Welcomed our 1st child on Friday...about 7 weeks early (1 Viewer)

[Fat Nick]

What an end to last week...My wife is 33 weeks pregnant with our 1st child, a boy. She's had elevated blood pressure over the last few weeks, and her liver enzymes were elevated slightly. The doctors presumed preeclampsia, but she didn't have the typical signs and it wasn't severe, just something to watch. At the beginning of last week they wanted her to take some time off of work and just relax. The doctor said she would likely have him a little early, but when my wife asked if she meant very soon, she said emphatically "no."

On Thursday we had a normal check-in appointment. I don't usually go to all of them, but this time I figured I'd come along. I left work at 11:00 and drove home, appointment was at 12:30. Got home and picked up the wife. Didn't change clothes or eat anything other than an apple. I figured we'd only be a few hours anyway. We get to the doctor, and they review her blood work from the previous week...elevated BP and elevated liver levels...Doctor is concerned. Wants to send us up to maternity ward to have some more blood work done so we can get a real-time indication. We hang out in maternity for 2 hours, and wait for the blood work to come back. Blood work comes back...but doctor is tied up. The nurse says that they want to admit her. We're starting to get worried...Finally, around 6:00, the doctor comes in...cutting to the chase, my wife's BP is high, and her liver enzymes are high...doubling almost every time they test, and now in the danger zone. The doc basically says, "We're going to induce you sometime within the next 48 hours." Holy ####. My wife starts crying...I go numb. He's 33 weeks. My mind immediately races to all the things that COULD happen...my wife could have a seizure from the preeclampsia. Her platelets could drop, and bleeding could become an issue. The baby obviously could have breathing issues, developmental problems, etc. Oy...

We settle into our room, and at about 9:00 PM, I finally head home to get some stuff for my wife, change clothes, and eat my 1st meal of the day. As I sit and devour a 5 Guy's burger, I look around the house and realize that it's exactly as we left it...my wife's laptop is open by the recliner...my work bag is on the table. There's a magazine still open to the page it was on when she got up to go after finishing some yogurt. I completely freak out. Neither of us were expecting this. Her baby shower is this upcoming Saturday. friends and family coming into town from everywhere. House is a mess...contractor still working on our master bathroom renovation...

After a restless Friday night's sleep, they begin pitocin to induce labor. Things progress slowly. The wife and I are just hanging out watching TV in the room. At about 4, she's 6 cm dilated and in some pain, so she gets the epidural. Takes some tweaking, but she's comfortable at that point. About 6:00, she gets a pained look on her face and says she feels "pressure." Keeps getting worse, so the doc comes in..."Oh...you're fully dialated. It's time to push." A herd of doctors and nurses descend on the room and begin transforming the maternity suite into a delivery room. Nurse tells me, "Grab a leg and hold her hand." Holy ####...again. After 30 minutes, our son's head pops out, and quickly the rest of him does too. The cord was wrapped around his neck, but the doc snipped it quickly and they started checking him out. He starts to cry, which makes me start to cry, and my wife too. He's tiny...but he's screaming. We named him Connor John so he can go by CJ if he wants. John is a family name from my wife's side. I've got a whacky 13-letter long Thai last name, so we wanted it to be short too.

So from then till now...Little Connor was on 25% oxygen and a CPAP at first. Now, a little over 3 days later, he's off the oxygen and CPAP. He's feeding from a bottle and now taking the full 30 mL per feeding. He had a little jaundice and needed the light therapy, but he took that well. Hopefully it's time to fatten him up. My wife's BP and liver are back to normal. The outlook is good, but he'll be there for another week or two. God bless living 5 minutes from the hospital. We can stay in the comfort of home and pop over and see him for almost every feeding, and let him rest in between.

I anxiously await the day he comes home, but I'm patient and know he's got to get stronger. I thank god the doctors were "test happy," because if they weren't, they may have never caught my wife's condition. I can't imagine what I would've done if something happened to her. Going just a few days with her in the hospital made me realize how much she does in our lives...things like this really make me realize what's important in life.

 

[Ditka Butkus]

Good luck to both of you

 

[The Hank]

Congrats FN! Fatherhood is awesome!

