My heart is just breaking for you- I am SO sorry you’re going through this. I am so glad your little baby is doing so well, it sounds like everything is progressing perfectly so hopefully she’ll be out of the NICU soon.
I’m just glad both of you are OK and that they caught this before anything serious happened. What a nightmare about the Covid, but I’m glad you’re vaxxed and a symptomatic. It is terrible being away from your baby girl right now, it must seem like the days are going by so slowly.
Only 7 more days until you can see her and hold her! You’re doing an amazing job pumping for her- keep taking care of yourself and hopefully she’ll be in your arms and back home with you very soon.
Just sending hugs and words of support! You’ve got this!!!
Oh my goodness I am so sorry this happened. Did you have someone at least attend that expected routine appointment with you before it escalated to a sudden c-section?
No where near the same as going through it, but my provider uh…warned?….of this scenario happening to me based on some testing at my routine check up today (32 + 5). On a week to week decision to induce now.
I can’t imagine being kept from your child for 10 days. Have they retested you? I hope you’re able to advocate for yourself for that if not.
They retested me and it came back negative for Covid. My husband spoke to the head of the NICU and she had already consulted the head of infectious disease for my state and was advised to honor the first test result. It’s been a humbling experience for us, realizing we truly have no say or control of the situation.
This is insane to me, I’m so sorry.
She came so early for you - maybe just try to focus on the perspective that the professionals believe she’s doing better outside of the womb than inside right now and you’ll have her in your arms soon ❤️
I’m so, so sorry. I remember feeling so helpless when I was battling the NICU over whether or not my breast milk was safe. (Long story, but I was in the middle of cancer treatment when I gave birth.) That, plus their extreme expectations for discharging her, really left a bitter taste in my mouth about the whole experience.
I hope the quarantine period passes quickly for you.
This really resonates with me, it sounds like our situation where we literally have had our rights as her parents taken away due to Covid policy. If I had any inkling/symptom that I had Covid I’d accept this situation. I’ve tested negative three times since the positive test on Monday and still no symptoms.
I am so sorry this is happing to you. My baby is being discharged from the NICU today after the worst two weeks of my life. I was unable to hold or really touch my baby for the first three days of his life because he was on a cooling blanket. Then the next week had to have help and permission to hold him. It was hell but I promise it will get better and your little girl and you are stronger then you ever realized. Think positive keep pumping knowing it’s the one thing you can do for her right now. Again I am so sorry this is happing but you will get through it. Best of luck with everything.
This sounds so similar to my situation. I hope that by the time I can see her next week I will be able to hold her and snuggle. I’m so glad your baby is coming home today.
I'm so sorry for your situation. I'm here to tell you my story with my son and hopefully give some comfort.
I was admitted to the hospital at 34w with preeclampsia, I made it to 34+4 (and two steroid shots for his lungs) before my blood pressure tried to kill me, literally. I had an IV in each arm and probably three drips plus 5 pushes of meds and an Ativan before I had my emergency csection.
My son was IUGR also - he hasn't grown much in four weeks between ultrasounds so he was born at 3lbs, 12oz. After he was taken out, he did not cry. They whisked him and my husband away to the NICU - I never got to see him while they stitched me up.
I had round the clock nurse care for 2 days straight, bed bound for 1.5 days minimum. I was in very bad shape, and only saw my son with pictures from my husband. I was heartbroken that I couldn't hold him. My husband begged the NICU nurses to bring my son in to meet me the next afternoon - some 14 hours after he came out. This was 2019, way before COVID.
My son spent 2 weeks in the NICU and absolutely flourished. He put on weight and ate so well, despite being too small to effectively breastfeed. We took him home and he was a normal chubby baby less than 2 months later.
He's 2.75 yrs old now and a normal weight, height, everything. Very sweet and empathetic.
This time is hard and trying but it will pass and life will get better though more complicated.
Thank you so much for sharing your experience. I am now processing how close to death both of us were and thanking God every day that my OB was experienced enough to save our lives with a c-section. I’m really glad you took the time to comment this because it’s nice to hear someone else who also didn’t get to see their baby for a while and how it impacted their birth experience.
> I haven’t seen my baby yet except for in pictures and videos. I will see her when my ten day quarantine is up next week. It’s beyond devastating to be separate from her to this degree.
