Been advised to prepare for poss premature birth... Any tips?

[10storeylovesong]

Hi, I'm currently 24 weeks and due to various issues have been advised that I'm at high risk of going into premature labour. I've been put on bed rest and going for steroid injections tomorrow, but just wondering if there's any advice anyone can give me?

I've bought a few bits for the baby - I have a Moses basket and a starter set with bottles and a steriliser. Not even started with the nursery or anything yet. I'm going to get a hospital bag together but wondering what other essentials I should get just in case?

Thanks

[10storeylovesong]

I was considering whether I can sneak a dominos order into the ward! I know it's the best place for me - just had my heart set on sleeping in own bed. I was feeling very anxious about being at home as well though so know it's for the best.

[FairyJen]

Can Ou get dp to bring in your pillows etc? When I was in loads women were have takeaway etc saw lots of partners bringing Maccy ds and KFC as well!

[MrsPear]

Hello sorry to hear of your situation. How many weeks and days (every day counts) are you now? I would say as you are stuck in hospital that you should ask for a tour of the unit. I would also go to www.bliss.org.uk and start reading up on what you can expect and the terminology. I have a useless cervix and womb and even my doctor was surprised i got to 30 and 31 weeks. (Although i also had lossess) I would say that for me the hardest thing was giving birth and then not having a baby to hold - if you are lucky they will show you a face and then they run to the neonatal unit. Then you have to leave hospital minus a baby. So i would say in terms of preparing is get yourself a list of supportive friends/family if not there is the bliss helpline. A baby born this early will not be in clothes but a nappy. Good luck and i do hope labour holds off. The good news is the baby is larger than average and you have had steriods. BTW both my boys are well.

[MrsPear]

Oh and do get DH to bring in a take away - i will never forget a sponge that tasted of curry!

[Napsalot]

Just want to pass on my positive thoughts -DC2 was 5 weeks early and that opened my eyes to this experience of having a premie -I can only imagine what you must be going through. Rest up and all the best.

[MustafaCake]

Sending you lots of positive vibes to keep baby inside for a while longer yet!

DS2 was a prem and in NICU for a time. There were some amazing little 24 weekers in there (big London teaching hospital which took very tiny babies from other hospitals).

My tip would be to speak with the lactation expert (usually one of the NICU nurses) about how to get breastmilk established. I was advised to express every few hours day and night (knackering) and it went in the nasal feeding tube. Made me feel like I was doing something to help DS2 as I felt otherwise completely useless as all his care was provided by the staff.

I wish you all the best x

[fairimum]

when baby does arrive do contact www.popngrow.co.uk/ - they provide free special clothes for prem babies that dont get in the way of wires etc (our scbu hated the ones you can get in mothercare as are all velcro and got attached to name bands and sats monitor etc, but they loved these and the charity has how sent them a supply. but if you/friend etc email as soon as baby arrives they will send baby a package to the hospital with a special set just for them - all free! :) was lovely to get for DD, just in time for her to come out of her incubator :)

[fairimum]

www.popngrow.co.uk/#/tlc-packs/4570505425 - they have a facebook page too - dd is on there in her pop n grow clothes :)

[FairyJen]

How are you getting on today?

[10storeylovesong]

Consultant has just said I can go home - so relieved as didn't get a wink of sleep last night. I've got a scan booked for next Tues so it's just a case of crossing fingers and hoping nothing happens in the meantime.

[NewYearNewBoo]

I am so pleased you get to go home, will you became very familiar with your sofa and duvet now?? More importantly, did you get your take away

Keep us posted with your news.

[ExpatAl]

So glad you're going home. The consultant must be pleased with how you're doing. Remember to take it very very easy. x

[10storeylovesong]

Important issue first... No takeaway last night but I've been promised my choice tonight! I'm leaning towards Dominos although a greasy Chinese sounds good too!

