Guestbook entries
The following are the guestbook entries that have appeared on the main page. They have been put as a separate page because it is difficult for others to read them.
Wednesday 01/14/2004 0:11:10am
Name: Andrea Lehmensich
E-Mail: andrea@topbilling.com
Subject Having Faith
Message Hi, I am all the way from South Africa. My daughter was born 19 July 2002. Born 29.5 weeks and at 640g. I had hypertention and she was not growing.
She was 3 months in hospital and they only gave her a 10% chance of survival, and they were wrong, she survived and is very much healthy just very small.
The thing that bugs me the most, is how I never had any private time with my baby, i felt i was always sharing her, doctors, nurses, granny and granpa who were there as well every day for 3 months and then when she came home. Still now My daughter Faith, is a miracle baby, but everyone is so obsessive over her, i wish they would just let her be. I feel like i always have time to make up as i lost time with her not being there 24 hours a day when in hospital. Besides all the breast pumping and running around home, hospital. She had 2 blood transfusions. To me it was the most physically, mentally and emotionally draining and my husband is to scared to have another one and go through all that again. But time heals all and I amstill thankfull to God above for my miracle Faith.
Wednesday 12/03/2003 12:59:48am
Name: Lindsey
E-Mail:
Subject premature foster brother
Message I have a premature foster brother. His name is Donavan. He was born at 29wks. He is 7 months old and has a cronic lung dieses. This site has helped me learn some things about premies. Thank you!!!!!!!
Thursday 11/20/2003 5:41:42pm
Name: Shelain Horswell
E-Mail: shelaingav@aol.com
Subject My premature baby! - Ethan Jack
Message Hi everyone. Thought I`d put my mark on the site by introducing myself and my premature son Ethan Jack Horswell, born on 6th August 2003, weighing 3lb 12ozs. Ethan`s my 2nd child, I already have a 4 year old girl, Bethany, who was born at term. Ironically this pregnancy was far better than with Bethany (lots of sickness with her!). Morning sickness until about 15 weeks and then felt great, until my waters broke at 29 weeks! I was also given the injection to help develop his lungs and then it was a waiting game. After just over a week I had a bleed and the descision was made to carry out a c-section. However, this couldn`t be done immediately because there was no intensive care cot available. Very frightening. This went on for 4 days until they had one available and I found this so stressful but since Ethan`s visit I now fully understand the strain these people are under and just thank god there was one at all for him. Anyway, he stayed in the unit at Southmead Hospital, Bristol for a little over 5 weeks and the biggest problem he suffered was a little bleed on either side of his head, which was re-absorbed so hopefully has not left any lasting damage. He now only has a little reflux problem but weighs 9lb 9ozs so is putting the weight on. I`m still reeling from the whole journey and could put so much more detail in but I`m sure you`ve all felt what I`ve felt and just want to concentrate on getting back some kind of normality, but I wanted to add a positive thought. As much as I missed Ethan whilst he was in hostpital and I was at home, I just used the time that I WAS home to recover from the operation so that I was fully fit for when he came home. I almost saw it as a "luxury" if that makes any sense. I don`t know how women who`ve had a c-section with a term baby cope with then caring for it, so I tried to be very positive about this and would urge other prem mothers in the same situation to do the same. Now, day to day coping is a bit up and down. When he`s very sick I find it stressful and he can`t seem to stay in any kind of feeding pattern, but he`s absolutely georgeous and I`m just so thankful that he`s here at all. I used to worry that his arrival wouldn`t feel as special as having my daughter - how wrong I was! Take care everyone, Shelain. x x
Tuesday 11/04/2003 11:44:36am
Name: donna
E-Mail:
Subject milk
Message i to had a baby at 27 weeks i managed to express milk for around 6 weeks then it dried up, callum was'nt ready to go to the breast, just remember that your baby has got a good start with your milk, i felt a bit let down when my milk ended but callum is doing well on sma and that is all that matters now 11 months and 16lb.
Tuesday 11/04/2003 6:51:59am
Name: Jenny MacIver
E-Mail: jenny@cabrich.freeserve.co.uk
Subject premature babies
Message I have just become an auntie to baby Dylan born on Sunday past in Aberdeen 6 weeks early. Thankfully he is doing fine but I wanted to find out some more info as I know so little about this subject. I am also in my 1st year on a degree course for Child and Youth Studies and thought this would also help my coursework.
Sunday 10/19/2003 8:57:27am
Name: Becca
E-Mail: julieworsley@hotmail.com
Subject information on premature babies
Message i have been asked by my chidevelement teacher to do some research for information on premature babies
Thursday 10/09/2003 5:40:18am
Name: jennifer
E-Mail: i_luv_mr_perfect@hotmail.com
Subject hi i want to know something
Message how do you know when your pregnant? can you help me im only 15 years old
Wednesday 10/01/2003 8:26:57am
Name: vicki harris
E-Mail: vharris@hcc
Subject premature babies
Message i have a baby born at 29 weeks with pulmonary hypoplasia (underdeveloped lungs) and enlarged ventricles/ivh bleed who is now 7 months old & on home oxygen
Tuesday 09/30/2003 6:09:21pm
Name: Caitlin Lamberson
E-Mail: anangel_2005@yahoo.com
Subject Research
Message Hi,I don't have a preemie.I am just researching about preemies for my class.
This site has helped me a lot in my research.
Saturday 09/27/2003 7:41:50am
Name: Fionuala Fitzgerald
E-Mail: mft_fitzgerald@hotmail.com
Subject My daughter
Message My Daughter was born at 30 weeks, 3lbs and was very sick, but she is now 19 months old, still very small, but she is doing fantastic. It's been a very long few years, but was worth every second. Good luck to new mums of prem. babies, it's hard work, but get as much help as possible.
Thursday 09/25/2003 5:02:10pm
Name: Sam
E-Mail: ss004f8955@blueyonder.co.uk
Subject my special prem
Message i had my son taylor at 29Wks weighing 2lb 5oz through a condition called HELLP would like to hear from anybody whos has had an experiance with HELLP (taylor is now 10 months old and 17lb 14oz)thank you
Wednesday 09/24/2003 9:45:54am
Name: Deb
E-Mail:
Subject
Message I was born around 26 weeks early in 1984. Good luck to you all.
Wednesday 09/17/2003 6:21:55pm
Name: shaffer
E-Mail:
Subject
Message
Friday 09/12/2003 5:11:21pm
Name: suzanne johnston
E-Mail: suzannejohnston@hotmail.com
Subject premature babies
Message Hi im suzanne on the 1st of july this year i had twin boys born 15 weeks early
Adam weighed 1lb 13oz and Connor 1lb 14oz they are still in nottingham hospital but are doing well. we have had quite a fight on our hands as connor has NEC and has been operated on to get rid of the intestines that had been killed by the disease it was touch and go but has fought hard Adam also had a lung disease and has had alot of infections but he is getting there they have been in hospital for 11 weeks now and it has been a strain both for me and my partner hopefully they will be transfered back to lincoln where we live which will make our lives much easier especially for my 5 yr old girl alana. we would jump every time the phone rang always on edge expecting the worst im finally being able to breath a little although connor has to have another op to join his intesines back together i cant beleive what little fighters they are. i dream about the day they will be home which i hope wont be too long!! For a while it was touch and go at the moment they weigh 4lb 5 1/2 and 4lb 9oz we never thought we would get this far,good luck to all the other mums and try and keep your chins up which i know is hard to do xxxxx suzanne xxxxxx
Wednesday 08/27/2003 10:55:46am
Name: Sheila Webb
E-Mail: sheila@webb2633.freeserve.co.uk
Subject my early baby
Message Hi i had a prem baby in 1995 she was born at 26 wks and weighed 920gr (2lbs) and is now 8 and healthy with only a few bowel problems.
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Wednesday 08/27/2003 10:50:45am
Name: emily
E-Mail: emilyleong@graffiti.net
Subject Andrea
Message My first baby, Andrea was born at 28 week gestation. My water bag just ruptured on an early Sunday morning. Being first time parents, both my husband and myself didn't know what to do. Andrea was delivered via emergency cessarian, weighing 1.24 kg at 36 cm then. She stayed in the hospital for 2 months. The lactation nurse told me that it was very important that I gave Andrea my breast milk. THe flow didn't come very well in the beginning and given the instruction to pump every 3 hourly (even at night), I was very stressed out - crying each time when the milk flow was low. Luckily, with persistence, prayer and support, I managed to pump and store enough milk for Andrea. I breast fed Andrea until she was 9 months old. Given that I am a working mother, I had to slip out during office hours to perform my motherly duties. My advice for mothers with premature babies - don't give up, keep on trying and praying, things will work out fine. Andrea is coming 21 months and weighs about 12 kg and is a healthy baby. Nobody can tell she was a premature baby!