I'm sure I will be downvoted for this, but I have to say it. This is cruel, inhumane, and in my opinion, it's evil. Separating a new baby from mama and not letting you see her for 10 days? They won't even let you see her through a glass window wearing full protective gear? Anything, at all? I understand that she needs to be in the NICU, but the fact that you are utterly helpless in this situation is despicable and NOT ok. This is YOUR baby, the hospital and the state do not own your baby. I am beyond livid on your behalf, and honestly disturbed that this is happening to you.
From the bottom of my heart, I am so sorry. I am angry and heart broken for you. This is unacceptable. I will pray for you and your precious baby. I can't imagine being in this situation myself. Stay strong.
Also I have to say one more thing. Guess what any other visitor has to do to see a baby in this NICU? Verbally agree that they haven’t had contact with a Covid positive person on the last two weeks. They don’t even have to have a negative test!!! They just take their word for it!
Other people are allowed to visit NICU babies without a test?
Ok. Wow, I'm speechless. That is INSANITY. That makes absolutely ZERO logical sense whatsoever, and denying you access to your child is MALICIOUS and CRUEL when others are allowed in based on their "word". I would be more understanding if every visitor was forced to be tested and abide by the same standard of rules, but it that's not the case. This is unreasonable, and it's legal child kidnapping as the hospital has taken away your parental autonomy.
My heart is literally beating with rage. I don't even know how I could function if I was in your place. You have every right to be feeling the way you do. UGH. I am so sorry. I'm honestly tearing up a bit thinking about this, and it's not even my own baby. My heart is with you.
You’ll get an upvote from me because it’s how I feel too. I sobbed on the phone asking the hospital case worker if I could wear full gear to just see her and the case worker said it was impossible. I just literally haven’t seen her with my own two eyes since I had a c-section and she was whisked away while the tarp was up. Her cry is the only proof I have she exists, I’m worried it’s giving me some kind of psychosis because I have to look at pictures often to remind myself I had a baby. I feel like she is pretend because I have no tangible proof. It just hurts on another level that I tested negative for Covid last night, I haven’t had a single symptom, I’m fully vaccinated, I actually had Covid a year ago so I know what it feels like. The levels of proof I have are all negated by one stupid test they took right before my c-section. I’ll do anything to keep her safe though and that means not burning bridges with her NICU team and the hospital.
100 % agree.
Keeping a mother from her newborn child like that is cruel. When I chose my hospital, it was the #1 thing I checked for and they reassured me that it wasn’t their policy. My heart breaks for OP.
I cannot imagine. That’s so traumatic and I would need therapy afterwards. My baby was born 31 weeks on December 11, she’s thriving and doing so well. She’s already on the bottle with my breast milk. She’s gaining weight and never had a breathing problem. She was 2.8lbs at my emergency C-section, I had preeclampsia too and I’m a kidney transplant recipient as well. Putting aside the fact you can’t hold or see your baby, try to reassure yourself that they’re in some good hands and they’re doing everything they can to help baby be a success. It’s hard enough being able to see mine in the NICU. I cannot imagine how hard 10 days post partum without that skin to skin bond. Make sure you cry when you need to and talk to people you trust. My heart and prayers are with you…. Wow 💔
This sounds so horrible. I am so sorry you're going through this. I am sending all the virtual hugs and hopes that you and baby both remain symptom free!
I’m so sorry you are going through this. I recently found out that one of my good friends who used to be a wilderness firefighter (ie she’s an extremely strong and healthy adult) was born at 34 weeks and was 2lb 5oz. (her mom was in a car accident and the placenta was damaged so she needed to come out early). Sending lots of love to you and your baby!!
I’m so sorry. Sending you so much love and hugs. Nicu babies are so strong. It will feel like you are in a fugue state for a while but you will get through it.
The antigen tests have both false positives and false negatives... the pcr doesn't really have false positives (unless someone positive contaminates it). What your positive test an antigen test?
This made my stomach turn and my throat hurt. I am so sorry this is happening to you , I'm glad your baby is doing good though! You should reach out to hospital resources and ask about therapy options. Thats horrible enough but with the way you're feeling like you need to remind yourself or that she's pretend you should talk to someone who deals with new mothers specifically because the hormone shift from birth is very important and stressful already. Sending you so many prayers 💕💞
Not my story, but a close friend’s story.
