Born at 24 weeks 3 days

[johnworf]

Katherine is now 5 days old and tiny. Really scared about every day and even every hour.

Any one out there experienced anything like this? Would appreciate any advice/support.

Thanks.

I had twins 11 weeks ago, born at 28 weeks. I am also a glass-half-full kind of person so never really anticipated anything would go wrong. There were ups and downs. Both babies had feeds stopped due to slow bowels, and both needed blood transfusions, one baby was on cpap for a lot longer than the other etc.

The twins went home a week ago now and are thriving. One baby is over 6lbs and the other is almost 7.5 pounds, up from 2.11 and 3.5.

Best of luck.

Hi Johnworf
Congratulations on Katherine.
Sending you all lots of love and big hugs. Thinking of you. xxx

Hi Johnworf
Congratulations on Katherine.
Sending you all lots of love and big hugs. Thinking of you. xxx

My nephew was born at 27 weeks - didnt think they would get him out alive (my sister had severe pre eclampsia).

He was in the SCBU for 11 weeks and is now a very healthy and happy nearly 5 year old - he came home from hospital on his due date

......and congratulations!!!

My niece was born at 24 weeks. Spent 3 months in hospital. 3 in August and absolutely tip top.

They are little fighters you know xx

hi from sept thread will be thinking of you all and sending you best wishes xx

my neighbour had her first son at 24 weeks and her second son at 26 weeks.

They are both lively, noisy runabouty boys. I don't know how long they were in scbu for, but I can testify to the end result.

Wishing you and Katherine much love.

xx

Sending you and baby Katherine big hugs johnworf. From a fellow Due in Sept!

Hi johnworf, I'm also from the September thread and wanted to say hi and wish you, your DH and gorgeous little Katherine all the best!

Many congratulations and best wishes x

Hi ladies

wow I'm overcome by all your wonderful comments! I've decided to start a journal/blog and when I've worked out how to do it, I'll post the link and new pics and updates etc and then you can all see how she's progressing.

In response to a comment re feeling robbed of all the joy of a new baby, I really do feel that way. I had it all planned...my last beautiful baby aged 42 would be planned down to the last detail. Unfortunately my planning skills work against me on this occasion as a person who likes a lot of control in her life, I'm now in a situation where more or less all control has been taken away from me. Let me tell you, that scares me as much as the prospect of Katherine's ill health.

Today I started to talk to her without feeling like a pillock We talked about my smelly dog and his trip back from kennels and his impending haircut tomorrow. We chatted about how I was sorry I wasn't there yesterday when she had her long line put in. She was unexpectedly responsive

They are anticipating she might have an infection so are starting her on antibiotics today just in case (it's a belt and braces approach I feel) so means more holes in her skin. When I see her with all those wires and tubes in her I really break down...I just want to take all the pain away from her..I guess like any mum does for her child.

I have made a friend with the lady whose baby is in the next incubator..also born at 24 weeks and now 3 weeks old. It's comforting to talk to someone who is also going through it the same as me. She's cried everyday since hers was born BUT, he's grown so big in just a couple of weeks and I hold the thought that Katherine will do the same.

I can't look to her due date for her home coming as it's too far away. It's baby steps for me - I've set tomorrow as my next target as it's 7 days since her birth.

There are a few of us who have gone through this to a lesser or more extent. For me I have done it twice, one at 34 weeks and the other at 32.

I would say your biggest support group for the next few weeks is the other mothers who are in the same situation as you. They will be your friends for years to come but please don't get in to a comparison situation with them. Enjoy your baby, she is beautiful and make friends with the staff on the SCBU since they will help.

The other thing is that they will operate two sets of notes on your baby, the one that is on the bed logging feeds, changes, and general care and the other one with the doctors opinions and what they really think is going to be the progression. If you feel up to it ask to read them since in mine there were some targets for my kids to get to before the next phase would happen.

I can appreciate the feeling cheated scenario since those around you will be continuing with their pregnancy as planned while you will be juggling your home life and trips to the hospital. Take some time out for your self every so often, it will help you and Katherine will be looked after.

Check out BLISS website for other premmie info and support, there may be a local contact point for you. Also Tommys is a good source.

Congratulations , she looks beautiful and If you need to have a chat at any point then email me

Hi johnworf.

Fantastic idea about a journal/blog. Really wish I'd done something like that with DS. Looking forward to seeing how she is progressing.