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Tuesday 08/26/2003 5:34:17pm
Name: tracy mitchell
E-Mail: mitctl.staff@WILTSCOLL.AC.UK
Subject my nieces 26 weeker
Message Great site! Looking for info as my nieces liitle boy was born weighing 2lb at 26 weeks and its great to hear that she is not alone and that there are lots of little fighters out there
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Saturday 08/09/2003 5:19:36pm
Name: emma
E-Mail: emma.gough@ntlworld.com
Subject prem babies
Message for those mums who have had premature babies i would like some advice i've recently had a premature baby born at 26 weeks. i managed to breast feed for the first three weeks then my milk flow wasn't as great as before, the nurses in scbu told me to express every three hours, but it is very difficult when you have no baby there, now he has been put on special prem milk and i feel i've let my baby down. have any of you got ant advice on how to build my milk flow back up so i can keep breastfeeding until he learns how to suckle. please email me your advice i'd apreciate it very much thank-you. emma and joshua x x x x (emma.gough@ntlworld.com)
Sunday 12/08/2002 2:02:50pm
Name: Lindsay Aldred
E-Mail: lindsayaldred@yahoo.co.uk
Subject prem babies
Message I have a little girl of 2 and a half who was born full term, so was very shocked when my son was born at 35wks. It was a very emotional experience seeing him in the baby unit and I felt helpless at times. I checked myself out of hosital very quickly as I found being around the other new mums and babies to distressing, at least at home I could still be a mum to my little girl and we lived near to the hospital so Luke didn't go short of visit. Expressing milk made me feel as if I was doing something for Luke. Having Luke was a very different experience from having my daughter. Luke is now at home and putting on weight but still tiny. I don't know how I would have coped in the first few days without the support of my husband and we will never be able to thank the nurses and doctors enough.
Saturday 12/07/2002 5:14:31pm
Name: Rachael Roe
E-Mail: rachaelroe@ntlworld.com
Subject Prem Babies
Message Hi everyone, i'd just like to say this is a wonderful site, and i'd wish i'd known about it before. I have 4 children, 3 have been prem, and every situation has been different, but none the less frighening. My daughter was born at 33 wks, weighing 5lb 6, my second son at 35 wks, weighing 5lb 2, and my litle bean (as i call him) who is my third son, was the most frightening, being born at just 30 wks, weighing 3lb 14, (due to a placental abruption)You would never know any of my children were prem, because they are thankfully all healthy, and have developed properly. Even though i have experienced prem labor and birth 3 times out of 4 pregnancies, going through you would expect to know what lies ahead, but every time you have the same old feelings of fear ect, and i also think it is disgusting that even though you are on an ante-natal ward, could't they spare our feelings and at least put us in a side ward with other mums in the same situation. Don't midwives and doctors understand how distressing, and emotional it can be for us being parted from our little ones, without have to endure cries from newborns, and then we realise when we turn over that it isnt our baby? I know this may sound selfish, but even after having my 3 prem baby, i still found it extremely hard to cope being with mums who had their babies with them.I felt pushed out in the cold,quite literally.You don't realise how profound an effect it has on you untill you have been there. Everytime i heard on of the other ladies baby cry,i cried,(i know that might sound daft, but its a very emotional time for anyone)But anyway, i thank god my kiddies made it,(even though they can drive me mad sometimes) and i wish luck and happiness to everyone, and my heart goes out to all who are experiencing this at the present time,and my thanks to the s.c.b.u teams who worked around the clock to look after my babies. Every now and then i take any bits that i am given, or happen accross to the s.c.b.u, if i know that they could use it, ie: tiny clothes, blankets, mittens, hats. One last thing to add, if any of my family or friends do happen to unfortunately experience a prem labor and birth, i certainly know where to get them to look for advice and other peoples stories, just so they know that they are not alone, because that i'm sure is how we all feel/felt at the time we experienced it. But keep smiling.
Friday 12/06/2002 9:20:26am
Name: caniece diamond
E-Mail:
Subject research
Message i think that what you are doing is fantastic.
Wednesday 12/04/2002 5:56:36pm
Name: CRYSTAL
E-Mail:
Subject ENGLISH
Message
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Tuesday 12/03/2002 6:28:40am
Name: Mel Dickinson
E-Mail: Melanie.Dickinson@yellgroup.com
Subject how can my premie put on weight?
Message Hi, -I'm mum of a premie, Madison, born 12.04.02 weighing 1 lb 7 oz (740g) at 26 wks. She's now 10 lb 7 oz at nearly 8 mths but still only taking 125ml milk max every 4 hrs when she's just on milk, & about 30/40 mls milk after her weaners. How can we get her to put on weight? She's already on High Energy SMA which has extra calories, but she sleeps little & is still tiny. Can anyone out there help us? Mel.
Monday 12/02/2002 1:16:55pm
Name: Elizabeth Langan
E-Mail: elizabethlangan@ntlworld.co.uk
Subject Megan
Message My baby daughter Megan was born on the 17th June 200 at at 27 weeks, she weighed 2lb 6oz. I would like to thank the Queen Mother and Yorkhill Hospital in Glasgow, for all their help and support they have given us over the past two years.
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Sunday 11/24/2002 12:18:19am
Name: Jacqueline Reid
E-Mail: jacqueline.reid@hp.com
Subject Ewan's story
Message My son Ewan was born at 28 weeks and weighed 3lb. He suffered from NEC and spent 4 months in hospital and had 3 bowel operations. When he finaly left hospital he only weighed 5lb. Ewan is now 4 years old, 4ft 3" tall, weighs 3 st 3lb and has size 11 feet. I am amazed at how well he has done and will always think of him as my miracle.
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Tuesday 11/19/2002 2:08:24pm
Name: fiona cattermole
E-Mail: fiona@cattermoles.flyer.co.uk
Subject bicorniate uterus
Message my baby was born at 28 weeks in October 2001 weighing 1lb 14oz. He spent nearly 8 weeks in special care. I have a bicorniate uterus and am looking for people that have been in the same situation, who have gone on to have a second baby. I want to know if the second child was premature aswell.
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Saturday 11/16/2002 8:10:59am
Name: lyndsay turner
E-Mail: r_turner24@hotmail.com
Subject my story
Message hi
my name is lyndsay i was born at 24 weeks and wieghted just 1lb 2oz i was dead when i was born my heart had stopped the doctor where just about to give up when they heard a little faint heart beat they whisked me strat off to scbu in park side i was told they was nothing they cold do i was told i only would make it through the day if i was lucky i was getting better but suddenly got took to newcastle and had a operation on my lung i am now better but have cronic lung deaise and am on 24 differnt tablets and on 7 differnt inhalars am in hospital at the moment have been in 4 months i was in scbu for 8 months newcastle and in hospital for 3 years in differnt ones iwould like to say to all the parents how have prem babies to keep strong and pray because my mam and dad did i am now 14 and doing well in school when i am not in hospital love lyndsay xxx
Saturday 11/16/2002 6:44:37am
Name: lyndsay turner
E-Mail:
Subject
Message i was premiture when i was born i was 4 months prem
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Thursday 11/07/2002 9:08:16am
Name: Stephen Cash
E-Mail: sacash@lineone.net
Subject My son, born weighing 1lb 3oz
Message Hello, my son Zac, was born on 26.6.02 weighing 1lb 4oz, after my wife had pre-eclampsia. He spent almost 15 weeks in neonatal intensive care, before finally coming home on 7.10.02. Since then he had to go back for a hernia operation. Despite all this he has done very well and has had no particular problems, apart from being very slow to put any weight on (he is now 6lbs). You can read his story at:
www.freenetpages.co.uk/hp/djcash/
We really suffered during the hospital time, but seeing him come home made it all worth while.
Good luck
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Wednesday 11/06/2002 8:25:12pm
Name: Hannah
E-Mail: Reeser251@AOL.com
Subject 27 weeker mom
Message I enjoyed you site very much. Thank you.
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Tuesday 11/05/2002 5:18:52pm
Name: jennifer steel
E-Mail: Jenny_steel@msn.com
Subject prem babies
Message Hi just flicking thru the site very informative. My daughter was born at 27 weeks weighing in at 955gms(2lb1oz)we are now just about to celebrate her 4th birthday in a few weeks time.We spent 18 weeks in SCBU and never thought we would ever get there but we did, Caitlin started nursery in January and will go to school next year, so to anyone in the same situation, be patient every thing works out in the end.
Thursday 10/17/2002 9:26:13am
Name: maxine khan
E-Mail: maxinekhan@hotmail.com
Subject Thankyou
Message just to say thankyou I am reserching premature birth and downloaded you article
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Wednesday 10/09/2002 10:00:51am
Name: Ann-Louise
E-Mail: Annlouise1@hotmail.com
Subject Connors short journey
Message I posted a message on here in September after my son Connor was born at 25 weeks weighing 1lb 8oz. He was doing quite well then but things took a turn for the worst. He became very ill with NEC and he also had very bad Chronic Lung Disease. He sadly passed away on 12 September 02 after 6 weeks of hard fighting. We have designed a website in memory of Connor. Please feel free to take a look:
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/paul.pointon/connor.htm
Wednesday 10/02/2002 10:31:36am
Name: Baby Baby UK
E-Mail: babybabyuk@hotmail.com
Subject Your site
Message Just like to say that I found your site most helpful. A lot of quality information on an issue that's not so easy to find information about. Keep up the great work!