 

[Fat Nick]

Thanks guys. I'd love to hear from anyone who had a child early to know how they're doing now. I guess I worry long term when they say "increased risk of learning disabilities," it scares me a bit...I just don't know how scared to be.

 

[butcher boy]

5 Guys? Really?

Congrats, btw.

 

[Clown Car]

Congrats. That is some whirlwind of excitement. You will do great.

 

[Clown Car]

Thanks guys. I'd love to hear from anyone who had a child early to know how they're doing now. I guess I worry long term when they say "increased risk of learning disabilities," it scares me a bit...I just don't know how scared to be.

My sil had quads at 33 weeks. One has a touch of cp, but you wouldn't know if she didn't tell you. They were all really small at birth. They are all normal sized 12yos now and they are all really smart. Yours should be fine.

 

[Fat Nick]

5 Guys? Really?

Congrats, btw.

My brain didn't work. I guess I default to grease. Plus it was the closest place to the hospital. I swear I was in a daze from Thursday till Saturday AM.

 

[Sinn Fein]

Congrats! Both of our kids were preemies: 7 and 6 weeks. Older child stayed in neonatal for a couple of weeks for observation, no issues, everything was developed, etc. She is 10 now no health issues at all. Younger daughter wanted to come out around 7 weeks early, but wife got a steroid injection, along with something to slow/stop the labor. She came out fine, and did not require any neonatal time. No issues since.

 

[Amused to Death]

Thanks guys. I'd love to hear from anyone who had a child early to know how they're doing now. I guess I worry long term when they say "increased risk of learning disabilities," it scares me a bit...I just don't know how scared to be.

Sounds like mother and son are doing well...congrats!

Our son was 9 weeks early. My wife had a very normal pregnancy but had some spotting one night. We called the doctor in the middle of the night and he told us to get to the hospital and he'd meet us there. We arrived around 3am with the intention of stopping labor. Wife was already 6cm and it was too late. Doc told us to expect a 1 pounder and hope for the best. Well he was born around 8am just under 3 lbs and was fully developed.

Very scary time but he had no real issues as a newborn. Spent 4 weeks in the NICU and has been a normal boy ever since. Yesterday afternoon we watched as he graduated high school and is enrolled for his 1st semester of college this fall.

One of the hardest things I've had to endure in life is walking out of the hospital without our son for a month never knowing what day we'd need the car seat. Good luck to your family.

 

[Fat Nick]

Thanks guys. I'd love to hear from anyone who had a child early to know how they're doing now. I guess I worry long term when they say "increased risk of learning disabilities," it scares me a bit...I just don't know how scared to be.

Sounds like mother and son are doing well...congrats!

Our son was 9 weeks early. My wife had a very normal pregnancy but had some spotting one night. We called the doctor in the middle of the night and he told us to get to the hospital and he'd meet us there. We arrived around 3am with the intention of stopping labor. Wife was already 6cm and it was too late. Doc told us to expect a 1 pounder and hope for the best. Well he was born around 8am just under 3 lbs and was fully developed.

Very scary time but he had no real issues as a newborn. Spent 4 weeks in the NICU and has been a normal boy ever since. Yesterday afternoon we watched as he graduated high school and is enrolled for his 1st semester of college this fall.

One of the hardest things I've had to endure in life is walking out of the hospital without our son for a month never knowing what day we'd need the car seat. Good luck to your family.

Awesome story. It's scary how fast a "normal" pregnancy can go to abnormal. I hear you 100% about the walking out of the hospital without our son part though...we both lost it a little when we got into the car on Saturday when she was discharged. It's just not how you envision it...but it's great to hear stories like this. Our little guy was 4 lbs 12 oz, and did get the precautionary steroid shots, so it's good to hear that these little guys and gals who come early are fighters.

 

[Fat Nick]

Congrats! Both of our kids were preemies: 7 and 6 weeks. Older child stayed in neonatal for a couple of weeks for observation, no issues, everything was developed, etc. She is 10 now no health issues at all. Younger daughter wanted to come out around 7 weeks early, but wife got a steroid injection, along with something to slow/stop the labor. She came out fine, and did not require any neonatal time. No issues since.

