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Original poster

BBC2 TONIGHT 9pm Edge of Life

46 replies

KangaSantaMummy · 02/12/2004 19:13

Is this Baby's Life Worth Living?

It is about premature babies

As our twins were born at 27 weeks + 5 days

we will be watching.

DS1 died aged 5½ hours

DS2 was in NNU ITU for 3 months

He is now 9½ years old.

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Tessiebear · 02/12/2004 19:14

I will be watching this (just out of interest) - how early is considered too early - some babys survive at 23 weeks dont they?

Gobbledigoose · 02/12/2004 19:17

I'll be watching that - probably end up in tears as usual.

So sorry to hear about ds1 KangaMummy

Original poster
KangaSantaMummy · 02/12/2004 19:21

mine were nearly born at 23 weeks + 2 days

but managed to hold on day by day

we went back to visit the NNU ITU last weekend and there were twins there who were 24 weeks and also a little boy who was 23 weeks.

WE were told 9 years ago that black girls were the strongest and in fact there was a 23 week old black girl there

White boys were the weakest and that is what I had.

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Lowryn · 02/12/2004 19:22

I love to hear about babies that are born at 27 weeks and survive.
My mum went into labour with her third child at 27 weeks and basically they stuck her in a room and waited for nature to take its course. It is sad to think that my brother might have been "saved" if they had todays technology.
She said he was still kicking during labour, but born dead.

Gobbledigoose · 02/12/2004 19:23
Sad
Tessiebear · 02/12/2004 19:25

Thant is so sad Lowryn Sorry for your loss Santakangamummy

popsycal · 02/12/2004 19:28

i really want to watch this - but since i am 27 weeks pregnant, I have the feeling I ought to avoid it....

Original poster
KangaSantaMummy · 02/12/2004 19:34

Thanks guys and Lowryn

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Tessiebear · 02/12/2004 19:37

think that is probably wise Popsycal - programmes like that when i was the same "stage" of pg did me no good at all. I am 9 weeks pg at the moment and will probably blub my way through it!

WestCountryLass · 02/12/2004 19:38

My first baby was born at 23 weeks and did not survive, my 2nd baby was born at 34 weeks and he has an eye condition as a result of his prematurity.

Many babies born preterm will have varying degrees of health issues but as to who decides which life is worth saving I wouldn't like to get involved in that debate.

Original poster
KangaSantaMummy · 02/12/2004 19:51

WestCountryLass

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WestCountryLass · 02/12/2004 19:57

Ahh, it's OK, I lost my first baby 7 years ago and I have very much come to terms with my loss. He had a chromosomal abnormality and had lots of problems and had he survived he would have probably never left hospital. Having my 2nd DS who spent 3 weeks in NICU put a lot of things into perspective. My DD was only a week early and was 8lb 12oz and was born at home so there is a happy ever after ending for me

Original poster
KangaSantaMummy · 02/12/2004 20:19

Your DD birth is amazing at home

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Wheresmyfroggy · 02/12/2004 20:49

Will be watching as sis knows one of the families featured, it is a positive story with a lovely outcome.

My nephew was born at 28 weeks and not only survived but only needed a little oxygen at birth and was tube fed for four weeks..............he was incredible and had no complications, we were very lucky. He is now a menacing two year old who is doing really well.

biglips · 02/12/2004 20:51

, im getting myself all prepared now to watch it in 10 mins

dingdotteemerrilyonhigh · 02/12/2004 21:31

Sat here in tears. Their first little boy is badly disabled and they must be going through hell with this second being born at 24 weeks.

WestCountryLass · 02/12/2004 21:59

tears

What a blessing those boys are to their parents

I feel for Hannahs parents, what a rollercoaster they went through

Original poster
KangaSantaMummy · 02/12/2004 22:05

DH and I think they were very brave to do the programme

We couldn't have done it

The rollercoaster from hour to hour brings back all the memories.

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WestCountryLass · 02/12/2004 22:16

Gosh KSM,\i would have gone insane if DS had to spend 3ms in NICU. 3 weeks and I was climbing the walls.

frogs · 02/12/2004 22:19

Kangamummy, so sorry to hear about your ds1.

My dd1 was in UCH NNU 9 1/2 years ago -- maybe our paths crossed?

blossomgoodwill · 02/12/2004 22:33

How sad
A friend of mine had her dd at 24 weeks with only 40% chance of survival. I am so happy to say that at nearly 4 she is absolutely fine, a miracle baby

Original poster
KangaSantaMummy · 02/12/2004 23:43

frogs what did you have?

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Original poster
KangaSantaMummy · 02/12/2004 23:46

Thanks for all your kind messages

I think we were on auto pilot I didn't leave the hospital bed for a month beforehand between 23 weeks and 27 weeks and then for weeks afterwards I was at DS2 incubator all day and into the night

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JoolsTide · 02/12/2004 23:49

so sorry didn't know - and you're always so happy and joking - you're a marvel - truly. I've taped this programme and will watch tomorrow.

Original poster
KangaSantaMummy · 03/12/2004 00:03

Thanks JoolsTide

It took me ages to pluck up the courage to type it the first time

I was typing while tears were streaming down my face

Each time I type about DS1 I end up crying

It is a very good programme though and very brave of the families to agree to it.

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