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Preemie Books

Living Miracles: Stories of Hope from Parents of Premature Babies
by Kimberly Powell &
Kim Wilson

Life on the Reflux Roller Coaster
by Roni Maclean  

       
The Pregnancy Bed Rest Book by Amy E Tracy, Richard H Schwarz                    

The Preemie Parents Companion: The Essential Guide to Caring for Your Premature Baby in the Hospital, at Home, and Through the First Years by Susan L Madden M.S, William Sears MD, Jane E Stewart MD
              

Reprinted with permission from Kerry Bone.

Leaving The Hospital
by Kerry Bone

The tendency for an event to occur varies inversely with one's preparation for it.
--David Searles

At some point after you give birth, you will be discharged from the hospital because you do not require a nurses round the clock care, even though your baby does. This may be one of the very hardest times for you. You expected to deliver a baby, and though tired and exhausted, you would happily go home with them. Now this is not happening.

There is no "magic" cure which will make this trip easier on you. There are no real words that will ease your pain and longing to stay near your baby. Others may not understand how scared you might be that something could happen with your baby and you will be far away from the NICU. It's perfectly alright and totally understandable to be upset, to cry, or to be overwhelmingly sad when you leave the hospital.

Some suggestions which may ease this traumatic time...

• If at all possible, ask to hold your baby before you leave or at least hold their hand and whisper to them.

• Take lots of photos and have them developed at a 1 hour spot so you can have them near you always.

• Take a reminder that your baby is alive and fighter...a diaper, a blanket, bili sunglasses, an extra cap. Keep these near you to hold when you are feeling lonely and missing your baby.

• Leave some photos of yourself behind for your baby to see.

• Write down every phone number you may need at home...the NICU front desk, your baby's bedside, and the Social Worker. Post them at home beside each phone and carry in your purse wherever you go.

• Finally, you need a teddy bear. This is a must. Hold him when you can't hold your baby. Sleep in bed with him when your baby can't be near. Carry him in your arms as you leave.

When you come to visit your baby, the following is a great list to copy and keep handy to use as a checklist for all your needs. It can be difficult trying to remember everything that needs to go with you, and often it is not easy to run home if you forget something. Try placing all your things for the hospital in one bag that you always keep stocked and ready to go. You never know just when you might need to get to the hospital quickly.

• Photo identification or your hospital wristband, if still attached.

• Parking tokens or money.

• Pain medication, Tylenol or Advil.

• Breast pumping supplies, including: bottles, a pen, labels, all pump parts, breast pads, tissues or paper towels, soap, a drink and a snack, and an extra blouse in case you need it.

• Snacks and juice, or a cup to fill with water.

• Breastmilk that needs to come to the hospital.

• A list of questions you have come up with since the last visit as well as a journal to record any information you want to recall later, or just your baby's stats for the day.

• A camera or camcorder, with film and charged batteries.

• Phone numbers of people you may need to reach (family, daycare, doctor, pastor).

• A magazine or book to read when you need to take a break or cannot hold your baby.

• Money for meals and snacks.

• Clean clothes for your baby, if the nurses have told you they can wear them.

• A sweater or jacket.

Copyright ©2000 Kerry Bone

 Kerry Bone is mom to two preemies; Tyler, born at 31 weeks in October 96,  and Kaitlyn, born at 35 weeks in January 2000. She writes about preemie issues and leads parent groups at local hospitals when there is free time. She is currently working with the March of Dimes to develop a NICU parent packet.

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