Andrea
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Thursday 09/19/2002 6:02:49am
Name: Sandra McIntosh
E-Mail: sandra@littlebabes.fsbusiness.co.uk
Subject Premature Baby Clothes
Message I am trying to establish contacts for my Premature Baby Clothes starting from 1-2,2-3,3-4,4-5,5-6 lbs with a large choice particularly clothes suitable for wearing in hospital with front opening, velcro fastenings etc. I have spent almost three years trying to get the sizes just right (the necks not too big etc) but I also enjoy making these tiny clothes. Would it be possible to have a link on your site. I could send you a catalogue if you would like or if you would like to visit the web site at Mysite.freeserve.com/litlebabes althought the site is still under construction. I also do a "made to measure" service for very small babies. any help would be appreciated.
Sandra
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Tuesday 09/17/2002 2:36:54pm
Name: Megan
E-Mail: lovergirl142002@hotmail.com
Subject development
Message I was wondering if premature babies are more apt to have a shorter life than normal sized babies? Also I was wondering about the costs of a premature baby. How drastic they are.
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Sunday 09/15/2002 5:14:33pm
Name: Yvette Norcott
E-Mail: yjgknowle@hotmail.com
Subject Ryan (27+6) Born 28th October 2001
Message I wish I knew about this site last October when my son Ryan was born, after being told I was just having 'practice contractions'. Luckily for Ryan I was kept in hospital overnight. At midnight I was given 2 paracetemol for 'muscle aches and pains'. One scan and 3 examinations later it was decided at 2.30am that I was in fact in labour. At 3.09am Ryan was born weighing 2lb 4oz, and thanks to a fantastic team of doctors that sprang into action Ryan is here today. After a stay in SCBU in Brighton and Hastings, he finally came home 28th December.After fighting infection, and recovering from brain haemorages(got the all clear Feb 02), he is now catching up with others his age. Knowing how my husband and I felt at that time, this site would have been such a comfort to know that we were not alone, and given us hope, seeing all of the beautiful babies that have survived.
Ryan is doing well now after a double hernia op a few weeks ago. The next worry is the MMR dilema, I would be very interested in any ones thoughts and experiences about that, as I don't think we can put ourselves through more anguish after everything we've already been through.
Tuesday 09/10/2002 5:01:58pm
Name: Sarah Mellors
E-Mail: Trinitymellors@hotmail.com
Subject Rachel and Bump!!
Message I'm expecting my second child in February 2003 and am very much looking forward to it however, I do worry whether, like my first baby, he/she will be premature. Rachel was born at 33 weeks gestation and suffered NEC on her third day of life, resulting in a very anxious 72 hours as well as two major colonic operations to remove parts of the intestine damaged by the disease.I'm glad to say she is fighting fit now but the thought of something like that happening again frightens me.It is great to have so much information available for parents of premature babies as it has given me a greater understanding into what can be a very agonising time for parents and family.Thankyou.
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Tuesday 09/10/2002 2:53:07pm
Name: Kayleigh Foster
E-Mail: kaybabe60@hotmail.com
Subject Very informative
Message Your website was incredibly informative, i found everything on there very helpful, its a great website and i plan to visit again. Unlike the rest of your visiters, I am not in fact preganant, or a mother. I am currently studying for my GCSE's and i took Child Development as an option. Basing my individual task on premature babies, this website was incredibly useful. Your story sounded scary but you were rewarded with your daughter. Good luck! Thank you.
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Tuesday 09/10/2002 11:55:10am
Name: fiona
E-Mail: littlehalls@blueyonder.co.uk
Subject gods little gifts
Message i have four children, 3 of which were early. 5 weeks 6 weeks and 10 weeks. things don't get easier with each child, but harder.my 1st premie was born at 34+6 she was in scbu for 48hrs and in hosp for 8 days. my second preemie was born 6 weeks early and on scbu for 17 days. I went into labour with my 4 child at 29 weeks, my waters drained for 6 days. i had to be transfered to a different hosp because there was no beds were available on the intensive care. i was transfered from newcastle to jimmy's in leeds were i stayed for 48hrs. i was sceduled to be induced on thursday morning due to an infection, but all of the intensive care beds had gone throught the night. I was then transfered to leeds general where i was going to be induced, but the changed thier minds 5 times. it was really emotionaly and physicaly hard, i got very depressed. i was away from my family and children and felt so isulated.they induced me on the saturday night because i developed a serious infection in my blood. my baby was born at 30 wks weighing 3lb8oz. he was healthy and a good weight, he didn't need any oxyegen. they say he was big because i had a double placenta.he fed from both bits which did him good. i had to go back to newcastle on the sunday, walking away from my baby and leaving him in leeds was the hardest thing i have ever had to do, i returned to stay with him for 2 days, when i was saying good bye to him the baby in the next cot died , i was devastated. i came home and cried for 48 hrs. i got a phone called to say he was being transfered to a scbu nearer home. i was overjoyed. he was there for 5 weeks and i was able to visit twice a day which ws great. when he came home we were all over the moon. the emotional scare are still there, i have nightmares about leaving him and about my time in leeds. The doctors say not to have any more as they fear i would not reach 26wks. i feel the decition has been taken out of my hands, but they know best. my son is now 7 months, the weighs 15lb 2oz which is great, he is a joy to be with we all love him so very much. i would like to say what a wonderful site this is. its great that you can share your story with other people in the same situation. thanks.
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Tuesday 09/10/2002 7:26:20am
Name: Joanne Doughty
E-Mail: joannedoughty18@msn.com
Subject 2 prem babies
Message I have 2 prem babies, Libby was born 16th september 2001, 8 weeks and 1 day early, weighing 3Lb 9oz. Taylor was born 27th June 2002, 7 weeks early, weighing 3Lb 8oz.Libby is 1 year old in less than a week and is now just like any other 1 year old. Taylor is just coming up 3 months and is also doing well. When i had Libby i was so scared, all them machines and all them doctors,the neonatal team can not be thanked enough, they where brilliant. When i had Taylor i was worried but more relaxed because i knew what was happening and understood what was going on. I think it made it easier for me the second time because the neonatal staff knew me and i knew them. The confidence they gave me the first time on there, paid off the second time. Having 2 prem babies has made me decide not to have any more, i have been very lucky having 2 healthy prem babies, having seen what i have on the neonatal, some babies been very poorly indeed, i do not want to risk having another prem baby again and calling it a draw. I have found this website very interesting reading and wish i had found it earlier. I would just like to wish all the parents of prem babies all the health and happiness in the world and enjoy your little miracle(s),and a very big thank you for setting this wedsite up.
Love Joanne, Libby and Taylor xxx
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Sunday 09/08/2002 3:58:23pm
Name: ALISON GOSS
E-Mail: grandfazoo@hotmail.com
Subject MY PREMMIE BABY
Message MY LITTLE BOY JAROD, WAS BORN ON 05/02/02 AT 25 WEEKS GESTATION, WEIGHING 1LB 8OZS. HE HAS CHRONIC LUNG DISEASE, BUT OTHERWISE IS VERY WELL,HE NOW WEIGHS 11LB 6OZS AND IS BEAUTIFUL!
Saturday 09/07/2002 7:05:58pm
Name: Ann-Louise
E-Mail: Annlouise1@hotmail.com
Subject Our own prem baby
Message Our baby son, Connor, was born at 25 weeks. He weighed 1lb 8oz and was 31cm long. He's had a lot of problems but he is slowly getting better. So there's hope for everyone!
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Tuesday 09/03/2002 5:16:32pm
Name: Dave
E-Mail: SCARBOT@aol.com
Subject My Little Lad
Message Son was born at 28 weeks, 1pound 13.5 ounces. Born with chronic lung disease, given steroid treatment to develop lungs. Spent 5 months in SCBU, had hernia operation and laser treatment on eyes for retinopathy. Came home weighing 4 pounds 2 ounces on oxygen and requiring various drugs, oxygen has increased to .4. Just turned one and weighing 13 pounds 5 ounces. He is a little fighter and still has a long way to go. Fingers crossed he will come off the oxygen in the future and put on weight like his Dad. Even being such a small lad and going through so much he is full of spirit and never stops laughing, (probably at me). He still has a mountain to climb, we are with him every step, even though he sometimes slips we aim to get to the top one day.
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Sunday 09/01/2002 4:01:38pm
Name: Joel Krueger
E-Mail: joel_krueger@hotmail.com
Subject Hello
Message My son was born yesterday at 33 weeks, 1 day. He's doing great, but I'm trying to find some place convenient to buy disposable nappies for a pre-mature baby. Any thoughts?
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Friday 08/30/2002 5:57:36pm
Name: jackie cairney
E-Mail: jackiecairney@msn.com
Subject premature baby
Message my daugther had her baby at 29 weeks and 6 days ,as she had pre-eclampsia,see had a beauitful little boy who weighed 2pound 14 ounces he is still in hospital doing very well and now weighing 3 pounds 11 ounces he will be 4 weeks on sunday we cannot wait for him to come home we all love him very much his name is reece
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Friday 08/30/2002 6:26:47am
Name: Tracey Whitby
E-Mail:
Subject Ellise
Message Your site is wonderful and makes me realise that i am not the only person who has suffered with pre eclampsia.Ellise my baby was born at 31 weeks and is now nearly three. I thank god every day that she is here and my heart melts every time i look at her, as i am reminded of what i nearly lost.
