Calling other premie mums

[Justkeepmoving1234]

I had my baby 5 weeks early in April, in dramatic circumstances due to my waters going early and then having sepsis.

I'm struggling with being in the first 3 month newborn stage. I feel like I'm going to be waiting ages for a smile or response from her. Between extra hospital appointments, managing a 2 year old, and the sleepless nights, it feels a bit much!

Looking for reassuring stories from other prem mums, please tell me it gets easier

Congratulations on your baby. Mine was born 6.5 weeks early. I had no warning at all. I thought that I was in hospital to check for a clot in my lungs, then I suddenly got told that the baby had to come immediately. She was born 30 minutes later. She was in nicu/special care for 3 weeks and i was in the high dependency unit for 6 days. I think that I was in shock for a long time. It was horrible having a baby that was so vulnerable and tiny, at 3 months, people would assume that she was brand new. I also had lots of appointments, but I got my special little girl and really appreciate every thing about her. She was born unable to feed herself and needing a breathing tube and incubator, she is now almost 3 and she is the fastest child at nursery, the strongest at the sports class and can do everything that other kids her age can do and more. I did have to wait longer for her smiles, but I really appreciated them, when they did come. She never really learnt to roll at all as a baby, but she had largely caught up her milestones by 6 months and pretty much all of them by 1 year.

It really will get easier. You have been through a very tough start, but you got to meet your little one early. I have to say that most of the memories have faded, but I do remember feeling overwhelmed and crying a lot. It was worth it though, I wouldn't change my little girl for anything (but I wish she weren't as stubborn 🙂 )

My baby was 10 & half weeks early the first 3 months she was constant. Wanting fed every 2&half to 3hrs. Shes 5 months now and sleeps from 9 to 7 give or take an hr. She sleeps all night. It gets easier! Only thing I'm finding is tummy time is a no no she hates it and wont move just on her jungle gym she's amazing any tips?

Congratulations! It will get better, these are just early days still. Mine was born 10.5 weeks early, just spontaneous labour started suddenly, and was in neonatal for 8 weeks. She’s now 16 months old and a little hurricane. Goes between being an absolute delight to being a little dictator. She rolled at 9 months, sat up at 10 months, crawled at 11 then walked at 14 months. She’s doing great but does not speak any words. Babbles loads and shouts at us but no words. She hates tummy time and cuddling anyone. It’s so hard in those early days I remember I was so worried she’d be so behind. Even now she’s behind slightly but she’s doing so well even so.

Our first GC was born 2 weeks ago, 6 weeks prem. He is very small, just 4 lbs at birth. We are having trouble finding prem baby clothes online or in shops big or small. Anyone know a good supplier? Thank you in advance

M&S has some premie starter sets, but also has a ‘tiny’ size that might be more appropriate, as it is usually better to be a little bit than a little small. One of ours was just under 4 lbs at birth and was swimming in everything for the first month, but as long as they are warm and comfortable it doesn’t really matter.

@Justkeepmoving1234 mine were twins, so knew they would likely be early. Born 6 weeks early at just under 4 and 5 lbs respectively. 10 days in nicu for one, while other kept on ward, so separated which was very difficult. The first 6 months was hard - small babies need more frequent feeding, and after time on nicu you end up hyper vigilant - but you get through it and by 1yr old they were robust happy babies. As you would expect they tended to be a bit behind on milestones, but they have caught up over time, and are now 7yo and absolutely thriving.

How are you getting on now @Justkeepmoving1234?

@TinyMouseTheatre we're doing a lot better now thanks. My little one is a smiling, laughing little bundle of joy!
Have you had a premie?