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Premature birth

Connect with others and find premature birth support.

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Original poster

Best friend's baby born 11 weeks early, any experience?

47 replies

Aimsmum · 19/04/2008 16:30

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shreksmissus · 19/04/2008 22:09

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SlightlyMadSweet · 19/04/2008 22:10

I can't believe she isn't allowed to visit until 11. That is shocking.

My NNU was open to parents 24/7 (although we were asked to try and informally avoid pre 9am due to ward rounds).

There were visiting hours for non parents though.

She has still got weeks to get her pram and stuff sorted. Tell her to rest. If she doesn't it will fuck up her milk supply before it gets going.

On the plus pleased she is coming home tonight and more importantly getting some milk for her effort.

glamourbadger · 19/04/2008 22:21

My twins were 29 weekers. From my experience I would recommend:

Hiring a big electric breast pump. I bought a top of the range one from Mothercare but it was hopeless and it took forever to express. The hire ones are really quick and do both sides at once (sorry if TMI!) - worth every penny. I hired a SMB pump from here. Think NCT do them as well.
This book was excellent. Explains all the scary looking machines your baby is hooked up to in the neonatal unit in plain English.
Check out the BLISS site - their booklets are excellent.
Have as much physical contact with your baby as possible. I was always too scared to get my little one out and felt like I was annoying the nurses by asking. I really struggled to bond with her and I'm sure this is down to not actually holding her for over a week.
At 3lbs she will fit Mothercare prem clothes.

shreksmissus · 19/04/2008 22:25

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MissingMyHeels · 20/04/2008 01:09

I'm sure guidelines are open access for parents except for when shift change over?

rascal1979 · 20/04/2008 11:45

I second the book recommended by glamourbadger - It's really useful and I found it hellpful to have some information about what was going on. Gives you a little bit of control over the situation and when making decisions.

Original poster

Aimsmum · 21/04/2008 20:01

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outofteabags · 21/04/2008 20:12

Ring the baby charity Bliss, they are fantastic at giving support Family Support Helpline FREEPHONE 0500 618140
Monday to Friday 10am-5pm

lisad123 · 21/04/2008 20:16

put a call out for my sister SGK all 4 of her kids were in SCUBA

lisad123 · 21/04/2008 20:17

SCBU

Original poster

Aimsmum · 22/04/2008 11:20

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bruhaha · 22/04/2008 14:56

my lo was 8 weeks early he got out after 4 weeks, it was 8 days before i could hold him. My scbu was no visit between 9-11am for drs rounds and we had to be out between 7.30-8pmish for shift change.

I also did the flying round like a maniac - tell her to rest as much as possible, she will deffo need it when he gets out.

Original poster

Aimsmum · 23/04/2008 20:02

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bruhaha · 23/04/2008 20:05

lo is doing great - now almost 18lbs and eight months old. I was at Queen Mothers maternity.

hope your friend is doing ok - tell her it gets better - just takes time.

jess1396 · 24/04/2008 13:57

I was 12 weeks early back in 1982! weighing 1.5 lol

Original poster

Aimsmum · 24/04/2008 20:30

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Original poster

Aimsmum · 27/04/2008 20:50

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SlightlyMadSweet · 27/04/2008 21:16

It is normal for milk supply to dip at night. Whether expressing or directly feeding.

She needs to keep trying so she gets the nipple stimulation.

I remember I used to be able to get a bottle and a half first thing, but less than a 1/4 of a bottle last thing at night. (can't remember what size the bottles were).

He sounds as though he is doing super though.

Original poster

Aimsmum · 29/04/2008 15:47

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SlightlyMadSweet · 29/04/2008 17:58

That is fantastic. My DTDs were in intensive care for 4 & 5wks so he is doing super (and boys tend to be a little weaker in general).

I never even tried expressing through the night. I was not told to express through the night. Even though I didn't express overnight I managed to exclusively provide EBM for 3m. (well apart from teh time they had to have formula cos teh nurses forgot to defrost my EBM).

If she has a hand pump as well as hospital pump she could double express sometimes. I did this when I was at home (so mornings and evenings) and I think the double pumping really boosted my supply.

A bath will probably help too - relaxation. SHe has probably has milk but by evening she is so tired and stressed that she is struggling to get letdown more than not having milk in the breasts. Then she gets more stressed about it, and so gets into a vicious circle.

Original poster

Aimsmum · 29/04/2008 20:16

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whiteoaks · 01/05/2008 20:52

My first child was born 13.1/2 weeks early. She is now 7. That time now seems a distant memory however i still get a shiver when I think about it and look at the photos. I remember being glued to the monitors! She is small for her age but she is totally "with it". I now help with other parents in with children in scubu just a ear to talk to. The nightmare does end and then you have those lovely temper tantrums to deal with! One bit of advice, you do know your child better than the doctors. I nearly lost Molly due to her c pat, she had a mucas build up. I noticed it and insisted on suction, they eventually agreed. The also damaged her hand which she still has a great scar. Never be afraid to say if you feel something is wrong, if they feel you are over zelous who cares in a few weeks they will be history. Sorry to go on! (grin)

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