I understand that feeling of not being in control of the situation, the staff will invlove you in Katherine's care as much as possible. Glad you are feeling more able to talk to her now, it will become more natural.
Even now she will likely know you are there and have some response to your presence. I know with DS I noticed a change in his heart rate on the monitors when I arrived.

Sounds good that they are starting antibiotics as a precaution the staff are very aware of every change. It is heartbreaking seeing all the wires and tubes but they are doing a very important job.

Glad you have made a friend it's nice to have some company.

7 days is fantastic, she is obviously a little fighter.

xxx

Meant to add. The SCBU staff were fantastic with DS and didn't mind explaining the same things over and over to me. Don't be afriad to keep asking if there are things you are unsure of or don't understand.

Also try to make time for yourself as well. You have just had a baby and need to be kind to yourself.

If you want to talk you can email me at angeg2802 @ hotmail dot co dot uk. No pressure as I apreciate your time is precious.

xx

JW congratulations on your little girl. Taking it one day at a time is sometimes the only way to handle something and don't worry about your plans being scuppered - they aren't, they are delayed. Each day she's getting stronger and you are doing a great job bonding with her. Take care and best of luck.

Just wanted to say you seem to be doing brilliantly, small milestones are all you can work by at the moment and every one Katherine achieves is amazing. It's going to be a long road, but you've already covered the hard start.

Thinking of you all and sending Katherine lots of love

Due to severe pre eclampsia I had my dd at 25+ 3 days, weighed 1lb 10 oz. I know what you mean about all the wires and that long line! My dd also had to have a few blood transfusions but did not need ventilated either.

It is the hardest thing to go through but my girl has just turned 8 this year and has had no resulting medical problems.

I relied on the support of the staff who were great and also made a friend who had a little one at 29 weeks. My Dh found it too much to bear and spent more hours at work than ever before. I agree with AngeG , make sure you take care of yourself (I was constantly forgetting to eat) If you are able to express milk then do, my milk kind of came in very slightly and went within 2 weeks even though I expressed every few hours. I found that almost as disappointing as the traumatic birth.

If you would like to chat or offload anything my email is thebreckster @ gmail . com.

Best wishes to you and your family

Lea xx

Just noticed your thread in active convos, and had to say what a sweet little girl! Those little skinny legs are so cute! Brought a lump to my throat.

The only experience i have is that 2 of mine were born at 36 weeks, but one of which I had to stay in hosptal awaiting the birth from 23 weeks. During that time, I got to know lots of mums of prem babies, and although it was such a nerve wracking time for all concerned, it was wonderful to see their progress and 'going home day'.

I shall follow your thread and wish you and your family all the best. and of course, not forgetting 'congratulations' to you on her arrival!!

Johnworf,
I've been keeping up with your thread since last night (i'm from the due sept 08 thread)...and haven't been able to formulate anything worth saying except I saw the picture of Katherine and she's absolutely beautiful! I send you both lots of prayers and tons of hugs.

I was born when my mother was 7 months pregnant with me, medicine in the 80's isn't what it is now, so stay positive

HI ,keep positive i had twins at 23 weeks as i had severe pre- eclampsia.they were both only 1lb 2oz.unfortunatly one of them didn`t make it but my darling daughter is well and is now 5!!!.she was in hospital for 5 months 100 miles from home!she had a long list of problems and was on oxygen for a year at home.it is a rollercoaster ride and puts a strain on relationships .but medicine these days is amazing and has improved in the 5 years since my girls were born so keep positive! feel free to email me for any help i can be. i remember when my girls were born i had not heard of any babies born that early and felt very down and lonely.

[email protected]

Another due sept 08......Wishing you all the best for the coming weeks.
I can't imagine what your going through, but my little boy was in scbu for a few days which was torture but the staff are amazing and dedicated people,
She's in the best hands and everyday you'll hopefully have some improvement no matter how big or small.
Lots of best wishes to you and your family, also lots of love and magic fairy dust for Katherine xx

Congratulations!!!!

I have had 4 premmies, 35, 31 and two at 33 weeks, so not as early as your baby bird, but I understand the feelings you are going through. Callum was my last baby born sept 2007 at 33 weeks, he is now 8 months old. His pics are on my profile. You can see pics of him in SCBU to date. He is doing well now. I hope you are ok and your LO is home soon It seems like an age that they are in SCBU but soon you will be looking back at it and just enjoying your baby!!

I just wanted to wish you the very, very best of luck. She's gorgeous!