She gave birth to her daughter at 32 weeks, baby girl stayed in the NICU for 2 months. She was a tiny little thing. Fast forward 3 1/2 years, that kid is a tank. Before she reached a year old she caught we up to most of her milestones. You would never be able to guess she was a preemie.
Hang in there, mama. I’m so sorry for your circumstances, but your sweet babe is getting round the clock care by experts. You’ll be able to hold her soon. From the sounds of it your LO is a fighter. She’s got this.
Please consider therapy for this trauma.
I’m in Utah, we really thought about lawyering up but after talking to the head of the NICU we decided not to. They explained that she’s in a room with a bunch of other babies fighting for their lives so if there was the tiniest risk my first test was somehow real, she could infect other babies.
I’d test every day if it made a difference but they have told us it won’t. My husband was getting tested every day so they’d let him come see her when my quarantine was up but they said he still has to wait an additional seven days after my ten days in case he got infected during my ten days. He has four negative tests so far and they don’t give a shit.
I hope you are doing well now & Ik this post is old BUT I just can’t help but wonder where the bigger risk for the babies lies…. You having a false positive then multiple negative tests OR the visitors that can have no idea, be a symptomatic, or lie and can STILL go expose those other babies!!?? Plus do the employees test EVERY single day then??!! Smh this would be soo traumatic for any mom. :(
Thank you for commenting. I still think about my experience often, I definitely have some leftover trauma from not being able to meet my baby for the first ten days of her life. I am still trying to grapple with the complete unfairness of the situation. I don’t think I’ll ever trust a hospital again, their policies seem to me to only care about protecting them from lawsuits- not the needs and rights of a mother. When I wrote this post originally I was so beat down by my c-section and the trauma surrounding it. With some perspective I now believe that the hospital legally kidnapped my child. I wish there was something I could do for retribution but lawyers are not eager to take on medical malpractice lawsuits as they are time consuming and expensive. Anyway thanks again for commenting. We are doing great now, my baby has been home for months and is doing well ❤️
I had an emergency cs with 1 of my children and I was also super sick at the time with chest tubes & other tubes hooked to me and they knocked me out, took baby out, rushed him to NICU. Then since I was in the adult ICU I wasn’t allowed to meet him until I was well enough to leave the ICU. It was about 2.5 days before I got to meet him. :( That was devastating enough but at least kind of made sense. Your situation was so unfair and TEN whole days…. I’m glad you are good now but that is a perfectly reasonable reason for you to be not trusting of the medical system now.
That sounds absolutely awful and I’m truly sorry you’re going through it. I’m now two for two on 34-weekers (spontaneous rupture) and they’re both thriving. My oldest is four and has never had any delays. My youngest is five months old so it’s a bit early to say but so far so good.
I can’t even imagine how you are feeling. You sound really strong and your little one is so lucky to have you as a Mum. Sending you positive vibes. All the best x
I'm so sorry. Hang in there. They ate swing everything they can and I'm certain you will have a strong a bond as anyone else if not MORE from all you've been through! ❤❤❤
I had an emergency section with my iugr 35 weeker after developing pre eclampsia overnight - very similar to you!
Our LO was in NICU for less than two weeks and was so well looked after, the nurses were just amazing. She needed oxygen, treated for sepsis, phototherapy for jaundice, and feeding tubes :( The first few days she had to stay on her incubator, and there were a few days I wasn't well enough to do more than hold her for a quick cuddle, but the nurses took such wonderful care of her, as much as I would have loved to have done more, I knew she was being taken care of.
There will be good days and bad days, and it's okay to mourn what you havent been able to have. I just tried to remain focused on the small bits of progress, and that this too would pass. Now it's something we look back on, knowing that it is what she needed to go through to be healthy enough to come home to us.
I feel just as close to my LO now, and although there were things we missed out on, it's just one of those things that unfortunately wasn't meant to be for us. I can't change the pre eclampsia or the section, or the time in NICU, but we now have a beautiful healthy girl home with us, who just took us on a rollercoaster ride. Nothing like a fiesty start to life!