These steroid injections seem to be wonder drugs. All the nurses and doctors were like, "Oh! he got the steroid injections? That's GREAT." I have to wonder why they don't just give them automatically at 32 weeks or so just in case...They say it advances lung function 2 weeks almost overnight.

 

[Sinn Fein]

Congrats! Both of our kids were preemies: 7 and 6 weeks. Older child stayed in neonatal for a couple of weeks for observation, no issues, everything was developed, etc. She is 10 now no health issues at all. Younger daughter wanted to come out around 7 weeks early, but wife got a steroid injection, along with something to slow/stop the labor. She came out fine, and did not require any neonatal time. No issues since.

These steroid injections seem to be wonder drugs. All the nurses and doctors were like, "Oh! he got the steroid injections? That's GREAT." I have to wonder why they don't just give them automatically at 32 weeks or so just in case...They say it advances lung function 2 weeks almost overnight.

Don't know the reason, but probably along the lines of not wanting to overcook anything...with our oldest we went from water broke at 2:00 AM to delivery at 6:00 AM - no time to stop and slow down the process or get the steroids.

 

[kutta]

My son was only 3 weeks early, so not quite like yours. He's 20 now, doing great in college, and is truly one of the smartest people I know.

Congrats on your new child. You guys sound like you will be great parents.

 

[shadyridr]

Connor?

Congrats!

 

[Sinn Fein]

Thanks guys. I'd love to hear from anyone who had a child early to know how they're doing now. I guess I worry long term when they say "increased risk of learning disabilities," it scares me a bit...I just don't know how scared to be.

Sounds like mother and son are doing well...congrats!

Our son was 9 weeks early. My wife had a very normal pregnancy but had some spotting one night. We called the doctor in the middle of the night and he told us to get to the hospital and he'd meet us there. We arrived around 3am with the intention of stopping labor. Wife was already 6cm and it was too late. Doc told us to expect a 1 pounder and hope for the best. Well he was born around 8am just under 3 lbs and was fully developed.

Very scary time but he had no real issues as a newborn. Spent 4 weeks in the NICU and has been a normal boy ever since. Yesterday afternoon we watched as he graduated high school and is enrolled for his 1st semester of college this fall.

One of the hardest things I've had to endure in life is walking out of the hospital without our son for a month never knowing what day we'd need the car seat. Good luck to your family.

Say what you want about catholics, but our first child was born in a catholic hospital, and spent a couple of weeks in the NIC Unit - hospital gave my wife a room for the entire time at no charge - insurance paid for the room until my wife was discharged a day or 2 after delivery. But the Hospital allowed her to stay - subject to them ever needing the room. Very cool. Made the transition much easier - even though we could not bring her home right away.

 

[Kal El]

Congrats! That first kid is a whole new set of experiences, especially as a preemie, but from what you're posting, he's pulling through like a champ. Sending some prayers your way so he gets home soon.

 

[glock]

Congrats FN! My third had to spend several days in the hospital- before coming home on Father's Day!

Hang in there and get that bathroom wrapped up!

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Connor John?

Better hope he never encounters a dyslexic terminator.

 

[ChiefD]

Beautiful, man. Congrats!

It only gets better from here.

 

[fantasycurse42]

My nephew was born in February at 26 weeks... 2 pounds 11 ounces, he is developing very nicely, over 10 pounds and growing quickly now.

My niece was born in September of 2011 at 33 weeks, just under 4 pounds. She may be the smartest little girl ever, I'm not kidding she is nearing a kindergarten level with the #### she does, it is unreal.

Your wife and son will do great just like them

Congrats and best wishes.

 

[shadyridr]

Connor John?

Better hope he never encounters a dyslexic terminator.

 

[Phil Elliott]

Congratulations and best of luck to the family. Now start getting some sleep whenever you can.

 

[Dragons]

5 Guys? Really?

Congrats, btw.

My brain didn't work. I guess I default to grease. Plus it was the closest place to the hospital. I swear I was in a daze from Thursday till Saturday AM.

