Advice?

Britni · Joined: 27 Aug 2008 Posts: 1 Location: Dalton Mass

Hi, I'm new to this website, it is the only one I have seen within the past few months. I am 30 weeks and my baby girl has gastro. As usual, we do not know how severe it is or what is going to happen upon birth but I am absolutely petrified. Though I am aware of the 90 percent success rate, I always worry something will go wrong. I am currently on bed rest because she is not gaining weight, she is only 1.11lbs right now. My family tends to be very negative because no one knows what to expect. More than anything I just want my baby to be okay. I just thought it would help to talk to people who have been through this and may have some positive advice or information...

Heather · Joined: 22 Apr 2008 Posts: 5 Location: Ottawa, Canada

Hi there! I know how scary it is! I am being induced tomorrow, so I'll be seeing finally what is in store for me after all these months of waiting and worrying. There is a man whose baby was just born last Tues. from North Carolina who has posted daily accounts since his wife was a few weeks away from induction and has since written everyday about what they are experiencing since the birth. It is really interesting to check daily the website and see the baby's progress. It is http://babyonboard-dh.blogspot.com/

Take care and good luck. Every day you get through will make life all that easier for your baby upon arrival!

georgie · Joined: 19 Dec 2007 Posts: 7

hi britni,
my daughter turns 2 tomorrow and it seems like an age ago that i was going through what you are going through. its so frightening to not know what will happen, i experienced a similar thing on the weight gain, gen's weight was always estimated to be low, and at one point they said because she wasn't growing they would have to induce her very early, in the end however she was born at 37 weeks weighing 4.9lbs, much bigger than they had estimated!

have you spoken to your surgeon about what to expect and different scenaios? i found that very useful. i remember going through my pregancy terrified, i was constantly told that things were wrong, that her measurments weren't right, her legs were too short, her weight wasn't enough and so on. however she was born a good weight and was out of hospital in 18 days, you'd hardly know now how difficult things were, shes a very spirited 2 year old who is just like all the other 2 year old out there!

try not to worry or expect the worst, these babies are such fighters, they seem to be able to get through anything! take care
Georgie

Christine · Joined: 09 Sep 2008 Posts: 5 Location: Northern Ireland

Hi Britni, I know what you're going through. Can I ask how often have you had to return to the hospital? We have been told not to come back until I am 32 weeks and I am only 23 now. Am worried about the rate baby is developing, as he/she has been measured small the last 2 scans we had.

I'm sure your baby will be fine, not that hearing that makes it any easier. I am going to start a yoga for pregnancy class to help relax me a little because I know that me being worried is'nt helping the baby. You can find a class near you on birthlight.co.uk.

Keep positive

keiras mom · Joined: 19 Sep 2008 Posts: 4

hi britney, my baby was only 2pds around 30 weeks. Good thing is after 30 weeks they start putting on weight pretty fast. At 32 weeks my girl was only 4pds and by 36 when when she was born she was 6pds and 3oz. Also with ultrasound you can give or take a pd. My last ultra before she was born was less than she actually was. good luck. Eat Eat Eat. might help. I put on 50pds.

matthew'smommy · Joined: 01 Oct 2008 Posts: 6 Location: u.s.a.

You and your baby will be okay. My son was in NICU for 5 months, and still has a g-tube, and will for some time; but he is happy, and the joy of my life. With gastroschisis babies there can be many unforseen complications, and you may be living in the waiting room of a hospital for quite some time. People will try to help, to give you things that, after seeing the other babies who are generally worse off than your own, you feel guilty about and may not want to accept their help and support. My advice,.. You are in for the long haul. Take any help you can get, be it emotional, monetary, or just a blanket for your little one. It is hard to see your baby and not be able to hold him, take him home, or to a park. It is hard to see other people with their children. You will need all the support you can get. You will also start to go stir-crazy in the hospital. Channel all of that into caring for your child. No one knows your baby like you will. Be the annoying parent who calls the surgeon team when he cries too much, or if (after he finally poops) his poop looks funny. A diligent parent may catch an infection earlier than an overworked nurse. You may be one of the lucky parents who get to take their baby home within a week, but plan for longer. I found wonderful support in the parents of other long-term babies when my son was hospitalized, and they will be friends for life. You just need to get your family on-board, pack a lot of pajamas, word-finds, a lap-top computer if you have it, and button-down pjs for your baby in all sizes. (It will allow for tube access). Good luck Wink