Friday 08/23/2002 2:44:57am
Name: Tina
E-Mail: tnash@terraworld.net
Subject My special babies
Message I had twin sons, Curt and Kyle, 6 and 1/2 weeks early. I was life flighted to a bigger hospital as I come from a very small town. I had a c-section Oct. 9, 1991 at 10:45pm. Curt came out crying, weighing in at 3lbs. 4oz. Kyle wasn't breathing and it took them some time to get him breathing. His brain was bleeding, he was having seizures and high blood pressure. I was told that they didn't think he would survive. He weighed 3lbs. 12oz. The cpap, the tubes and wires...I was horrified. In week two, by the grace of God, Kyle seizures stopped, he no longer had high blood pressure and the bleed in his brain had stopped. We were truely blessed! We took them home Nov. 1st. weighing a little over 4lbs each. We were told that it would take them sometime to catch up to other children their age but it didn't really take long. We were also told that Kyle could possibly have some retardation but at 10 years old and in the 5th grade, they are both A and B students. They are both very bright! You would never know now that they started out as preemies. Curt at 130lbs., Kyle at 114lbs. I am very proud of my gifts from God. Here's something neat...they were born the day before their father's birthday and brought home from the hospital the day after mine. :) What great birthady gifts! They have two brothers, Kalyn and Christian, born at full term. My love and prayer's go out to all the parents of premature babies. It is a very hard situation but we hopefully all end up with our own little miricles!
Bless you all!
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Thursday 08/15/2002 7:12:21am
Name: Kara Jordan
E-Mail: busytwinmum@yahoo.co.uk
Subject chantelle_ ...........
Message Hello!
It is very scary and can feel lonely when the threat of prem labour and birth looks likely! If you have had are still having steriod injections then please feel assured that you are giving your baby a fighting chance!
I have three prem babies (two were twins) and although I was scared and shocked I always tried care as much as possible for my babies while they were in their incubators. I also slept peacefully at night as I knew they were being given the very best care too!
I wish you all the best and hope you reach nearly full term if not full term with your pregnancy......please feel free to join the club attached this web site as there are many parents who have prem babies and we are all friendly and very knowledgeable from a parents view of Premature babies!
Kara
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Tuesday 08/13/2002 1:36:16pm
Name: chantell
E-Mail: chantell_cotton@hotmail.com
Subject prem labour
Message It didn't seem real when I went in to labour at just 26 weeks but it was. I was very lucky in that after steroid injections to help my sons lungs develop the labour was stopped. What I have found hard to overcome is the horrible sense of what might have been if he had arrived so early. I am still convinced he will not go to full term....He seems to have things to do. Reading the stories on this message board has eased my mind and reassured me that I have the samefears as others and that I am not alone in my experience. There are times when being pregnant can be pretty lonely, especially when things go wrong.
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Tuesday 08/13/2002 11:05:28am
Name: Chris & Karen
E-Mail: chrisstyling@hotmail.com
Subject hard to believe
Message From the start I was the type of person who never thought they would be lucky enough to get married and settle down, and have a child, never I would have said, but that didn't stop my wanting it, and then along it came. My daughter Grace was born to myself and Karen on the 8th June 2002, at a whopping 1lb 10oz. I write this now not because she is out of the neo-natal unit yet, in fact she is still there nearly 10 weeks on. But it's just a note to people going through it right now, that no matter how hard it seems, how down and depressed and worn out you feel, strength comes from somewhere. And just like myself and Karen, you WILL find it. It is hard and unexpected and very hard to believe, but it will get easier. Grace was born at 27 weeks and at this moment in time she is doing reasonably well all considering, she has chronic lung disease, but most other things seem to be sorting themselves out, hopefully. Would I be writing this if it had all gone horribly wrong, YES is the answer. It is only in times like this when the real human spirit prevails, and the good news is, EVERYONE has it. I wish everyone going through problems with prem babies the best of luck, and hope you make it out of the scbu very soon.
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Friday 08/09/2002 4:28:33pm
Name: vikki n chess
E-Mail: vikkipink@hotmail.com
Subject hello
Message gr8
Thursday 08/08/2002 8:52:09am
Name: michelle
E-Mail: philip.michelle@ntlworld.co.uk
Subject thankyou
Message thankyou for letting me share your experiences.
my twins were born at 25 weeks after my gp and hospital told me i was not in labour.
richard weighed 2lbs 2ozs and was breech, isabelle was 1lb 15ozs and was delivered still
inside her sac, which i'm told probably saved her life. both my babies developed septaceamea
and both went on to develop NEC. isabelle's perforation repaired on it's own but richard's
needed 2 lots of corrective surgery on his bowel. isabelle came home after 15 weeks with no
health concerns but richard went on to develop non specific hepatitus and jaundice from being
fed TPN through a drip for so long. he came home after 6 months in hospital and on 6 different
medications. when i look at them now, 2 1/2, happy, (mostly) healthy and as lively as they can be
its hard to think how tiny and ill they were, richard will need corrective surgery on both eyes for
squints before he goes to school but i think we got off lightly considering
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Tuesday 08/06/2002 7:37:07pm
Name: brian and tracy gorner
E-Mail: bg001f0427@blueyonder.co.uk
Subject miracle babies
Message we are the parants of two prem babies.
our eldest is four and was born at twenty seven weeks weighing 1lb 10oz,she
was only in scbu for seven weeks and then came home with no complications.
our second child was also born at twenty seven weeks and she weighed an
unbelievable 13oz,she was in scbu for six months.
after coming home we had to make several
trips back to hospital because of breathing difficulties,she as been on home oxygen since coming home but as managed to drop her oxygen level to just using 0.1 litre of oxygen just at bed time.
she will be two years old on the 13 of august 2002 and we look forward to celebrating with her.
so to all those worried parents to be
there is hope,it will be a very stressfull time but remember to put all your energy's into your baby.
good luck to everyone.
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Wednesday 07/31/2002 11:04:18am
Name: imtiazabid
E-Mail: imtiazabid@hotmail.com
Subject premature birth
Message i want to know about premature birth?can ultrasounnd/test may help in 3rd trimesters?to diagonsis pre mature birth.
Tuesday 07/30/2002 4:11:04pm
Name: Kerri Thomas
E-Mail: kerri.thomas@btinternet.com
Subject message for Mrs D Wooldridge
Message Thank you for signing the guestbook. You would be most welcome to join our prem babies group. If you email me I can send an invite. I can also add your details to our special babies page - please let me know
Tuesday 07/30/2002 7:01:43am
Name: Mrs D Wooldridge
E-Mail:
Subject My daughter
Message Hi
I had my little girl on 26/10/99,she was born at 26 weeks gestation.It was a very difficult time for both me and my husband.We found that both family and friends didn't understand the situation we were in and we had no one we could really talk to.Although the neonatal unit were very supportive.We are very lucky now to have a beautiful two year old,unlike two other couples who unfortunately lost their babies whilst in intensive care,one also born at 26 weeks.I wish that I had come across this website when Abbey was born I would have found it very helpful.
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Tuesday 07/30/2002 0:27:11am
Name: Monica Martinez
E-Mail: Tino2010@NetZero.Com
Subject Javier G. Gonzalez
Message Congratulations! The trial by fire is over. I can only say that I felt the pain that you have been through. My son was born at 29 weeks gestation, but at the size of a 25 fetus. He was born on August 21, 2001 at 10:20 p.m. weighing 1lb 13oz. I had already lost two previous pregnancies before and had a cerclage in place with him. I did not have any medical condition which caused premature labor, but I noted that he had not moved for the most part of the day (that's why it is important to count your kicks). I went to the hospital and was put on a fetal monitor. My son's heart rate droped five times, then I was told that I would have to have a C-seciton because my son would not survive induced labor. When my son was born, he had his cord wrapped around his neck. He survived. The second run was when he had a lung hemorrage on his second day of life. I never lost faith. The doctors kept telling me that he might not make it, but he surely did. He had his fare share of illnesses, but I tell you what, my son is about to turn 1 year old. I wouldn't have had it any other way. There is something special about premie babies that only premie parents will ever understand. I even miss seeing him so tiny, holding him for the first time, thinking that I would break him. See in this life, I found out how courageous I really am. You will too.
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Tuesday 07/23/2002 10:34:12am
Name: Emma Hughes
E-Mail: emmalangworthy@puddletown99.freeserve.co.uk
Subject Congrats on your new baby
Message Our first baby, Harry, was born on 20th May 2002 by emergency caesarean at 00:04. He was 7 weeks early and weighed 4lb 1 1/2oz. Not bad I guess. I didn't see him for 36 hours as I was on Delivery ICU drugged up on Magnesium Sulphate to stop fits. Delivered after 2 weeks in hospital with Pre-eclampsia and HELLP syndrome. (Went down hill rapidly, despite heavy load of BP drugs). Harry was in the incubator for a week, on CPAP the first day, and in a normal crib in Special Care for 3 more weeks. (Also jaundiced for a few days).
Unfortunately I could only express milk for 4 weeks, as my supply just got less and less. (Severely allergic to the only drug that could help). As soon as I started him on bottles, he was allowed home after 48 hours. He is now 9 weeks old, and growing fast! Infact, he is so greedy, he even laps up the bath water!
