AP with a nicu baby

The closer this birth gets the more upsetting its getting. I'm prepared to see my baby in the nicu I think. I've looked at 100s of nicu baby pics. But what's really buggin me is how am I supposed to attachment parent my LO if they are in the nicu   idk how to handle this. I am a cosleeping, baby wearing, breastfeeding mama. And it's frusterating that I can't do any of that for however long. How am I going to leave her at night? It's all too much. When I had dd she never left my side for months. We had a great Bfing relationship. She was held 24/7. I just don't know how to parent a child I can't hold and take home   this is all so new to me. Does anyone have any tips for me?

I'm still a firm believer that if you make it to 35 weeks you won't necessarily need NICU time. And the more I pray about it, that's really what I'm believing is going to happen.

<blockquote><b>Quoting TheCoopersKnitWitch:</b>" I'm still a firm believer that if you make it to 35 weeks you won't necessarily need NICU time. And the more I pray about it, that's really what I'm believing is going to happen."</blockquote>

Thanks sweetie. Thats what I'm praying for too. I'm just sick at the thought of my baby not sleeping with me from day 1. And sad she won't get to bf first thing after coming out. It's just starting to really sink in I guess.

Quoting lolajessup:" <blockquote><b>Quoting TheCoopersKnitWitch:</b>" I'm still a firm believer that if ... [snip!] ... with me from day 1. And sad she won't get to bf first thing after coming out. It's just starting to really sink in I guess."

I agree with the last person. You may not even see much of the NICU, but if you do, usually they encourage kangaroo care and bfing as soon as possible. I was also encouraged to stay there 24/7 and at least attempt to bf at every feed. The more of that stuff you do, the faster your baby will likely make it home too.

<blockquote><b>Quoting twingals:</b>" I agree with the last person. You may not even see much of the NICU, but if you do, usually they encourage ... [snip!] ... and at least attempt to bf at every feed. The more of that stuff you do, the faster your baby will likely make it home too."</blockquote>
Thanks. That makes me feel so much better. How many weeks was your LO born at? I'm hoping since they are Bfing friendly they know what they're doing and will have me there Bfing as much as possible.

Quoting lolajessup:" <blockquote><b>Quoting twingals:</b>" I agree with the last person. You may not even ... [snip!] ... at? I'm hoping since they are Bfing friendly they know what they're doing and will have me there Bfing as much as possible."

Mine were born at 34 weeks and 4 days. I attempted bf for the first time two days after they were born, but that's only because they ended up being transferred to another hospital to make room for more sick babies because they were doing so well. Once I got to the new hospital, they had me put them to breast right away.

<blockquote><b>Quoting twingals:</b>" Mine were born at 34 weeks and 4 days. I attempted bf for the first time two days after they were born, ... [snip!] ... more sick babies because they were doing so well. Once I got to the new hospital, they had me put them to breast right away."</blockquote>


Awesome. I'll be in the same hospital so I won't have to worry about that.

It's hard having a baby in the nicu. This was my first child and I didn't know what to expect at all. It's not easy leaving knowing you can't take them with you but you have to be strong for your little one. Every time I go I never want to leave. Pray and get involved as much as possible. Know everything the nurses are doing and ask a million questions.

My son was in NICU for 15 days, and it was SO hard.
I hated leaving him at night, but I would spend 15+ hours with him a day.
I'd call all hours of the night, before coming in the morning.. and usually as soon as I got home. Each day did get easier, only because I knew it was one day closer to him coming home.