I got to have a tour of the neo natal unit yesterday and I chat with some of the mums in there. Obviously it was upsetting seeing all those tiny babies in the incubators, but do think it helped to prepare ourselves and to hear some good news stories and see photos as well. They showed me the expressing room which was good to know about an gave me some leaflets about how it all works. I've got a DVD to take home with me as well which shows all the equipment and runs you through all the technical terms and what happens during delivery and the first few hours so just a bit more aware. I feel a bit better knowing a bit more about what can happen, and dh said that its really helped him as he didn't want to see it but now he feels more prepared, especially as they sat him down to discuss what happens with the dads (eg how he would be first one with baby if I'm recovering and talked him through kangaroo care etc so he doesn't feel as helpless). They have all been fantastic.

[FairyJen]

That's brilliant news 10

On the takeaway issue you are pregnant so maybe small portion from both dominoes and Chinese???? < greedy mare emoticon >

[10storeylovesong]

Haha I like your style! Maybe one for lunch and one for dinner... hmmm...

[ExpatAl]

Remember, baby needs his food so you're doing a GOOD thing.

[Christelle2207]

fab news.

[NewYearNewBoo]

First things first, I'm a big fan of Chinese so it would be an easy decision for me

The tour and information sounds like the best thing you and Mr10 could have done, brilliant preparation, I think fear of the unknown can make almost any situation worse! Fingers crossed you stay pregnant for many many weeks!

[lotsofcheese]

Enjoy your takeaway! It's a good sign that they feel confident enough to send you home.

Will be crossing everything for you. Keep us posted & take care of yourself xx

[MrsRoss26]

I've been lurking on here and wanted to add my best wishes for a safe delivery and healthy baby. I wanted to add that all of my mum's and her mum's babies were prem and we're all very healthy adults with no health issues. I hope that this is a one-off for you (if you have any more babies) and all goes well. hugs

[CelticPromise]

Glad you are home 10 and that you got a look at the unit. Is it the Small Wonders DVD you have? It's really good if so, definitely worth a look.

Still thinking of you!

[Dysgu]

Good to read that they have let you go home 10 - hopefully you will feel more relaxed on your own sofa and that baby will stay put for a long time yet. Just make sure that you really do rest and take it easy as it will be tempting to think you feel fine and can get on with stuff. You need to practise being 'lazy' and keep your feet up. Is Mr10 able to stay home and look after you - or can you just get set up on the sofa each morning. This is when a downstairs loo is really handy too!

I think a tour of the NICU was a great idea. Yes it brings it all home to you but at least you know more about it rather than seeing/hearing/feeling it for the first time not too long after giving birth. Yes Mr10 is likely to be the first one to see your baby - make sure he has a camera handy so he can bring you a picture. I did not even get a look at DD1 before they whisked her away to NICU but the staff were great and brought me a photo before I had even been stitched up. In some ways it is still one of my favourite pictures although not one we have on display.

Anyway, take it easy, eat plenty and keep telling that special little person to stay put (which is what we are doing with ours even though it is not making any immediate moves to head out!)

[Dysgu]

Oh yes, and the Small Wonders DVD is great - we were part of the research group with DD2 and wish it had been available when we had our early babies.

[10storeylovesong]

Yes it's the small wonders DVD - we'll be watching it at some point today. Someone else also mentioned Bliss leaflets - I've been given a few of those so feel as emotionally prepared as can be at the minute.

Luckily dh is off work until Thursday night and is waiting on me hand and foot (read driving me mad hovering round and not letting me move an inch! Bless him). He will be depositing me at my mums Thursday afternoon and I'll be staying there over the weekend so not on my own. This is what they did last week and I thought it was complete overkill - until Fri at 4am when it all happened and was just so glad hadn't been home alone.

I'm just hoping all is uneventful now until next scan which is next Tuesday and crossing my fingers for good news that baby is still growing well.

24+6 today!

[TeaMakesItAllPossible]

Great to hear that the days are being ticked off.