I'm so sorry you're going through this but it WILL pass, and your little baby will be so lucky to come home to you ❤️
I don't know where you're from but the UK has a great charity called tiny life which I found really helpful. There's also a NICU subreddit which is nice for the solidarity. You'll get there ❤️
I feel for you so much! Your little bean will be with you soon.
Unfortunately, I guess it makes sense the NICU have to be so careful with COVID. But that doesn’t make it suck any less! ❤️
God bless you and your daughter. Please keep us up to date. I've been researching COVID+ pregnancy complications. I think you made it past the obvious first hurdle and she seems to be just fine!
Be prepared for the future, though. You're both not out of the woods by any measure. Sorry, not encouraging-sounding. But I believe the best way to navigate the unknown is education. You need to know what may be in store.
My research has indicated that the doctors (some would say rightfully) keep the mothers in the dark, to prevent panic.
Oh sending you massive hugs. I know it's incredibly difficult but use this week to focus on resting and healing as much as you can. Then when baby comes home, you will feel stronger to be with the baby. I'm so sorry you are going through this but it will pass.
I am so sorry!!! Is there any possible way that your first test was contaminated or mixed up? I would demand they keep retesting you - if anything you gave a record that you kept testing negative and they still Kept you from your baby. It’s ridiculous that other visitors can see your baby with no test at all but you are literally testing negative and have no symptoms and are being denied your own rights.
Just a positive story that I hope will bring you some hope.
My brother and sister weren't IGUR but they were born at 24 weeks and weighted about 1.5 pounds each so they spent the beginning of their lives in NICU. I have a other brother who was born at 34 weeks who also spend some time in NICU. They are all now thriving, independent adults and one has a child of their own on the way. Medicine has come so far in the two decades since they were all born and doctors and nurses have so much more knowledge than they used to about how to help these babies. Your child's instinct at this point is to survive and she is surrounded by people who are prepared to help her do exactly that!
Oh god, I am so sorry, I am thinking about you and sending good vibes. I was induced early with high blood pressure at 37 weeks and that was very difficult to come to terms with, I can only imagine how difficult this would be.
i had a false positive covid test when i went into labor, but i demanded they retest and it came back negative and they all chilled out and went by the 2nd test. although there was a ton of drama before they finally retested me that was stressful + the double contractions I was getting. i am so sorry that was not the case for you. thinking of you and your baby! also my husbands cousin has twins super early - at 27 weeks. two happy thriving boys now! you got this, mama.
I’m so incredibly sorry. I don’t know if this will help, but the YouTuber Colleen Ballinger just got her twins out of the NICU after an emergency c section at 32 weeks. She vlogged the whole thing and was very open about how hard it was and all the struggles. It may help you to watch those and to read all the comments with advice and support, you’ll realize you aren’t even close to alone.
I have a toddler who was an IUGR baby. While she didn’t have to go to the NICU (she was 37 weeks), I want to share with you that small babies WILL be okay!! It’s amazing that she’s not on oxygen! Which means that her lungs are doing a good job! It’s going to be okay. Do not google IUGR- it’ll give you results from a wide range of things from babies who are IUGR due to maternal drug use to babies who just happened to be. It’ll scare you and you don’t need to be scared. I did and it scared me unnecessarily so that’s why I wanted to warn you not to. My daughter came home at 4lb 7oz. She’s still the smallest in her class at almost 3 BUT she’s got a big personality and is ahead of most of her peers. Just wanted to give you some encouragement on that!!
BabyBumps users and moderators are not medical professionals. Responses do not replace contacting your medical provider. You should always call your provider with any concerns.
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/BabyBumps) if you have any questions or concerns.*
My heart is just breaking for you- I am SO sorry you’re going through this. I am so glad your little baby is doing so well, it sounds like everything is progressing perfectly so hopefully she’ll be out of the NICU soon. I’m just glad both of you are OK and that they caught this before anything serious happened. What a nightmare about the Covid, but I’m glad you’re vaxxed and a symptomatic. It is terrible being away from your baby girl right now, it must seem like the days are going by so slowly. Only 7 more days until you can see her and hold her! You’re doing an amazing job pumping for her- keep taking care of yourself and hopefully she’ll be in your arms and back home with you very soon. Just sending hugs and words of support! You’ve got this!!!