The daze isn't much different with a scheduled c-section at 40 weeks.

Congrats!

 

[NutterButter]

8 weeks premie. 5 now and doing wonderful. Congrats man. Enjoy the ride.

 

[snellman]

Thanks guys. I'd love to hear from anyone who had a child early to know how they're doing now. I guess I worry long term when they say "increased risk of learning disabilities," it scares me a bit...I just don't know how scared to be.

My Brother's oldest was born 2 months early and he is as normal as a 7yr old boy can be. I remember visiting him in the hospital and his diapers were smaller than my billfold.

Congrats and enjoy the end of an all night's sleep for a while

 

[glvsav37]

Thanks guys. I'd love to hear from anyone who had a child early to know how they're doing now. I guess I worry long term when they say "increased risk of learning disabilities," it scares me a bit...I just don't know how scared to be.

First off congrats.

My daughter was born pretty much under the exact same circumstances. Prob only difference is my wife had her shower 2 days before the baby....so we had that going for us.

She was our first so naturally things were already strange...then throw in NICU, and doctors NAND all that stuff. However in hindsight, the NICU was amazing. The nurses kind of taught us how to do things like feed her, hold her, and other stuff. It was rough on my wife bc she couldn't have her in the rom and had to leave her at the hospital at night afterward (she was there about 10-12 days). So be supportive and understanding with her....having a mother be apart from a new baby is not easy. I was pretty cool with it, but I did get a little messed up with the ruby lights time. But we were assured all was fine. She was on c-pap, lights, tubes....all the stuff, but there were other kids in worse shape then ours, so while it is not fair, it's was comforting to know our kid was just a regular NICU kid and not a special case.

As for development, 8 years later and my daughter defies logic when we mention she was a 4lb preemie. She is off the charts in height and right where she needs to be in weight. She is doing very well in school, but a little flighty at home.

Aside with other things health wise not associated with her early birth, she only gave us 1 major scare. About 2 days after we brought her home, my MIL was holding her and she turned completely blue.--not breathing. I gave her a few jabs on the back and was able to kick start her again, but that cost us another 2 nights in the hospital. Turns out, at that stage, they can just forget they need to breathe.

Everything was fine and they put her on a round the clock heart monitor which was really just a headband around her chest and some wires to a battery pack/alarm. I recommend getting an angle heart monitor for the crib. They are super sensitive and helped us rest a lot easier.

Please, pm me if you have any other questions. I'll try and remember more--but it was 8years ago. Good luck!!!

 

[Wrigley]

Our identical twins were 10 weeks early, and both weighed just over 3 pounds at birth.

They spent 2 months in the hospital before they allowed us to take either of them home

I still can believe they let us leave with them

Enjoy it, it really does go way to fast.

 

[glvsav37]

Congrats! Both of our kids were preemies: 7 and 6 weeks. Older child stayed in neonatal for a couple of weeks for observation, no issues, everything was developed, etc. She is 10 now no health issues at all. Younger daughter wanted to come out around 7 weeks early, but wife got a steroid injection, along with something to slow/stop the labor. She came out fine, and did not require any neonatal time. No issues since.

These steroid injections seem to be wonder drugs. All the nurses and doctors were like, "Oh! he got the steroid injections? That's GREAT." I have to wonder why they don't just give them automatically at 32 weeks or so just in case...They say it advances lung function 2 weeks almost overnight.

Agreed....we had them as well when things were going bad for my wife. Heard the same thing about it being good for the baby. I was worried about her coming out with a mustache or flipping over cribs, but no dice.

 

[igbomb]

Thanks guys. I'd love to hear from anyone who had a child early to know how they're doing now. I guess I worry long term when they say "increased risk of learning disabilities," it scares me a bit...I just don't know how scared to be.

Congrats on being a dad!

Our second child was early. My wife's water broke at 28 weeks and the doctor told us that if she went into labor they would have no choice but to deliver. Otherwise, if labor could hold off they would induce the baby at 34 weeks. Of course she had to sit in the hospital bed for that entire six weeks. Thank God she managed to hold on that entire six weeks and our daughter was born at 34 weeks. It was scary. She was, of course, tiny. And she had to spend more than a week in the NICU to get oxygen, food and heat.

