HELP new mum scared and upset

[Mumtobenovember]

Hi everyone

I have a 8 weeks prem baby who has just come home from NICU I have just realised I have not been sterilising her bottles properly- I was so tired I was forgetting to put water in the bottom I only realised my error when the steriliser smelt burned so I figure she's had unsterile bottles for about 4 days she hasn't pood since last and has been really grizzly all day. I feel terrible like a failure and like I've hurt my vulnerable little baby :( advice?

HumptyDumpty sticking things up your baby's bum is abusive.

As others have said don't beat yourself up about the steraliser, I'm sure you won't have done any damage!

Just wanted to mention tho, I had similar worries about pooing when my baby was just over a week old (not premature tho, and he's 6 weeks old now) and the hv told me not to give cooled boiled water as it's no longer recommended at all as it fills up your babies stomach and can make them feel less hungry, hense having less milk, so thought it's worth mentioning as it was the professionals advice just a few weeks ago. Her recommendation was to give a bath as aparently the warm water can help stimulate them to poo, to be honest that didn't work for us but personally I'd try it before the cotton bud thing she also said unless the poo was like rabbit poo (I.e dry and pellet like) then he probably wasn't constipated

salt don't go to France then, they use suppositories for all sorts of childhood ills.

I had a tiny baby at 28 weeks, he also needed help to poo - a tiny wiggle with a cotton bud did the trick. If she's feeling upset and uncomfortable, how about a warm bath with you - it might do the trick.

Saltnpepa, don't be ridiculous. Many medicines are given as suppositories. They are often more pleasant for children than orally administered medicines. It's not abusive to help a constipated child to poo.

My chap was in nicu for 'only ' 1 week it was hard taking responsibility for him after the nurses had been in charge and there 100% of the time for reassurance. I am sure all first time parent s feel this but I think it may be harder for a nicu baby as you've had a really poorly delicate child.

If you need more reassurance do ring your nicu ward again, or your hv or mw. I got a huge amount of support because I kept asking.

Hope you get a poo soon!
K