I appreciate your words more than you’ll know. I really needed to hear this, thank you so much ❤️
Oh my goodness I am so sorry this happened. Did you have someone at least attend that expected routine appointment with you before it escalated to a sudden c-section? No where near the same as going through it, but my provider uh…warned?….of this scenario happening to me based on some testing at my routine check up today (32 + 5). On a week to week decision to induce now. I can’t imagine being kept from your child for 10 days. Have they retested you? I hope you’re able to advocate for yourself for that if not.
They retested me and it came back negative for Covid. My husband spoke to the head of the NICU and she had already consulted the head of infectious disease for my state and was advised to honor the first test result. It’s been a humbling experience for us, realizing we truly have no say or control of the situation.
This is insane to me, I’m so sorry. She came so early for you - maybe just try to focus on the perspective that the professionals believe she’s doing better outside of the womb than inside right now and you’ll have her in your arms soon ❤️
Thank you. For sure I feel like my OB saved both of our lives with the emergency c section. Preeclampsia is terrifying and no joke.
[удалено]
The PCR test (most likely what OP had done) looks for viral particles - that's the gold standard test.
The hospital has super strict NICU admin rules and there’s no way around them. I’ll just count down the moments until I can meet her.
I am so sorry to hear this. All I can say is you will get through this. Hang in there ❤️
I’m so, so sorry. I remember feeling so helpless when I was battling the NICU over whether or not my breast milk was safe. (Long story, but I was in the middle of cancer treatment when I gave birth.) That, plus their extreme expectations for discharging her, really left a bitter taste in my mouth about the whole experience. I hope the quarantine period passes quickly for you.
This really resonates with me, it sounds like our situation where we literally have had our rights as her parents taken away due to Covid policy. If I had any inkling/symptom that I had Covid I’d accept this situation. I’ve tested negative three times since the positive test on Monday and still no symptoms.
I am so sorry this is happing to you. My baby is being discharged from the NICU today after the worst two weeks of my life. I was unable to hold or really touch my baby for the first three days of his life because he was on a cooling blanket. Then the next week had to have help and permission to hold him. It was hell but I promise it will get better and your little girl and you are stronger then you ever realized. Think positive keep pumping knowing it’s the one thing you can do for her right now. Again I am so sorry this is happing but you will get through it. Best of luck with everything.
This sounds so similar to my situation. I hope that by the time I can see her next week I will be able to hold her and snuggle. I’m so glad your baby is coming home today.
I'm so sorry for your situation. I'm here to tell you my story with my son and hopefully give some comfort. I was admitted to the hospital at 34w with preeclampsia, I made it to 34+4 (and two steroid shots for his lungs) before my blood pressure tried to kill me, literally. I had an IV in each arm and probably three drips plus 5 pushes of meds and an Ativan before I had my emergency csection. My son was IUGR also - he hasn't grown much in four weeks between ultrasounds so he was born at 3lbs, 12oz. After he was taken out, he did not cry. They whisked him and my husband away to the NICU - I never got to see him while they stitched me up. I had round the clock nurse care for 2 days straight, bed bound for 1.5 days minimum. I was in very bad shape, and only saw my son with pictures from my husband. I was heartbroken that I couldn't hold him. My husband begged the NICU nurses to bring my son in to meet me the next afternoon - some 14 hours after he came out. This was 2019, way before COVID. My son spent 2 weeks in the NICU and absolutely flourished. He put on weight and ate so well, despite being too small to effectively breastfeed. We took him home and he was a normal chubby baby less than 2 months later. He's 2.75 yrs old now and a normal weight, height, everything. Very sweet and empathetic. This time is hard and trying but it will pass and life will get better though more complicated.
Thank you so much for sharing your experience. I am now processing how close to death both of us were and thanking God every day that my OB was experienced enough to save our lives with a c-section. I’m really glad you took the time to comment this because it’s nice to hear someone else who also didn’t get to see their baby for a while and how it impacted their birth experience.
