Nicu Mom Finding It Hard To Cope

Hey Ree, My son was born 12 weeks early and stayed in the NICU 158 days. He came home on oxygen and with a feeding tube. He’s been home since December and is now feeding tube free and only on oxygen at night. He still has some heart issues that we may need to address in the future, but he’s doing incredibly well. I remember that hat and C PAP all too well, I know what it’s like to have to hold him while also making sure his mask stays put, and watching his stats like a hawk. It’s such an incredibly stressful time and I’m so sorry you’re on this journey. My best advice is to celebrate the little victories and try not to take the setbacks too hard. It’s not a linear journey. There’s days where things will go well, and then you hit a wall. Trust that the nurses love your baby and treat them like their own. Don’t be afraid to ask for a primary nurse if that helps you feel better about not being there all the time too. Please feel free to reach out if you need someone to talk to ❤️

Aww I’m praying for you mami. Take it easy. I can’t even imagine, baby is gorgeous Nd will be ok

My boys were in the NICU for 70 & 77 days and I lived 1.5 hours away from NICU. I stayed at Ronald McDonald house by myself to be close the whole time while still going home every other day to see my husband and go to work, but I was in NICU daily even if it was for an hour. I was adamant I wouldn’t miss a day of their lives while there and it was sooo hard, but now they’re 2 and so healthy and active and it feels like NICU never happened. You’d never think they were 28 week twins, one who came home on oxygen and other had horrible reflux. You got this! Message me if you need just an ear to listen. I know I could’ve used one several times, it got lonely a lot and us mothers have so many emotions we block because we need to stay strong for them.

My prayer's are up for you and your little one. Keep a positive mind and everything will be alright❤

God is with you and will strengthen you through this. It will pass very soon, you’re doing so well baby is lucky to have you as a Mama. You got this!! 🙏🏾 🙂💕

I am currently in the same position as you. Only it is an hour away for me. If you want you can message me as I’m currently going through the same thing. We could help each other out

Both my boys were in the NICU but just a short time. Are you having to work while he is there? If not check and see if there is a Ronald McDonald House in that city. It is only $10 a night to stay (unless they went up a few dollars) and the provide three meals a day and have snacks on hand when needed.

You can do it momma!!!!! She needs mamma! Pleaseeeee pleaseeeee don't ever give up! I know it's hard. I went through some difficulties as well after my baby's born but Truly the Grace of God kept me on going! Praying for you!

Awww thinking about you and baby 💗

Prayers love that your baby gets to come home soon!!

My thoughts are with you, I have to go in Tuesday for section, my twins will only be 33 weeks and will be in special care 😢😢 I don't even know how to put in to words how I'm feeling, I pray for you and your baby xxx

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Praying for you and your sweet babies. Safe delivery and recovery for you love. ❤️

Sending you strength and support. ♥️

Praying for your sweet baby. I can’t imagine how much this hurts for you. I think it’s fair for you to struggle. I also think it shows your strength to admit that you are struggling. Stay strong mama!!

I feel your pain. My quadruplets were in the nice for 5 months! Hang in there mama there is a light at the end of the tunnel!

I’m crying just thinking about my experience there. Be there with her as much as you can, read, sing, talk, let her know your there.

I completely understand. The NICU is a whole world that people who haven’t experienced it can’t understand. We were there with our daughter when she was born for 5.5 weeks. I never left once. My husband went home to take care of the cats and get clean clothes every other day. It’s tough. No one with ever get what you go through. People will say they do or that they’re sorry to hear everything and try to be nice, which is great, but it’s not the same. Keep in mind the nurses there are amazing and will take great care of your little girl. And soon she WILL be home and it will all be an old nightmare (that honestly you may struggle to get past, I still do) but things will get better! Pray for God to take care of her when you can’t because He loves her even more than you do believe it or not. I’ll be praying for you all 🙏🏻

My son was there for 45 days, trust me it is not easy going up and down and even the emotional tolls it takes, today baby is good tomorrow it is another news but pls know one thing for a fact your baby is in great hands, she stills need the care and more reason they still have her there ok, go home get some rest, go to the nice when you have the strength, your baby will be ok and you will take her home and be with her forever but it is ok to be anxious but keep it positive that she is there to get some cares❤️❤️❤️

🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

Both of mine were premature, my first was in NICU for 3.5 months and my second only for 12 days, I was an absolute wreck with my first as she was so tiny and was my first, was at the hospital every day apart from 2 days. just try and get to the hospital as much as possible and if you can't don't feel guilty your baby is safe, you can call the ward and speak to the nurse looking after the baby as much as you feel will keep your mind at ease, also it helps if you have someone to talk to about it, try speaking to other mum's there that way you are not constantly on edge, people without the experience can be negative and say your going to the hospital too much which is what I got told a lot but it's your child, you do what you feel you need to do, any progression is good progression, your baby is strong enough to power through it maybe with a little assistance at first but one thing I can say for sure is what premature babies go through is so admirable they end up saving you rather than you saving them.

I am pushing positive vibes your way!!! May there be a way for you! 🙏🙌

U will make it mama my twins in the nicu from my previous pregnancy and where in there for 4 months it broke my heart so much 1 was 3 pounds and 1 was 4 in the end now they big and healthy and beautiful and driving me crazy everyday I love them so much

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This is rough. I have a little one in the NICU. Today was day 67. I’m so home sick but I’m not leaving until he comes home. We are staying at a Ronald McDonald near the hospital maybe you have one close to that hospital. Be encouraged that your not alone and we can always lean on each other . Praying your strength and joy in the good moments 💛🙏🏽

its soo heartbreaking to c them there wen u carnt do nowt but talk to them i hates seeing my baby in tubes and wires was soo scary

My niece was born at 27 weeks weighing 650 grams she has her 9th birthday today!! Feel free to dm me and I can put you in contact with my sis I'm law to chat of you like xx

You got this your all soon be home together as family life to. I know how difficult it is to do i was lucky and got to be in the nursery with my boy while he was cared for I slept in a room with him as I was getting to grips with breastfeeding to so otherwise I might not have been able to stay. X

You got this mama. My little one was prem and I went to hospital everyday for 1 month. Now little miss running around and very healthy.Sending you strength and courage xxx

Sending you all the love and positivity mama 💞💞💞💞

My son was in the NICU, it’s such a hard experience. I can’t imagine how hard it would be living so far away from the hospital. Are you able to FaceTime with the nurses to see her? Ours would let us call in and video chat for a short period each night (we visited in the morning). Or if they could send you videos or something? We also were given some old face clothes they had and they told me to wear them in my bra for 24 hours and then I left them there and they put them by my sons head so he could always smell me and that helped a bit to reassure me. You can message me if you ever want to talk ❤️

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I will ask about video chatting when I call to check on her . I did ask about the video camera to watch her but her nurse at the time said that they didn’t have those there. I wish I had eyes on here every second of the day

We spent 175 days in the nicu , she was born at 23 weeks weighing 1lb 2 oz. The nicu can be daunting, we also lived about an hour away so it was hard to be able to be there every day. Have faith in your little, preemies are resilient and there is light at the end of the tunnel ✨ What helped me keep my mind off of things was Journaling for her about or journey and crocheting her baby blanket while we spent time with her. Please feel free to reach out. I've been there, it gets easier ❤

Keep your head up mama❤️ when I went through it i had to be a realist. Although it’s sad to leave without them you have to think positive. Take the good with the sad the baby is in the best place possible with round the clock care. Take a self day because it gets hard , so love on yourself ❤️

sending love your way. both my boys spent time in NICU and it was not easy, but be positve. These baby will surprise you how quick they turned around. take care of yourself now while you have the time

Have you asked of the hospital has an accommodation near by as some do for exceptional cases etc. ? That may help with the travelling. 2 hrs is a lot with everything going on. Hang in there. You have got this. X

Hi! Is there a Ronald McDonald house nearby? They let parents stay for free to reduce traveling time. It looks like your little one is doing great but will still be there a bit if cpap is still in use. Just remember it’s hard now but will be so worth it when you guys finally do get home (that doesn’t make this part any easier though. Feel all the feels and give yourself grace). Positive thoughts for you guys!

