Born but in nicu

[Kiwi23]

So girls this is my 4th baby but first time in nicu I haven’t even held her yet her oxygen levels abit low so had to be put in high flow oxygen and 48hours of antibiotics so we can’t hold her just yet they have put me and husband in a private room to get some rest as it was a later night fast intense delevry but I can’t sleep can’t eat don’t know wether I’m coming or going any advice xx

This was me with my no2. He got taken straight to nicu before I'd woken from my general anaesthetic.

Get some rest. Your baby is in the best place for her right now. Don't think, don't do anything, just get as much sleep as you can so that you can be a well rested Mummy for your baby tomorrow. Nicu will call you or your dh when they're ready for you to see the baby. Make sure your or dh's phone is on and go to sleep for now

Try and get some sleep Mama. I know it's easier said than done but little one is going to need you very soon and, with 4 kids, you'll need all the energy you can get.

Congratulations x

I’m a neonatal nurse, a baby on high flow absolutely should be held by their parents. We are trying so hard to push forward neonatal care in this country to place more value on parent’s involvement but unfortunately progress is slow in some trusts. There are very, very few incidences where a baby shouldn’t be held, and I’m talking a baby on a ventilator and extremely sick - and even then I’d still be trying to find a way for parents to hold them.

Have you been to the neonatal unit yet? If not I’d ask your midwife or partner to take you. Explicitly ask to hold your baby. You shouldn’t be told to stay in your room and sleep, you want your baby and that’s perfectly normal! Skin to skin is very beneficial for your baby, regardless of their need for oxygen & antibiotics, I hope you get to snuggle your baby into your chest this morning.

Everything @Theheckwhat says is spot on. You need to be with your baby and vice versa. You do not need to wait to be "invited" to see your baby, you should have 24 hour access to the nursery your baby is in. And definitely you can and should hold your baby.

And skin to skin contact and hearing your voice will actually help with oxygen levels.

It’s the most strangest experience having had your baby but not having them with you. I hope you’re currently getting some sleep and once you’re up go and see your baby; there is normally unlimited visiting but I can understand for your wellbeing why they might want you to get rest. Even if you can’t hold your baby normally you can at least have your hand on them and they can hear your voice.
Ask the Nicu about processes, when you can hold your baby etc.

baby is doing a lot better off oxygen and feed tube now just fingers crossed for last bloods to be good so she can be moved to normal ward thank you all for your kind words xx

Thank you all baby’s now home thank god and doing great x

That is brilliant news OP. Congratulations.