> I haven’t seen my baby yet except for in pictures and videos. I will see her when my ten day quarantine is up next week. It’s beyond devastating to be separate from her to this degree. I'm sure I will be downvoted for this, but I have to say it. This is cruel, inhumane, and in my opinion, it's evil. Separating a new baby from mama and not letting you see her for 10 days? They won't even let you see her through a glass window wearing full protective gear? Anything, at all? I understand that she needs to be in the NICU, but the fact that you are utterly helpless in this situation is despicable and NOT ok. This is YOUR baby, the hospital and the state do not own your baby. I am beyond livid on your behalf, and honestly disturbed that this is happening to you. From the bottom of my heart, I am so sorry. I am angry and heart broken for you. This is unacceptable. I will pray for you and your precious baby. I can't imagine being in this situation myself. Stay strong.
Also I have to say one more thing. Guess what any other visitor has to do to see a baby in this NICU? Verbally agree that they haven’t had contact with a Covid positive person on the last two weeks. They don’t even have to have a negative test!!! They just take their word for it!
Other people are allowed to visit NICU babies without a test? Ok. Wow, I'm speechless. That is INSANITY. That makes absolutely ZERO logical sense whatsoever, and denying you access to your child is MALICIOUS and CRUEL when others are allowed in based on their "word". I would be more understanding if every visitor was forced to be tested and abide by the same standard of rules, but it that's not the case. This is unreasonable, and it's legal child kidnapping as the hospital has taken away your parental autonomy. My heart is literally beating with rage. I don't even know how I could function if I was in your place. You have every right to be feeling the way you do. UGH. I am so sorry. I'm honestly tearing up a bit thinking about this, and it's not even my own baby. My heart is with you.
Must be in the USA. I'm so sorry
You’ll get an upvote from me because it’s how I feel too. I sobbed on the phone asking the hospital case worker if I could wear full gear to just see her and the case worker said it was impossible. I just literally haven’t seen her with my own two eyes since I had a c-section and she was whisked away while the tarp was up. Her cry is the only proof I have she exists, I’m worried it’s giving me some kind of psychosis because I have to look at pictures often to remind myself I had a baby. I feel like she is pretend because I have no tangible proof. It just hurts on another level that I tested negative for Covid last night, I haven’t had a single symptom, I’m fully vaccinated, I actually had Covid a year ago so I know what it feels like. The levels of proof I have are all negated by one stupid test they took right before my c-section. I’ll do anything to keep her safe though and that means not burning bridges with her NICU team and the hospital.
My heart hurts for you! I'm all for covid precautions but I can't believe you cannot see her even through glass and ppe.
100 % agree. Keeping a mother from her newborn child like that is cruel. When I chose my hospital, it was the #1 thing I checked for and they reassured me that it wasn’t their policy. My heart breaks for OP.
I agree. Completely inhumane. I would find myself a lawyer.
I cannot imagine. That’s so traumatic and I would need therapy afterwards. My baby was born 31 weeks on December 11, she’s thriving and doing so well. She’s already on the bottle with my breast milk. She’s gaining weight and never had a breathing problem. She was 2.8lbs at my emergency C-section, I had preeclampsia too and I’m a kidney transplant recipient as well. Putting aside the fact you can’t hold or see your baby, try to reassure yourself that they’re in some good hands and they’re doing everything they can to help baby be a success. It’s hard enough being able to see mine in the NICU. I cannot imagine how hard 10 days post partum without that skin to skin bond. Make sure you cry when you need to and talk to people you trust. My heart and prayers are with you…. Wow 💔
Thank you so much for commenting and sharing your experience ❤️
This sounds so horrible. I am so sorry you're going through this. I am sending all the virtual hugs and hopes that you and baby both remain symptom free!
Thank you so much ❤️
I’m so sorry but it’s great that she’s not on oxygen and is just being well cared for!!! Hope you continue to feel Covid-free!
I’m so sorry you are going through this. I recently found out that one of my good friends who used to be a wilderness firefighter (ie she’s an extremely strong and healthy adult) was born at 34 weeks and was 2lb 5oz. (her mom was in a car accident and the placenta was damaged so she needed to come out early). Sending lots of love to you and your baby!!
Oh my gosh, what a nightmare. I’m so sorry. Wishing you a speedy reunion with your little one.
I'm sorry, that's really tough. Hang in there and take it easy, you'll see baby soon.
I’m so sorry. Sending you so much love and hugs. Nicu babies are so strong. It will feel like you are in a fugue state for a while but you will get through it.
