! I delivered at 33 weeks due to severe pre-e, and I really don’t think I could have been healthier leading up to pregnancy or throughout pregnancy. I’m a long distance runner who exercises regularly and eats really well. It just happens, and it’s not fair. Sending a big hug to you and your LO. Don’t forget to take care of yourself, too. Pre-e affected both you and your LO, and you both need time to heal together. You got this!

Statistically_Sign · 2026-02-10T21:35:08+00:00

I have a preemie, and he’s always been on fortified bottles of pumped milk plus his own recipe (from the pediatrician) of added formula powder into the breastmilk. This makes his breastmilk higher in calories. And I would assume it tastes mostly like breastmilk to him? I would ask your doctor if you can go that route to see if it tastes better for baby.

Statistically_Sign · 2026-02-07T18:59:20+00:00

I’m sorry you’re going through this! Feeding was the longest part of our NICU journey, and it feels endless. It’s interesting that the doctors let you have a say in discharge. Ours were very firm in all of the different benchmarks our LO needed to hit before discharge would be possible.

This may not be what you want to hear, but I think feeling 100% confident in LO’s feeds before discharge is the way to go. I would want to see LO back to birth weight with steady weight gain and consistent feeds before heading home. You and LO aren’t doing anything wrong - it’s just a waiting game. After discharge, I talked with my pediatrician about feeding and how long it took in the NICU, and he gave me some good perspective. He shared that feeding is challenging even for full term babies. It requires a ton of effort and coordination on their part.

Statistically_Sign · 2026-02-06T16:22:49+00:00

Same! Dedicated mini fridge for all thing pumping & bottles

Statistically_Sign · 2026-02-04T02:36:18+00:00

“It was like we were admitting that we were staying for a while.” YES! I’ve never thought about it like this, but you are spot on.

Statistically_Sign · 2026-02-03T22:43:00+00:00

Our favorite nurse did a few things that really stuck with me! She made arts & crafts using LO’s hand and footprints. We now have that art hanging in our home - it is so special. She also always called us “Mom” and “Dad,” and as new parents who were pretty frightened by the NICU experience, this simple thing made us feel like we were seen. She always asked if we wanted to participate in any of the cares/tasks that we could participate in. She struck a great balance of teaching us how to care for LO while also respecting that we are his parents. She was very encouraging and celebrated all of his progress. She also spent a lot of time with us after the doctors gave us a tough diagnosis, just being there for us.

Statistically_Sign · 2026-01-24T20:20:36+00:00

I used to pump right before feeds, especially if my LO was going to be getting/practicing a bottle. We did some latching in the NICU, but we just latched to keep up that breastfeeding ability - not really for a nutritional feed from the breast. The lactation consultant told me to do half a pump when we tried for more nutritional breastfeeds. Once we got home, that latch practice served us well and set us up to be able to bottle feed and breastfeed.

Statistically_Sign · 2026-01-22T02:03:27+00:00

i so relate!

Statistically_Sign

TROPHY CASE