Love
Emma and Harry
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Wednesday 07/17/2002 6:19:37pm
Name: Emily
E-Mail: harmonchilli@aol.com
Subject Prem baby
Message I had Jack by c section at 30 weeks gestation. He stayed in scbu for 9 weeks, saved from going 'mad', by a night nurse who said that all the faces that he pulled, most mums would never have been able to see. They apparently stop pulling them at full term. True? He's a healthy and very active 2 1/2 and starting school in september.
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Tuesday 07/16/2002 7:19:01pm
Name: Esmerlda Sandoval
E-Mail: AngelAlexis1802@aol.com
Subject 16 years old with a premature baby.
Message Hi my name is Esmeralda and I am 16 years old. I have a premature daughter named alexis angelique 6 months old. when she was born whe weighted 2 pounds 7 ounces. she was in the hospital for 2 1/2 months old after she was born and then got out. A month later she got RSV. and was in the hospital for a week. It is so hard to take care of a premature baby at 16 years old. If anyone knows where I can get some good advice in raising a premature baby please e-mail me. thank you and God bless.
Sunday 07/14/2002 4:16:09pm
Name: Sharon Smith
E-Mail: wedding09@yahoo.co.uk
Subject Premature Baby
Message Hi,
My baby boy was born at 26 weeks, whilst on holiday in Cornwall. I cannot thank the NeoNatal staff enough for the care and attention they shown towards Ben. We have now been transfered back home and he's doing superbly.
Wednesday 07/10/2002 5:52:50pm
Name: Barbara Davidson
E-Mail: mark@davidson72.freeserve.co.uk
Subject prem baby
Message Hi
my baby was born on 31/12/01 @ 29 weeks and he weighed 2lb 6oz (1.08kg).he is now a happy 6 month old and he brings me so much joy every day and i still cannot believe how lucky i am to have him. i have only just found this site and think it is full of useful info i wish i had found when i had jake as i would have made it easier. so anyone need help or support please contact me.
Wednesday 07/10/2002 4:55:36pm
Name: Kerri Thomas
E-Mail: kerri.thomas@btinternet.com
Subject Message for Kevin
Message Congratulations on the birth of your second prem. It is lovely to hear your story and would love to put it on the site. My son was born 4 weeks ago so I know what you are going through.
Give my love both your wife and your little boy.
Keep in touch and please let me know how he gets on
Kerri
Wednesday 07/10/2002 10:46:21am
Name: kevin brearley
E-Mail:
Subject premature birth
Message i am a father of two premature babys my first is jacob john who was born at 31 weeks and weighed 3lb 6oz and he had loads of problems he was so small and fragile he was born not breathing and had to be whisked off to scbu he since has stopped breathing and had visits to hopital i would just like to comment on scbu they are miracle workers and i am sure if it wasnt for them we would have surely lost my little dear and i send my thanks to airedale hospital in keighley and now back to my son jacob he was in hospital for two months before the doctors where happy to let him home it was scary at that time but i would like to say anyone in that position be patient and i am sure that things will get better for you my son jacob is two years old and i couldnt have asked for a more lively child and onto my second son jamie richard is only 3 days old and was born at 33 weeks and weighed 4lb 7oz a better weight and when he was born he cried and that felt good because jacob didnt and jamie hasnt needed any help breathing and i feel more confident this time round so i will have to close now so for my final message i am sure your doctors and nurses will do anything they can to care for your child and dont be afraid to ask questions so give your child a peck on the cheek from me and sit back and watch how quickly your child develops over a time of one to two years its great.
Friday 07/05/2002 5:07:26pm
Name: Catherine Parish
E-Mail: hillersdon@ukonline.co.uk
Subject Thank you for this site
Message Thank you for this site, something I really wish I had known about a couple of months ago when I had my son at 34 weeks. Stanley Joseph was 4lb 13oz on 19 April 02 and was in SCBU at St Micheals Hospital in Bristol for just over a week but left hospital at 4 weeks old. I too have a bicornurate uterus which is the reason Stanley was prem although my uterus is not heart shaped but actually developed into two seperate uterus' both work and Stanley was on my left side although I have previously miscarried from both sides. On reading your experience I realise that I was extremely lucky, to go to 34 weeks, the baby was in the cephallic position and I managed to avoid a ceasarian. The birth was not without its complications however, but Stanley is well and now weighs 11lbs - not bad for such a small boy who couldn't even breath without a ventilator to start with! However, we didn't manage to breastfeed beyond three weeks which I do regret and wish I had been more aware of what an up hill struggle it was going to be. I also wish the hospital had explained to me the various complications of a prem baby as I was warned by them I was at risk of giving birth early. Or perhaps they could have put me in touch with a support group. However, the whole thing has not put me off and I hope to have another baby one day - at least this time I will be prepared for the mountain of wires and machines in SCBU!
Thanks again
Tuesday 07/02/2002 2:51:42pm
Name: katharine anastasi
E-Mail:
Subject zoe
Message i gave birth at only 27 week and i was very scared. my baby is now a bubbly 6 month girl and i thank every one who looked after her. i have also set up a local group for mum's like me.
Friday 06/28/2002 1:25:35pm
Name: Vivienne Coombes
E-Mail: Vivivanilla@Hotmail.com
Subject Help is on the way
Message As my own Nan was born too small i would like to join your site.
Wednesday 06/26/2002 6:40:31am
Name: tracey lince
E-Mail: traceylince@aol.com
Subject
Message I have just found this website and I thought I would just comment. I am the mother of William who was born at 31 weeks. He was quite a good weight at 3lb and we had no other problems other than trying to get him to feed by himself. Luckily I had been taken into hospital at 28 weeks and had has steroid injections to help Williams lungs, and this most certainly helped him.
At the time I had William I could not obtain enough information about Premature babies, and the care that they require. I wish I had found this website then!
I am now pregnant with my second chld, due in December 2002, and because of the problems I have had previously I thought I would try to find out as much info as I could. ie, causes of premature babies etc.
Hopefully I won't need the info!!
Keep up the good work.
Sunday 06/23/2002 8:46:33pm
Name: keelz
E-Mail: keely_18@hotmail.com
Subject hi!
Message i am 14 and in year 9 and this was a very useful sight for me because i needed info. on premature babies. We are doing debates in my English class and i needed to find out what mothers of prem babies were thinking! and when i looked at your guest book there were lots of emails from the mothers and it was really good to know that there is help out there for the mothers and fathers of prem babies!
Sunday 06/23/2002 2:37:49am
Name: sudi kadambi
E-Mail: sudi_kadambi@yahoo.com
Subject teething
Message My daugther was born eight weeks premature. She is now 13 months old. She is not teething yet. I am in search of information in this regard. I hope your website will provide some answers.
Saturday 06/22/2002 5:51:33pm
Name: Louise & Paul Dalgliesh
E-Mail: paulandlou@dalgliesh123.fsnet.co.uk
Subject Hannah
Message Our little girl was born 3rd november 2000 27weeks and weighed just 1lb 8oz.
She spent 3months in SCBU at the Norfolk & Norwich Hospital.
Now at nearly 2years old she's a normal
happy little toddler and into everything
Thursday 06/20/2002 0:07:28am
Name: Sharon Bowyer
E-Mail: slbow0@alphass.qld.edu.au
Subject Science
Message How did it affect your life
Monday 06/10/2002 11:20:43am
Name: lisa
E-Mail: sjonesfountain@lineone.net
Subject Just to say thanks
Message I would like to say thanks to Kerri as she knows whatits like for all of us and send everyone my love as they as premmie parents have to stick together
Sunday 06/09/2002 1:35:29am
Name: Rose Eggert
E-Mail: roseeggert@hotmail.com
Subject Baby Chad
Message I'm Baby Chad's Grandma and I dearly love this litte one. He is so very special to us all, and thanks to the tecnoligy of this day and age I have my SO VERY SPECIAL GRANDSON. He was a 11 week premmie.
Wednesday 06/05/2002 4:03:52pm
Name: BRANDY FLETCHER
E-Mail:
Subject SAVING BABY BRYCE FLETCHER
Message MY BABY WAS BORN 5 WEEKS EARLY. THE DOCTORS THOUGHT HE HAD A RARE DESEASE CALLED BILLIARY ATRESIA. HE DID NOT. HE IS 9 LBS 6 OZ NOW AND IS DOING FINE. MY QUESTION IS, IF THE RADIOLOGIST HAD "NOT A DOUBT" IN THIER MIND THAT HE HAD THIS DISEASE AND THEY PERFORMED THE SURGERY TO FIND OUT HE DID NOT HAVE THIS, IS THIS CONSIDERED A MISDIAGNOSIS AND GROUNDS FOR A LAWSUIT? HE HAD THE SURGERY WHEN HE WAS A MONTH OLD AND IT SET HIM BACK IN HIS PROGRESS. THIS POOR BABY HAS HAD MORE TESTS DONE ON HIM THAN ANY NORMAL PERSON WOULD HAVE IN A LIFETIME.