12 months later, she had caught up on the growth charts.

7 years later she is a tall, strong, brilliant girl that has absolutely no issues.

It was a scary experience that I'm glad we didn't have to repeat on the third child, but it brought us all so close together that I can't regret it for a moment.

Feel good in the fact that the outcomes for births in that timeframe are overwhelmingly positive.

 

[Johnny Rock]

Awesome news Fat Nick. Excited for you.

 

[Dan Lambskin]

Wife's cousin had twins at 31 weeks. Both had some sort of intestinal issue after a few weeks that required surgery and sadly one of them didn't make it but the other is perfectly healthy 7 year old

Guy at work had a boy at 29 weeks or so and aside from CF he is doing good

 

[NCCommish]

Congrats FN.

 

[grateful zed]

congrats!

 

[Dragons]

While we had our scares, we were fortunate to not have the premie worry (I did get to hear my wife say "Ow!" as they made the first incision (and second 5 minutes later) during the second c-section, but that's not the point of this story). I share this story because I imagine those who couldn't bring their babies home right away had similar, or even more pronounced feelings.

My wife had a scheduled c-section, so she got the extended stay in the hospital (4 nights if memory serves). When she was released, I found it somewhat baffling and completely surreal that after all the attention the nurses and doctors had given my wife and my newborn child for the previous 4 days, that we were on our own until 3 days later at the first pediatrician appointment. From constant attention, monitoring, diaper changes (if we wanted), care overnight (if we wanted), scheduled medications and everything else to... A wheelchair ride to the front door by an elderly volunteer, a wave goodbye and then... absolutely nothing. No one checking on us. No one calling. No one making sure we didn't accidentally #### up before the first Dr. appt.

 

[Fat Nick]

Connor?

Congrats!

I know...reading Mr. Ham's story last week brought me to tears...especially because of the name. What I went through was tough...what he's going through is on a whole different level.

 

[Fat Nick]

Thanks guys. I'd love to hear from anyone who had a child early to know how they're doing now. I guess I worry long term when they say "increased risk of learning disabilities," it scares me a bit...I just don't know how scared to be.

Sounds like mother and son are doing well...congrats!

Our son was 9 weeks early. My wife had a very normal pregnancy but had some spotting one night. We called the doctor in the middle of the night and he told us to get to the hospital and he'd meet us there. We arrived around 3am with the intention of stopping labor. Wife was already 6cm and it was too late. Doc told us to expect a 1 pounder and hope for the best. Well he was born around 8am just under 3 lbs and was fully developed.

Very scary time but he had no real issues as a newborn. Spent 4 weeks in the NICU and has been a normal boy ever since. Yesterday afternoon we watched as he graduated high school and is enrolled for his 1st semester of college this fall.

One of the hardest things I've had to endure in life is walking out of the hospital without our son for a month never knowing what day we'd need the car seat. Good luck to your family.

Say what you want about catholics, but our first child was born in a catholic hospital, and spent a couple of weeks in the NIC Unit - hospital gave my wife a room for the entire time at no charge - insurance paid for the room until my wife was discharged a day or 2 after delivery. But the Hospital allowed her to stay - subject to them ever needing the room. Very cool. Made the transition much easier - even though we could not bring her home right away.

Our hospital does that too. I agree...awesome touch. They just remodeled their whole maternity ward. It really is amazing. Beautiful private rooms, parents have unlimited visitation at any time day or night, and the extended family visiting hours aren't too strict.

We ultimately chose to go home simply because we literally live 5 minutes from the hospital. When my wife was crying as we were leaving, I timed it and told her how close we were to calm her down some. I told her that we could be to see him within 10 minutes door-to-nursery, and we can go whenever she wants. We just got back actually, and we'll go see him again at 8 AM.

 

[Fat Nick]

I ran out of "likes," otherwise I would've liked all these posts. Thanks to all who have shared their experiences. It helps greatly to get other people's experiences because I know doctors often say things to cover their ###es, and it can sometimes get an over-analytical person like me a little flustered when you can't get them to give any sort of odds or probabilities. Just polling you guys has shown that being early isn't always a recipe for future problems.

