M.M.
Hi Becky,
My thoughts are with you & your baby and wishes for a healthy delivery! My first child, Olivia (just turned 2 last Thursday) was born at 28 weeks due to pre-eclampsia. My husband and I were totally unprepared for our first child, much less a preemie at 28 weeks. Olivia was 2 lbs 2 oz when she was born by c-section. I’m not sure anything could have prepared us for the 71 days we spent in the NICU by our daughter’s side. Every day is a new day full of ups and downs and ups and downs again. If anything, that was the best advice/preparation given to us. Positive outlook but ready for anything.
I can't express how thankful I am for our NICU experience and the wonderful care our daughter received. The staff was so helpful in teaching us the medical terms, tube feedings, changing diapers, breastfeeding and general baby care. (Unfortunately, I don't have experience at any of the surrounding hospitals/NICU as we recently moved to the area.)
Your questions: Kangaroo care is wonderful bonding for you and your baby. (And dad.) In the first weeks of Olivia’s birth, we were only able to hold her for 10-15 minutes every other day. We were able to touch her in the incubator but just not able to bring her out. I wasn’t able to hold Olivia in her first week because she was too fragile and was on a ventilator. I was definitely ready for kangaroo care when we finally got the ok. It’s quite simple and I could sit with Olivia on my chest for hours if allowed. Since I wasn’t able to have the initial bonding a mother/baby has right after birth, this was the second best thing.
Breastfeeding: I pumped from Day 1 so she was able to get my breast milk through her g-tube. I barely produced enough milk for her during her stay but I had the help of lactation consultants encouraging me all the way. I started nursing Olivia around 31/32 wks (in the NICU they refer to your baby by gestation until their original due date) and she latched on right away. I was very lucky.
I’d be happy to share more with you about our NICU experience beyond kangaroo care and breastfeeding or answer any additional questions you have --- I know I could have used it two years ago. If anything, just someone who would listen to my many fears.
Good luck,
M.
P.S. Also, I’d check into your hospitals to see if they have a Family Involvement Council. FIC is usually parents of preemies from that NICU and staff who can help answer questions, etc. and do programming for current NICU parents.