THANKS FOR LISTENING,
MOTHER FLETCHER/COEUR D' ALENE, ID
Saturday 06/01/2002 1:05:18pm
Name: jo
E-Mail: joannechurcher@hotmail.com
Subject awesome site
Message really enjoyed reading about other premies, I live in new zealand,and had twin boys in 1992 at twenty five weeks,they weighed 830gms&835gms. Sadly Kane died at 51/2 hours old, Corey went on to have lots of problems, we spent 41/2 months in the neonatal unit before going home on O2. Corey had 2 operations on his eyes, and has had glasses since he was 10 months old, he also has cerebal palsy.His doctor in the unit told us corey would never sit,crawl, or walk, we never heard him cry until he was 3months old. At 22months of age we started a program called conductive education (new in nz at that time).At 5years old Corey crawled by himself, since then he has just kept on improving.He is now 10years old and has gone from walking with a walking frame to walking with walking sticks and can now take up too 50 steps only helding a ring for balance.Just before his third birthday he started having seizures,with these seizures he goes into status and needs hospital treatment,these are real scarey, but were've learnt to deal with them.Corey now has a 8year old brother whom I carried full term and no problems.I'd love to hear from any other parents,feel free to e-mail me I would love to hear from you.
Thursday 05/30/2002 4:18:53pm
Name: Paul
E-Mail: paulandsarah.regan@virgin.net
Subject causes of premature births
Message I'm really glad this site exists because it will prove to be a big help to so many people. Just one thing to add to the site. Among the causes of premature births which you list, I could not find obstetric cholestasis (or intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy). My wife, who was 31 weeks, was called into hospital last Friday when this was suspected and they operated two days later, delivering a baby girl weighing 3. 11. If they had not done so, then the baby had a high (50%) chance of stillbirth in a few days and my wife might have had permanent liver damage. Please publicise cholestasis because it is dangerous and little known. If you have got it on the site and I have missed it, then my apologies. Thanks again for your hard work.
Paul
Thursday 05/02/2002 9:00:15am
Name: kelly unsworth
E-Mail: kelly@ntlworld.com
Subject thanks
Message i think you're site is very good and helpful see ya later luv kel
Friday 04/26/2002 5:36:43pm
Name: Kimberley Allen
E-Mail: Kimmychips@aol.com
Subject Something in common
Message It was so wonderful to read evryones stories. I had my first premature child when I was 18. I almost micarried three times, I thought it was due to my having to work. I worked in a photo lab and all of the chemicals and their smells were awful. At 6 months I lost my waters. I was kept in hospital, but nothing happened so I went home. No one told me that I was very open to infection, or gave me any advise on how to behave under the circumstances, it was all guess work on my young and inexperienced part. At 30 weeks, I had a visit with my consultant, who assured me that I was not in labour and could go home. I had been having steroid injections, and was constantly losing amniotic fluid that the baby was trying to make. I was exhausted and depressed, this was not how I imagined my pregnancey would be. That afternoon, I had an awful back-ache, and felt like I needed the toilet all the time. I realised I was in labour, and went to the hospital, my husband met me there from work. I was told the I had caught an infection, and if I didn't have a c-section immediately, the baby and possibly myself, would die. They couldn't have freaked me out more if they tried. My husband came in to the theatre with me and tried to keep me calm.
Mia was born and taken straight to intensive care. I didn't see her for about 19 hours, when I finally did it was shocking. I had no idea of how to handle the situation, I was basically a blubbering mess for a good few days. Then I got my first cuddle, and it was then that I decided to pull myself together a bit and focus all of my energy on doing everything possible to help my beautiful tiny daughter. Even if that was just sitting and tickling her back. It was a long road of set backs and triumphs. I almost lost it the day that I had to go home and leave her in the hospital. And it didn't help when people told me that there was no way that they would ever be able to leave their baby in hospital, as if I had a choice in the matter.
After a month Mia came home. I am so blessed, because she is actually a year and a half ahead of most other children intellectually. She is taking a lot longer to potty train, and stop using a bottle, and it took an age for her to walk, but like my husband said, "she'll walk for eighty odd years, why rush it?"
Mia will be 3 in a couple of weeks, but sometimes I still cry about the hard times, and also out of thanks to God for looking after my baby.
I was told that there was no reason why I should ever have another premature baby, so 9 months after Mia was born, we decided to try for another baby. As it turns out, instead of one baby, we got two. I was having twins. That on it's own was a major curve ball for life to throw us. My pregnancey went well this time, until 29 weeks when I went to hospital for a routine monitoring and turned out to be 5 cm dialated, there was no way to stop it, I was already too far gone. I locked myself in the bathroom for 5 minutes and cried, asking God why this was happening to me again. My twin girls Oakley and Sabrina were born and taken away. I found it difficult being on the ward with other mothers who had their babies next to them. It was an even harder fight for these babies of mine, and there was two of them to worry about and care for. Oakley very nearly didn't make it on a couple of occasions, but God blessed me again, and one month later, partially due to over crowding in the SCBU, my girls came home. It's pretty much a blur for the first few months after that. They had staggered feeds, so I was actually feeding every hour, 24 hours a day, but I lived to tell the tale.
I found it wonderful to talk to other mum's who went through the same types of things. Friends and family mean well and try to help with the best of intentions, but there is nothing quite like talking with someone who has also walked that road.
I would love to hear from anyone who would care to write. Struggle on, because the rewards are incredible.
Thursday 04/25/2002 2:50:02pm
Name: Virginia White
E-Mail: unsocable99@yahoo.com
Subject under weight chidren
Message Well my sister didn't have a her baby premature. But Krystal her baby was under weight. She couldn't keep any thing down. Now she is 3 but she is dtill under weight. Her sister Arlene has the same pomblems but she isn't under weight. Her doctor said that she can't have any milk produts. I don't if this is like having a premature baby but I know it was hared to get them up to normall body weight.
Thursday 04/25/2002 2:49:33pm
Name: Virginia White
E-Mail: unsocable99@yahoo.com
Subject under weight chidren
Message Well my sister didn't have a her baby premature. But Krystal her baby was under weight. She couldn't keep any thing down. Now she is 3 but she is dtill under weight. Her sister Arlene has the same pomblems but she isn't under weight. Her doctor said that she can't have any milk produts. I don't if this is like having a premature baby but I know it was hared to get them up to normall body weight.
Monday 04/15/2002 12:46:49am
Name: Alison
E-Mail: ali@aliandjess.co.uk
Subject
Message I am a mum to a nine month old prem, Jessica. I wish i had found this site earlier as then I may have realised that I'm not the only one with worries. Could anyone tell me how to help my little one put on weight. She still only weighs 12lb 7oz and we've been told to see a dietician at the hospital. More things to worry about.
Name: anabela
E-Mail: anabela.hensley@blueyonder.co.uk
Subject prem baby
Message hi my baby was born on 20/01/02 at 29 weeks weighting 2lb 11ozs.i had Pre-eclampsia. i brought him home a month ago. i feel there is not enough info about prem babies around because i asked my health vistor for infomation about how much milk do you feed a 11 weeks baby and she did not know! He weights 6lb 4oz now and i am feeding him about 100ml to 125ml of milk every 4 hours, but my health vistor said he should weight more. how am i suppose to know all this when i am a first time mum. can any body help? where can i find this info????thanks
Friday 04/05/2002 1:33:57pm
Name: Kelly Centeno /Phila
E-Mail: prnene87
Subject Thanks
Message I'm very happy you made a site about preemies because I have a preemie myself. Thank God she fine
Wednesday 03/27/2002 6:50:19am
Name: jodie
E-Mail: miss_cutie_2002@hotmail.com
Subject hello
Message hi i think it ace ur doing a website bout prem babies, i was one im in childcare so i have to go cya.
Tuesday 03/26/2002 8:30:58pm
Name: shell
E-Mail: polsomi@reynellaehs.edu.sa
Subject hi
Message i think its cool you made a sight for this cos its real important and im in class right now but its for child development and i have to get info on prems. bye
Monday 03/25/2002 0:47:02am
Name: Jess Schouten
E-Mail: schouten@eon.net.au
Subject Thank you
Message I would just like to say thankyou so much. By making this site, I am sure many mother will bennifit. My mother works with premature babies in Australia, and I am very interested in her line of work.
Wednesday 03/20/2002 9:09:32am
Name: Nicki Wiltshire
E-Mail: goodsell69@aol.com
Subject fantastic site
Message A site like this is long overdue!!
I have 10 year old twin girls(Kirsty & Sarah) who were born at 31 weeks weighing 2lb 14oz, and 3lb 10. No such thing as internet 10 years ago!!
I also have Daniel who is 5 and was born at 28 weeks weighing 1lb 13oz. he is still tiny weighing 1 st. 13 lbs. I think he likes those numbers.
Anyone wanting to email is very welcome
Tuesday 03/19/2002 5:11:33pm
Name: Susan Moore
E-Mail: suemoore@eircom.net
Subject Well Done!
Message This website is a great idea. It's a wonderful way of sharing stories and gathering information. Both my children were premature, the first weighed 26ozes, and the second weighed 20ozes (750g). My youngest is now having physio and therapy, although my eldest is fine. If anyone would like to drop me a mail about their own experiences, I'd love to hear about them. In the meantime, I'll certainly visit the Yahoo chat room.
Tuesday 03/19/2002 11:30:28am
Name: Chelsea Stivers
E-Mail:
Subject
Message I find this website very useful for parents with a premature baby!Thanx
Wednesday 03/13/2002 5:46:39pm
Name: Megan
E-Mail: one_of_a_kind_45@hotmail.com
Subject if you could plz...
