Supporting premie parents

[wonkylegs]

My Sis has been admitted and it looks inevitable that she will give birth very soon at about 32/33 weeks due to some issues
I live at the other end of the country but want support them where I can, both mine came at 36wks but I know those extra weeks make it even more stressful
I wanted to send something nice for her but I’m not sure what would be helpful any suggestions?

MUbe some meal vouchers or something like that. One of the most valuable present I received and I didn’t think much of it at the time was. 500ml Drinks flask (it was a nespresso one but others are available hahah

Sorry the typos were bad! Hope it’s all going ok x

Well she’ll likely be spending a lot of time in the NICU with her new baby for a few weeks. May sound idiotic and trivial but - hand lotion. When my DS was in NICU you had to wash your hands everyone you came into the room and before you picked your baby up. My hands were red raw after about three days of washing them dozens of times a day with harsh hospital soap.

More practically, they will be in the hospital a lot of time. Things like snacks, meals ready at home for when you are briefly there are great, but that’s harder to arrange from when you are on the other side of the country. Maybe a care package of snacks, light easy to read books and magazines? And some nice small toy to pop in or next to the baby’s cot.

Try not to worry too much. At 31-32 weeks your new niece or nephew should be fine in the long run.

Was she expecting to need premie clothes? I had to ask someone to go and buy some. But obviously she may already have that taken care of.
Can you perhaps cover someone coming in to clean? They may not have had time to get the house very ready

Thankfully they have just finished house renovations and food is covered locally by others
I’m in the middle of finishing off the baby blanket I was making so I’m knitted up a little rainbow sample to send in advance, which I’ll pop in a hamper of easy distractions, hand cream & snacks, I’ll ask about clothes
I just feel so useless

My baby wasn't preemie but he has spent 5 weeks and counting in hospital following birth. A lot of the time babies can't wear clothes to begin with but some might be nice for the longer run. I second PP that moisturiser is a great shout. I also got sent a puzzle book which was a nice way to pass the time. I also liked books to read to him - you often can't hold them to begin with so it's a nice way to bond with them (and nice even if you are able to hold) - I got some baby books but also read Harry Potter to him as something a bit more stimulating than just reading the gruffalo over and over again. And then I agree that a care package with easy snacks in - things like cereal bars, nuts, chocolate crisps, maybe even a pot noodle or similar - nothing that requires prep and then maybe some cook vouchers so she can get some decent but quick meals in her. It is so hard to find the time to cook or look after yourself around long days in NICU. My mom also bought me a nice shower gel which was actually a really nice way to make one of the few moments to myself a day feel a little more indulgent.

I have also found it really hard to find time to do washing and I have limited items with me as at a Ronald Mcdonald rather than home so I had to go out and buy loads of pants/socks/cheap tshirts and joggers so possibly some stuff like that could be helpful depending on her circs and how close to home she will be.

Sometimes they can be quite strict about letting toys in the incubator but I still appreciated a little teddy to sit on the desk near his cot and when he progressed to a lower level of care he was allowed it. A blanket is also a nice idea - we were allowed to use our own blankets from day one too.

Also dont forget the congratulations card - I felt like a lot of people weren't sure whether that was appropriate but I felt a bit sad that we didn't get more acknowledgement in that regard as despite the circs it was still the best thing that has happened to me and i still want to celebrate my beautiful boy and I didnt want it to all be about sympathy!