We just got back from the hospital and spent another 3 hours or so with him. Still doing well. He'll open his eyes and look around intently for a bit. He gets tired really easily. I caught my wife glancing at a full-term baby who was in the special care area...She didn't speak, but I could tell she was thinking about how Connor would be if he was full-term. She says she doesn't blame herself, and she's a very rational person, but I think to some extent she feels responsible. She's gone above and beyond trying to pump to make milk for him so he's got plenty of food. It was slow the first few days, but now she's able to make more than he can eat, which I think makes her happy.

Anyway...more days...more progress. Thanks again all. Time for me to get some sleep.

 

[Amused to Death]

When she was released, I found it somewhat baffling and completely surreal that after all the attention the nurses and doctors had given my wife and my newborn child for the previous 4 days, that we were on our own until 3 days later at the first pediatrician appointment. From constant attention, monitoring, diaper changes (if we wanted), care overnight (if we wanted), scheduled medications and everything else to... A wheelchair ride to the front door by an elderly volunteer, a wave goodbye and then... absolutely nothing. No one checking on us. No one calling. No one making sure we didn't accidentally #### up before the first Dr. appt.

Remember it well. Our 1st was our daughter who was early, but only 5 weeks (compared to my son in post #10). She had a 2 week stay before coming home. I remember my wife begging "please drink just a little more" because the requirement for her to come home was she had to eat on her own and maintain weight. But yeah, I don't remember the car ride home but I'll never forget those first few minutes when it was just the 3 of us for the first time. We had no idea what to do.

Then my son joined us just 10 and a half months later. Man those years a blur.

 

[igbomb]

I ran out of "likes," otherwise I would've liked all these posts. Thanks to all who have shared their experiences. It helps greatly to get other people's experiences because I know doctors often say things to cover their ###es, and it can sometimes get an over-analytical person like me a little flustered when you can't get them to give any sort of odds or probabilities. Just polling you guys has shown that being early isn't always a recipe for future problems.

We just got back from the hospital and spent another 3 hours or so with him. Still doing well. He'll open his eyes and look around intently for a bit. He gets tired really easily. I caught my wife glancing at a full-term baby who was in the special care area...She didn't speak, but I could tell she was thinking about how Connor would be if he was full-term. She says she doesn't blame herself, and she's a very rational person, but I think to some extent she feels responsible. She's gone above and beyond trying to pump to make milk for him so he's got plenty of food. It was slow the first few days, but now she's able to make more than he can eat, which I think makes her happy.

Anyway...more days...more progress. Thanks again all. Time for me to get some sleep.

This is exactly what happened to us. My wife at least partially blamed herself for our daughter coming early, and it would resurface every time she caught a cold for that first year or so.

Fortunately for us she recovered quickly and the self-blaming went away but I'm not sure how to combat that.

 

[Frostillicus]

My brother and his wife flew from Minnesota to Colorado for a friends wedding when she was 29 weeks pregnant. Baby decided to be born. Some fairly major health issues and scares including a brain bleed and they were stuck in Denver for I think 6 weeks since he couldn't be taken home (god bless Ronald McDonald House). He's now just shy of two years and is very smart, very friendly, and very socially developed. It's scary for sure, and the worst part is probably never really, truly knowing you're out of the woods, but at this point he seems in every way like a completely normal child. Take heart and now that despite all the scary early, it gets better.

 

[MC Gas Money]

What team does he root for?

 

[pats3in4]

Youngest was born at 26.5 weeks. Two pounds. Spent over three months in the NICU. Was warned to be ready for neurological issues, delays and such. Indeed she is delayed. I joke she is three and a half going on two, but we're done having children so we're just enjoying having a baby longer than normal.

She had in-house occupational therapy once a week until three. She had speech therapy 3 days a week until three. Once she hit three, she started special ed preschool 4 days a week. Class has lots of autistic toddlers who are way behind her developmentally. She just started putting three word sentences together. Still needs a sippy cup. Struggles with eating utensils. Needs help dressing and undressing. Potty training is a pipe dream.