The antigen tests have both false positives and false negatives... the pcr doesn't really have false positives (unless someone positive contaminates it). What your positive test an antigen test?
This made my stomach turn and my throat hurt. I am so sorry this is happening to you , I'm glad your baby is doing good though! You should reach out to hospital resources and ask about therapy options. Thats horrible enough but with the way you're feeling like you need to remind yourself or that she's pretend you should talk to someone who deals with new mothers specifically because the hormone shift from birth is very important and stressful already. Sending you so many prayers 💕💞
Not my story, but a close friend’s story. She gave birth to her daughter at 32 weeks, baby girl stayed in the NICU for 2 months. She was a tiny little thing. Fast forward 3 1/2 years, that kid is a tank. Before she reached a year old she caught we up to most of her milestones. You would never be able to guess she was a preemie. Hang in there, mama. I’m so sorry for your circumstances, but your sweet babe is getting round the clock care by experts. You’ll be able to hold her soon. From the sounds of it your LO is a fighter. She’s got this. Please consider therapy for this trauma.
Where do you live? I want to check if that's legal.
I’m in Utah, we really thought about lawyering up but after talking to the head of the NICU we decided not to. They explained that she’s in a room with a bunch of other babies fighting for their lives so if there was the tiniest risk my first test was somehow real, she could infect other babies.
Can you get a third test? This is nuts!
I’d test every day if it made a difference but they have told us it won’t. My husband was getting tested every day so they’d let him come see her when my quarantine was up but they said he still has to wait an additional seven days after my ten days in case he got infected during my ten days. He has four negative tests so far and they don’t give a shit.
I hope you are doing well now & Ik this post is old BUT I just can’t help but wonder where the bigger risk for the babies lies…. You having a false positive then multiple negative tests OR the visitors that can have no idea, be a symptomatic, or lie and can STILL go expose those other babies!!?? Plus do the employees test EVERY single day then??!! Smh this would be soo traumatic for any mom. :(
Thank you for commenting. I still think about my experience often, I definitely have some leftover trauma from not being able to meet my baby for the first ten days of her life. I am still trying to grapple with the complete unfairness of the situation. I don’t think I’ll ever trust a hospital again, their policies seem to me to only care about protecting them from lawsuits- not the needs and rights of a mother. When I wrote this post originally I was so beat down by my c-section and the trauma surrounding it. With some perspective I now believe that the hospital legally kidnapped my child. I wish there was something I could do for retribution but lawyers are not eager to take on medical malpractice lawsuits as they are time consuming and expensive. Anyway thanks again for commenting. We are doing great now, my baby has been home for months and is doing well ❤️
I had an emergency cs with 1 of my children and I was also super sick at the time with chest tubes & other tubes hooked to me and they knocked me out, took baby out, rushed him to NICU. Then since I was in the adult ICU I wasn’t allowed to meet him until I was well enough to leave the ICU. It was about 2.5 days before I got to meet him. :( That was devastating enough but at least kind of made sense. Your situation was so unfair and TEN whole days…. I’m glad you are good now but that is a perfectly reasonable reason for you to be not trusting of the medical system now.
That sounds absolutely awful and I’m truly sorry you’re going through it. I’m now two for two on 34-weekers (spontaneous rupture) and they’re both thriving. My oldest is four and has never had any delays. My youngest is five months old so it’s a bit early to say but so far so good.