Message hello my name is Megan and i am doing a speech on premature babies and i was wondering if you could possibily send me information about the dissabilities of premature babies (if there are any) and what we can do to help and how these babies will grow up , if there are any disabilities they will have when older.
If any of this is possible please send me any information you can! Thank-you
Sunday 03/17/2002 6:59:27pm
Name: mandy mallaburn
E-Mail: mmallaburn@aol.com
Subject premature babies
Message i looked at your site with great interest my son wayne was born 27 weeks early weighing 1.lb 8 ounces and is now a lively five year old when i had wayne i did not have very much info on premature babies and wish i had been able to get to a site like yours keep up the good work and thankyou for providing vital information to all those parents who may find themselves in a similar situation to this well done mandy mallaburn Alnwick Northumberland England
Friday 03/15/2002 11:14:28pm
Name: tiziana muscariello
E-Mail: tiziana@iprimus.com.au
Subject my baby was a premmie too!!
Message I have visited your web site and was very relieved to hear of your sucess story. Our Alessia was born at 28 weeks and weighed 1080 grams on the 16th of April 2001.... we will be celebrating her 1st birthday next month... I am happy but also feeling slightly anxious... a bit nervy... too many memories... I am trying to remember and focus all my energy on the good bits of her birth, her persistance to survive and her absolute determination to live!!! I love her so so much and all i do sometimes is just cry and cry....tears of joy... Love Tiziana in Melbourne - Australia
Monday 03/11/2002 7:53:10pm
Name: irene scott
E-Mail: jincs@mi-mail.cl
Subject support at last
Message Hi there
I am the mother of two prem babies - both just under 32 weeks, but now aged 6 and 8. The births of Cameron and Nicholas still haunt me to this day. Today I was in the super market and a there was a sound similar to that of the monitors in the neo natal unit. I just stood there with tears in my eyes. After reading a number of stories on this web site I had a good cry.
I have always wanted to put together some simple material for prem moms, and I see your web site does just that. My children were born in South Africa, at a very good private clinic. The medical facilities were great, but there was a definite lack of advise, support etc for us premie moms. When my second premie was born (and this pregnancy I didn't go skiing,play tennis, work etc etc - I just sat on the couch and relaxed and it still happened!!!) I was so better equipped to handle the situation in some respects and was able to help sme other moms as well. This time it was my husband who struggled the most.
A lot of what I would recommend would be the same-
ask questions over and over until you understand the answers. Dr's can be intimidating at times
- pump that milk - what a sense of achievement
- if you want to you can breast feed later
- keep a daily note and photo if possible of the progress (even though it doesn't look like progress) - it really helps on those days when you take steps backwards
- find someone to share those fears with. I hated always being told everything will be ok, when we didn't really know.
Cameron was born 4 days after my waters broke - no reason. He was so sick , ventilated for 2 weeks and then regected food, cried continually ( we have now discovered a lot medications have no effect on him)had spinal taps etc. Today he is a highly intelligent little boy (8 going on 80) whose only problems are - low iron level, no calcium on his teeth, and AWFUL sleep problems. He was awake every 45 minutes for the first 3 years of his life. He has only slept through 4 times in 8 years.
Nicholas was born in a rush. I had just had the midwife in to discuss giving birth an coming straight home as I had had enough of hospitals for life with Cameron. That night I went into labour and he was born 2 hours later. I was angry - I thought once was enough. It took my a long time to bond with him and I feel guilty about this. But today I love him to bits. He is also very bright, excellent at sports and oh what a talker.
I would be interested in hearing peoples thoughts on two issues
- what would you have liked your friends and family to have done for you in the way of support? My friends gave me a baby shower , and though they meant well we were still in the critical stages. I remember looking at this enomous new born stuff, wondering if he would ever get to wear it.
- secondly - what do the Dads need? We focus so much on the Moms.
Thanks for the great web site and I am quite happy to support anyone through the rough and good times of premies. Just email.
Irene
Monday 03/11/2002 4:04:51pm
Name: Carolyn Ardoin
E-Mail: AAARDOIN@cs.com
Subject premie grandaughter
Message Our grandaughter was born 2 weeks ago, a premie as the result of a car accident. She was 31 weeks old and weighed 3lb11oz. She has had setbacks. Got off the ventilator early, but had a heart murmur and now cannot tolerate her feedings, and they have taken her off feedings for 5 days. Her mother is very disappointed and needs some encouragement. Maybe you can help.
Friday 03/08/2002 2:53:30pm
Name: Samantha Walker
E-Mail: pyahhouse@tiscali.co.uk
Subject IUGR
Message My baby girl (Mackenzie) is now 3 weeks old, born 10wks prem.
I would like to find out more about IUGR but don't know where to look?
Also my placenta was nearly dead, is this the cause, could I have prevented this in anyway. Can someone give me answers????
Tuesday 02/26/2002 10:23:43am
Name: Julia Porter-Robinson
E-Mail: hamesrobinson68.fsnet.freeserve.co.uk
Subject Wish I'd seen this before
Message My son charlie was born 7 weeks premature after rupture of the membranes. I had been at work all day, had had to sit on the floor on the train home due to overcrowding and people's ignorance, and then suddenly our world was turned upside down. 6 days after my waters broke, after labour being stopped,steroid injections for his lungs, then having the remaining waters broken, labour induced and 27hrs of labour, I delivered my miracle and he was rushed to SCBU. He spent 2 weeks there and thrived very quickly. I blamed myself, my work, the trains and the guilt I felt when I looked at him in his incubator all wired and tubed up was overwhelming. I now know it wasn't my fault, and the support and help from Watford Hospital saw us thru dark times. My advice is this, express milk it makes you feel you're helping. Don't be scared to ask questions,SCBU is a bewildering place... and most of all don't beat yourself up about it.
Lastly, your bond with your baby is as strong if not stronger. I didn't hold Charlie for 36 hours, but we talked to him, stroked and loved him with everything we had.
It'll be OK.And sites like this one are a Godsend. I wish I'd seen it when he was in hospital!Good luck to you all.
Tuesday 02/26/2002 10:19:06am
Name: Julia Porter-Robinson
E-Mail: hamesrobinson68.fsnet.freeserve.co.uk
Subject Wish I'd seen this before
Message My son charlie was born 7 weeks premature after ruptire of the membranes. I had been at work all day, had had to sit on the floor on the train home due to overcrowding and people's ignorance, and then suddenly our world was turned upside down. 6 days after my waters broke, after labour being stopped, then having the remaining waters broken, labour induced and 27hrs of labour, I delivered my miracle and he was rushed to SCBU. He spent 2 weeks there and thrived very quickly. I blamed myself, my work, the trains and the guilt I felt when I looked at him in his incubator all wired and tubed up was overwhelming. I now know it wasn't my fault, and the support and help from Watford Hospital saw us thru dark times. My advice is this, express milk it makes you feel you're helping. Don't be scared to ask questions,SCBU is a bewildering place... and most of all don't beat yourself up about it.
Lastly, your bond with your baby is as strong if not stronger. I didn't hold Charlie for 36 hours, but we talked to him, stroked and loved him with everything we had.
It'll be OK.And sites like this one are a Godsend. I wish I'd seen it when he was in hospital!
Tuesday 02/26/2002 3:33:07am
Name: Delia morales
E-Mail: cjmanzano2@aol.com
Subject premature baby
Message I had Guillermo Jesus on 12/21/01he was 1lb 13oz, at 27 week I had been in the hospital for a week before I had him,because my water broke, the Dr's couldn't explained why my water broke, when I stated contracting 12/21/01 they tired to stop my labor but, it was to late because I was already dialated at 3. when they call husband it was about 10 min from having my baby, so I was alone when I delivered him,when he was born I didn't hear him cry, all I could see Dr. asking each other for eqiupment to work on my baby, I didn't see my baby boy til' about a hr later when they wore taking him NICU.At the time I didn't know what was wrong with him, just yet. He was on the ventitalor just overnight and was breathing on his own, he also had jundicee. about two weeks later the told us the he was going to needto put on the O2, it suprised me because he was doing fine. But there was nothing I could do. He's now finely home after two mths, he is on O2 and now 4lb 6oz. I pray to GOD that he keep doing good and for all the other little one so that they can overcome everything they go thourgh. GOD BLESS YOU ALL AND YOUR BABIES.
Saturday 02/23/2002 2:17:05pm
Name: claire pulford
E-Mail: m.pulford@ntlworld.com
Subject my birth
Message I had a prem baby, born at 28wks. She weighed 2lb 10oz. She stayed in hospital for 3 months, and only just servived. My husband and i got told June 2001, that our little girl has Cerebal Palsy. She is now nearly 2yrs old, and cannot sit or walk, and has many other problems too. Your website is great, and i'd love to hear from anyone that has a special needs child, and how they coped with it.
Thursday 02/21/2002 6:22:59am
Name: tracey lince
E-Mail:
Subject
Message Excellent Website. My baby was born at 31 week after my waters had broken. As soon as his heart rate started to drop the Hospital performed an Emergency Section. He weighed 3lb and had no complications. After 4 weeks in Special Care he was allowed home. When this happens to you, you can't help but think that you did something wrong! I never understood why my Baby came early. This website has let me know that perhaps I didn't do anything wrong and perhaps it happend due to other previous medical conditions. William is now approaching his 1st birthday and we are thinking of having another baby. Hopefully this one will go full term!