But she's also sharp... You just have to pay attention for signs. She counts fine. She knows uppercase and lower case letters. While her diction is clearly off, she can sing the entire "Let it Go" song, nailing all the right inflections. She remembers the sequences of several picture books and "reads" out loud along with you, even adding "turn the page" when it is time to do so. She can be devious, deliberately hiding things.

Best of all, she's full of love and laughter. She adores her two older sisters and they love playing with her. She loves giving and receiving kisses. She's always looking to play, read or just be a part of the action. I wouldn't change a thing.

Don't sweat any potential developmental issues you may face. Should that be the road in front of you, you'll learn like I did as you go. You'll be fine.

 

[DA RAIDERS]

 

[Otis]

Wow! Congrats man!

 

[Ned]

Congrats!

How many pranks has he pulled on the nurses?

 

[Righetti]

Thanks guys. I'd love to hear from anyone who had a child early to know how they're doing now. I guess I worry long term when they say "increased risk of learning disabilities," it scares me a bit...I just don't know how scared to be.

My oldest daughter came 5+ weeks early, I was freaked our because being our first, we just didn't think we were prepared. It was a miserably long two days at the hospital before she was born but luckily she checked our fine and is now a spunky, smart, sporty almost five year old

 

[Righetti]

Youngest was born at 26.5 weeks. Two pounds. Spent over three months in the NICU. Was warned to be ready for neurological issues, delays and such. Indeed she is delayed. I joke she is three and a half going on two, but we're done having children so we're just enjoying having a baby longer than normal.

She had in-house occupational therapy once a week until three. She had speech therapy 3 days a week until three. Once she hit three, she started special ed preschool 4 days a week. Class has lots of autistic toddlers who are way behind her developmentally. She just started putting three word sentences together. Still needs a sippy cup. Struggles with eating utensils. Needs help dressing and undressing. Potty training is a pipe dream.

But she's also sharp... You just have to pay attention for signs. She counts fine. She knows uppercase and lower case letters. While her diction is clearly off, she can sing the entire "Let it Go" song, nailing all the right inflections. She remembers the sequences of several picture books and "reads" out loud along with you, even adding "turn the page" when it is time to do so. She can be devious, deliberately hiding things.

Best of all, she's full of love and laughter. She adores her two older sisters and they love playing with her. She loves giving and receiving kisses. She's always looking to play, read or just be a part of the action. I wouldn't change a thing.

Don't sweat any potential developmental issues you may face. Should that be the road in front of you, you'll learn like I did as you go. You'll be fine.

Great attitude. You and your wife sound like awesome parents

 

[Righetti]

I ran out of "likes," otherwise I would've liked all these posts. Thanks to all who have shared their experiences. It helps greatly to get other people's experiences because I know doctors often say things to cover their ###es, and it can sometimes get an over-analytical person like me a little flustered when you can't get them to give any sort of odds or probabilities. Just polling you guys has shown that being early isn't always a recipe for future problems.

We just got back from the hospital and spent another 3 hours or so with him. Still doing well. He'll open his eyes and look around intently for a bit. He gets tired really easily. I caught my wife glancing at a full-term baby who was in the special care area...She didn't speak, but I could tell she was thinking about how Connor would be if he was full-term. She says she doesn't blame herself, and she's a very rational person, but I think to some extent she feels responsible. She's gone above and beyond trying to pump to make milk for him so he's got plenty of food. It was slow the first few days, but now she's able to make more than he can eat, which I think makes her happy.

Anyway...more days...more progress. Thanks again all. Time for me to get some sleep.

This is exactly what happened to us. My wife at least partially blamed herself for our daughter coming early, and it would resurface every time she caught a cold for that first year or so.

Fortunately for us she recovered quickly and the self-blaming went away but I'm not sure how to combat that.

Post pardum is a very real phenomenon and is something that shouldn't be taken too lightly. That goes for full term and pre term, fully healthy babies and ones with physical or developmentally issues.

Be supportive and understand that some of the behavior is not explainable or rational

 

[Guest]

Congrats!