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Yes they do have the Ronald McDonald House in the hospital she is in that is shared between all 3 wings of the nicu. At the moment there is a waiting list. Im looking into other accommodations. ❤️ Thank you for your encouraging words.

Bless you... It's so hard... They didn't have any accomodations nearby or in the hospital, so had to travel back and forth, plus couldn't walk or drive... This is where your family and friends come into play... Honestly before you know it they're graduating home with you... Keep records of expenses may be able to claim back from a source of benefits... You need to be with your baba, try reaching out to charities... I hope all comes together soon hun... It's ok to take a day for recouping, you'll need it...xxx

It’s really tough and there is nothing anyone can say that will help. I had severe post partum depression with my first. I remember sitting in the nick you and them telling me oh she definitely won’t need to be in an incubator she’s fine and I went to go get my medicine that they had prescribed me and I came back and she had all these wires an incubator and all the things and I just cried and thought that it was all my fault because she was just a baby and it was my responsibility to take care of her and I must’ve done something wrong when I was pregnant when in reality things just don’t go right sometimes she’s perfectly fine now and she’s four. My second one was in the nick you for three days and I instantly went into shock and I think I kind of have PTSD when it comes to nick you If you need to vent you can always message me 

Sending so much love to you and your beautiful baby. ❤️

Sending lots of love and prayers your way. You got this ❤️

Keep strong you got this 💖🥺🙏🏾

Just hope for the best, stay positive, she looks like a strong fighter, I think she'll make a speedy recovery x

Sending lots of love and strength! Your doing amazing ❤️

The NICU is hard! We had a 7 week stay and I’m thankful it was that short. I definitely have PTSD from all things pregnancy and newborn now. Don’t be afraid to reach out to other nicu moms. We have been in your shoes. We know the tears that shed when you have to leave. And the anxiety waiting for the doctor to do rounds. We see you and are here for you!

There is nothing harder. My boys were in the NICU for six weeks. You’ve got this and you will bring her home soon 💛

We had a relatively short stay of 3 weeks but every day felt like eternity when my husband went back to work and I was there on my own all day. I felt so lonely and like I had no idea how to care for my baby and so desperately wanted to be home. I experienced PND for a few months after but sought help, you must seek help if you need it. It is an awful experience being on the NICU. Just think that every day is one day closer to you going home ❤

I am a nicu nurse and was also a nicu mom so I have now been on both sides and know how hard it is! It is lonely and exhausting but so rewarding when your baby makes those milestones. Thinking of you, be kind to yourself and celebrate every victory! Preemies are strong & so are their mamas! 💗

Wow. I’m so sorry to hear this struggle. While I myself am not a NICU MOM. My Brother is a NICU dad. Their baby boy was in NICU for three months. It was extremely hard on both him and mommy but they kept fighting. They made it a point to go every day so see him. They didn’t live quite as far, but it was about 3 hours round trip. They cried almost daily but when I asked my brother how he did it he said he reminded himself daily that his son was a fighter and that every day was one day closer. He started saying positive affirmations with baby when he would get ready to leave for the night. When he could, he paid for a hotel close by the hospital from Thursday to Sunday and took Friday off to allow himself the extra time off the road. I’m sorry to hear about your headache and I wish you all the best. My nephew was able to come home almost 3 weeks earlier than expected because his boy made progress. Keep your chin up lovely!

😭😭😭 I’m so sorry momma.

Sending love ❤️

I wish you all the best

My son was born 31 weeks and he was in up until day b4 his due date x feel for u hunny x my son is 6 now x here if u wanna chat tho x also there a fb page for prem babies I know helped me a ton wen my son was in x 🤗 stay strong mama u got this and ur baby girl I pray will be home with you very soon x 🙏💖🤞🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗

Be strong for your sweet girl love ❤️ you got this!! Your a warrior.. she will be home before you know it!! god bless u and your little one 🙏

My baby boy spent 63 days in Nicu honestly the worse and best experience of my life they take such good care of the babies in there it’s amazing to see so much care it’s not easy at first but it does get better trust me you are strong and that’s what you need to keep telling yourself believe and in no time she will be home with you 🤍🤍