Friday 02/15/2002 2:06:54pm
Name: Jaissa Jackson
E-Mail: jaissajackson_2004@hotmail.com
Subject i signed your guest book
Message it is a nice site
thanks for everything
Wednesday 02/06/2002 6:58:44am
Name: steph
E-Mail: CHILD DEVELOPMENT
Subject HEY
Message IN CHILD DEVELOPMENT FINDING OUT BOUT ANTI-NATAL CARE-HELP ME,ITS HARD WORK!!!!!!!!
Monday 02/04/2002 7:30:41pm
Name: tracy
E-Mail: tracycoldron@btinternet.com
Subject
Message great site,our daugther was born at 31 weeks,i never thought it would happen to me,i know nothing about prem-babies. my waters broke,then the heart rate kept dropping,so they got her out quickly,we painiced,but she was ok.{she just ran out of leg room & wanted out}.she was a figther from the start,we were so lucky cause there was babies only slightly prem,who nearly didn't make it.the nurses who care for all the prem-babies are wonderful doing such a hard but mostly rewarding job.our little girl is nearly 2 & still fighting,her brothers.
Name: Andrea
E-Mail: SABROSITA78@aol.com
Subject Coughs,colds/viruses
Message My son was born at 30wks. He is out of special care but we were told by the HV that we must do all to avoid the baby catching any sort of flu or cough virus. he is now 6wks old. Am i being neurotic by not allowing anyone with a cold or cough 2come 2the house? What are the risks if he does catch a cough? The HV said it was serious enough to hav 2 take him straight back to hospital but didnt tell us the actual risks. Can u help me please?
Name: sharon
E-Mail: sierradivine716@aol.com
Subject
Message i really like this site too, as a mother of a 25 weeker. Weighing only 1 pound 1/2 oz at birth, my sierra is now 15 1/2 pounds and turning one on feb.6th,2002.She is healthy and doing fine..an angel sent from God.
Name: joanna
E-Mail: joannag@tiscali.co.uk
Subject James & Sophie premature birth
Message My twins were born a fortnight ago at week 31 of my pregnancy. James weighing 3lb 6oz and Sophie weighing 3lb 4oz. I had been in Hosp for 9 days under monitering due to my Pre eclampsia. I had no choice of the babies sudden and unexpected arrivial into the world - the Dr felt the safest decision was an emergency C.Section. Sophie is doing well and her weight has increased to 3lb 9oz. James isnt doing as well and his lungs are immature and he is struggling with breathing and its heartbreaking to witness. Having found this site, and read the entries posted on it, it has given me some hope and encouragement and reassured me that miracles happen and that both my babies will be home with me, and not just one of them. I would love to hear from anyone who can is willing to stay in touch and help support me through this.
Name: keely spellane
E-Mail: mspellane@tinyworld.co.uk
Subject premmie twins
Message A helish nightmare that no parent should have to experience. I had my twins Halle 1lb 10oz and Kai 2lb 10oz at 27 weeks after midwives told me i was not in labour. Kai was born flat and had a grade 3 ivh,we were told he would probably lose all movement on the right and have learning difficulties. Halle on the other hand tried breathing on her own and even cried. Within four days the situation reversed Kai came off the ventilator and Halle was having chest drains into both lungs, she put up the bravest fight for someone so small, and had a look of determination in her eyes that I thought could not be beaten, but after the worst two weeks in our lives the fight became to much for her and she died in my arms aged 13 days.
Kai suffered quite a few setbacks (scepticimia, pnemonia, brochiollitus x2
urinary tracht infection and reflux). There is a happy ending to his story his movement although behind is as it should be, he is crawling, bright as a button and amazing the consultant every time we see him. Kai will be 2 in April and I feel so proud of all he has achieved.This is not my first horror story but hopefully the last as I am expecting again in August.
Name: Sally
E-Mail: Sally7@handbag.com
Subject New baby
Message 9 weeks ago I had a baby at 25 weeks. He weighed 1lb 11 1/2 oz. He had an operation on his stomach at 3 weeks, as they thought he had a perforated bowel. he got moved to our local hospital 3 weeks ago. Then he contacted RSV, he has had lots of infections. Tomorrow he is having an op to close a duct on his heart. I knew it was going to be hard but not how hard it would be. Reading these stories makes me realise how many other people have been through this.
Name: alison wells
E-Mail: aew4daw@aol.com
Subject our miracle baby.
Message hello i have a premature baby, his name is james(jj).He was born on the 1/12/01.
He was only 1lb 4oz.
He is now 2lb 2oz still fighting.He has had his ups and downs,a callaped lung,and numorous infections.He is now 53 days old and we love him dearly,cant wait to have him home.
MY MESSAGE IS DONT GIVE UP-MIRACLES DO HAPPEN.
Name: Susan and Savannah
E-Mail: susanandchris_2000@yahoo.com
Subject We made it to one
Message My Daughter was born at 34 weeks. She just celebrated her first birthday. Aside of some tummy issues she is doing wonderful.
Sue Savannah 1/12/01
Name: kim ticali
E-Mail: indigo300@go.com
Subject had a premmie
Message so good to see a site like this,my son was born at 31 weeks but weighed 2 pounds 11 ozs. he is well but we have a few obstacles to get over
Name: S Hussain
E-Mail: sh_smh@hotmail.com
Subject 28 weeks
Message what a wonderful website. I had a prem baby born in Aug 2001 at 28 wks weighing only 1lb 13oz (842grams),she spent two months in scbu and now is doing well her present weight is now 9lb 8oz and has already eating solids,cooing and laughing.
Name: andie taylor
E-Mail: taylorpanda13@aol.com
Subject hannah laci-lyn taylor
Message i was really glad to find this site! my daughter Hannah Laci-Lyn Taylor was born at 29weeks 5days.She is now 2weeks old and doing GREAT! She is starting to bottle feed twice a day and hopefully she will be home in about a month.
Friday 01/11/2002 5:18:37pm
Name: jen
E-Mail: sierra2001uk@yahoo.co.uk
Subject hi
Message just a message to say hi.
my baby sister was premature and i thought that i was going to lose her!
Name: Amanda
E-Mail: BramleyE@AOL.COM
Subject Miracles
Message This is the 1st site that I have vistied regarding prem babies and I have to say that I am very impressed and touched by some of the experiances that people have been through. I thought that we had been through a lot till I have read about other peoples ordeals. I started loosing at 10 weeks pregnant and was put on total bed rest for 8 weeks, I was told that if I was going to loose the baby then I could do nothing about it. I kept bleeding up till I was 13 weeks and till that date I had 8 scans. I was told when I was 13 weeks that I have a low lying placenta and I would be lucky if I got to 32 weeks. Then when I had my 18 week scan I was told that they got in wrong and that I would hopefully go full term. I went back to work when I was 20 weeks. When I was about 26 weeks I started getting pains in my back and the midwife told be they where just practice contractions and that I had nothing to worry about, so I went to London for a week for my wedding anniversary. I had just been back and few days when I felt the baby really move around (he had been lying breech)and some pain in my back and strange type period pains. I tried to ignore the pain and I just thought that it was from all the travelling that I had done. When it came till night and it had not gone away I called the Hospital as it did feel strange, they told me to come straight in but they did not think it was anything to worry about. To cut a long story short they put me on a machine to measure the babys heart beat and the contractions. They told me I was not in labour and that they would keep me in overnight for observation. I was examined and told that I was not in labour nor was I likely to go into labour cause I had asked for drugs to stop me if I was as I was only 28 weeks. About 2 hours later I had a strong urge to go to the toilet and could not get up off the toilet floor. When the Consultant came and examined me I was fully dilated and told that there was nothing that I could do and that I was going to have the baby. I could not believe it as I knew how small and fragile the baby would be. 1/2 hour later I gave birth to my son Morgan Jay, who was whipped away from me and taken to special care. For 3 hours I did not know how he was and was basically left on my own with my husband and my mother. Then I was told that they where putting my son on a ventilator and taking him to South Cleveland Hopsital. Finally 6 hours after giving birth I could see my son. He was 2lb 15oz when he was born which was a very good weight for how soon he was, and he was very long 39.5cm. He was in intesive care for 8 days, but done really well he came off the ventilator after 4 days and managed to breath all on his own. 8 days later he was transferred back to my own hospital. He only spent 8 weeks in SCBU, the staff where expecting it to be at least 12, but he just came on in leaps and bounds, they said all to do with the fact that they where giving him my breast milk. When he was about 5 week old I started breast feeing him in SCBU on top of his tube feeds and he was a natural. I am still feeding him now. Morgan is now 4 month old and weighs just over 10lb and he is my little miracle. He still frightens me sometimes when he goes into to much of a deep sleep, like he did today as you have to pick him up and shake him lightly to wake him out of it. When I look at all the other babys that are born prem then it realy makes me realize how lucky I have been with my son, we have been some bad times in SCBU with his breathing but we are really lucky compared to some people.
I would like to say to peple that have prem babys don't give up hope cause they are very tough even when you are still feeding them every 2 hours and they don't know there nights from days because they are worth it because they are so special.
If anyone would like to mail me for a chat then please feel free.