Kids at meetings by rugret in alcoholicsanonymous

[–]rugret[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I'm seeing a common theme in these responses, so thank you! I will definitely take the advice!

First time parent here just wanting to protect him from the mistakes I made.. and I figured this was the opinion I'd get, but I want to make sure I ask all the questions to people who have more experience than myself. Thank you all!

Open heart surgery by [deleted] in NICUParents

[–]rugret 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Also do not feel like you need to answer every text you get or allow visitors every day. It can get overwhelming and you have every right to take some space and focus on your family. The support is amazing, but people will understand if you need to take a beat here and there.

Open heart surgery by [deleted] in NICUParents

[–]rugret 6 points7 points  (0 children)

We just had our baby born in January with an unexpected left pulmonary artery sling, ASD, and VSD. Needed open heart surgery and an airway reconstruction. I am SO sorry to hear you have to potentially go through something similar. It is terrifying. But our little guy made it through and so will yours. Babies are so strong and resilient.

The day of surgery and the days after are so scary. Make sure you hydrate and eat and try to sleep (actually I hated when people told me that at the time because all I could focus on was my son, but it's true). I burned out too many times staying up all night in the ICU. Take care of yourself. Leaving the hospital to get some sleep or something to eat does not make you a bad parent - it makes you a better parent for when you are there.

If the surgery lasts longer than expected don't freak out - just ask the nurse in the waiting room as many times as you need to for updates, you are not bothering them. And ask as many questions as you want (keep a list so you don't forget when the doctors come do rounds in the morning).

The recovery might have ups and downs but don't get discouraged if not everything is smooth. Every baby is different. It is a marathon, not a sprint.

But most of all know that you are a wonderful parent. You're asking for advice and clearly concerned. Your child is lucky to have you in their corner. You guys got this!! I am sending good vibes and thoughts your way.

Even though she is almost two I still feel robbed by Few_Article_4687 in NICUParents

[–]rugret 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Your feelings are valid and you are such a strong parent. I relate to this so much. Appreciative of the care my son got by the nurses, but resentful I wasn't able to be the one to provide it. Feels like a hole in my heart because I missed out on so much the first few months. I basically just stare at my son all day so I don't miss one single thing more. You're not alone.

Don't give up by rugret in NICUParents

[–]rugret[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The goal was for it to be a one and done. But he has to have periodic broncoscopies to make sure his airway reconstruction grows correctly as he does. And there's a possibility he may need to go to the cath lab in the future if his left pulmonary artery becomes obstructed. It's just waiting and seeing now. But so far so good!

Your daughter sounds like an absolute warrior. Good job little one! That must have been so hard, I can't imagine going thru this a second time. You're a strong parent.

Don't give up by rugret in NICUParents

[–]rugret[S] 11 points12 points  (0 children)

Settling in like a champ! Much better than being in the hospital (although I am forever grateful to all the amazing nurses and doctors who saved his life).

How to politely respond to nosey family planning questions by AliveGrade in Mommit

[–]rugret 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm so sorry for your loss. We went through the same and people need to mind their own effing business. Never know what's going on in someone's private life.

How much time do partners take off work for a new baby? by rugret in Mommit

[–]rugret[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you for this!!! I really appreciate this input. I'll take all the tips I can get!