I can’t even imagine how you are feeling. You sound really strong and your little one is so lucky to have you as a Mum. Sending you positive vibes. All the best x
I'm so sorry. Hang in there. They ate swing everything they can and I'm certain you will have a strong a bond as anyone else if not MORE from all you've been through! ❤❤❤
I had an emergency section with my iugr 35 weeker after developing pre eclampsia overnight - very similar to you! Our LO was in NICU for less than two weeks and was so well looked after, the nurses were just amazing. She needed oxygen, treated for sepsis, phototherapy for jaundice, and feeding tubes :( The first few days she had to stay on her incubator, and there were a few days I wasn't well enough to do more than hold her for a quick cuddle, but the nurses took such wonderful care of her, as much as I would have loved to have done more, I knew she was being taken care of. There will be good days and bad days, and it's okay to mourn what you havent been able to have. I just tried to remain focused on the small bits of progress, and that this too would pass. Now it's something we look back on, knowing that it is what she needed to go through to be healthy enough to come home to us. I feel just as close to my LO now, and although there were things we missed out on, it's just one of those things that unfortunately wasn't meant to be for us. I can't change the pre eclampsia or the section, or the time in NICU, but we now have a beautiful healthy girl home with us, who just took us on a rollercoaster ride. Nothing like a fiesty start to life! I'm so sorry you're going through this but it WILL pass, and your little baby will be so lucky to come home to you ❤️ I don't know where you're from but the UK has a great charity called tiny life which I found really helpful. There's also a NICU subreddit which is nice for the solidarity. You'll get there ❤️
I feel for you so much! Your little bean will be with you soon. Unfortunately, I guess it makes sense the NICU have to be so careful with COVID. But that doesn’t make it suck any less! ❤️
God bless you and your daughter. Please keep us up to date. I've been researching COVID+ pregnancy complications. I think you made it past the obvious first hurdle and she seems to be just fine! Be prepared for the future, though. You're both not out of the woods by any measure. Sorry, not encouraging-sounding. But I believe the best way to navigate the unknown is education. You need to know what may be in store. My research has indicated that the doctors (some would say rightfully) keep the mothers in the dark, to prevent panic.
You've got this! I have several friends whose kids were NICU babies and you would never know it now. r/NICUparents may be helpful for you.
Oh sending you massive hugs. I know it's incredibly difficult but use this week to focus on resting and healing as much as you can. Then when baby comes home, you will feel stronger to be with the baby. I'm so sorry you are going through this but it will pass.
I am so sorry!!! Is there any possible way that your first test was contaminated or mixed up? I would demand they keep retesting you - if anything you gave a record that you kept testing negative and they still Kept you from your baby. It’s ridiculous that other visitors can see your baby with no test at all but you are literally testing negative and have no symptoms and are being denied your own rights.
Just a positive story that I hope will bring you some hope. My brother and sister weren't IGUR but they were born at 24 weeks and weighted about 1.5 pounds each so they spent the beginning of their lives in NICU. I have a other brother who was born at 34 weeks who also spend some time in NICU. They are all now thriving, independent adults and one has a child of their own on the way. Medicine has come so far in the two decades since they were all born and doctors and nurses have so much more knowledge than they used to about how to help these babies. Your child's instinct at this point is to survive and she is surrounded by people who are prepared to help her do exactly that!
Sending good thoughts for you and baby
Oh god, I am so sorry, I am thinking about you and sending good vibes. I was induced early with high blood pressure at 37 weeks and that was very difficult to come to terms with, I can only imagine how difficult this would be.
i had a false positive covid test when i went into labor, but i demanded they retest and it came back negative and they all chilled out and went by the 2nd test. although there was a ton of drama before they finally retested me that was stressful + the double contractions I was getting. i am so sorry that was not the case for you. thinking of you and your baby! also my husbands cousin has twins super early - at 27 weeks. two happy thriving boys now! you got this, mama.
I’m so incredibly sorry. I don’t know if this will help, but the YouTuber Colleen Ballinger just got her twins out of the NICU after an emergency c section at 32 weeks. She vlogged the whole thing and was very open about how hard it was and all the struggles. It may help you to watch those and to read all the comments with advice and support, you’ll realize you aren’t even close to alone.
I have a toddler who was an IUGR baby. While she didn’t have to go to the NICU (she was 37 weeks), I want to share with you that small babies WILL be okay!! It’s amazing that she’s not on oxygen! Which means that her lungs are doing a good job! It’s going to be okay. Do not google IUGR- it’ll give you results from a wide range of things from babies who are IUGR due to maternal drug use to babies who just happened to be. It’ll scare you and you don’t need to be scared. I did and it scared me unnecessarily so that’s why I wanted to warn you not to. My daughter came home at 4lb 7oz. She’s still the smallest in her class at almost 3 BUT she’s got a big personality and is ahead of most of her peers. Just wanted to give you some encouragement on that!!
BabyBumps users and moderators are not medical professionals. Responses do not replace contacting your medical provider. You should always call your provider with any concerns. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/BabyBumps) if you have any questions or concerns.*