This will sound crazy!

[Indigo74]

I am 34 weeks pregnant with #2. I had DS at 29 weeks...I was in hospital for the 2 weeks prior to his birth. He was in the NICU for 2 months....we were very fortunate that he didn't have any major problems and has had no developmental issues.

I would never say that I wanted to have a preemie....there was lots of guilt that I didn't carry him as long as I was supposed to and that he had to work so hard in his first days. But at the same time, it was an amazing experience. I knew from the moment he was born that he was going to be okay. We had scary moments for sure. But for the most part I just felt SO BLESSED and I learned so much from the experience....I treasured every moment and every little thing about him and took nothing for granted. He inspired me and gave me strength.

This is so crazy, but I'm finding that I'm feeling a little anxious as I get further in this pregnancy. On the one hand there is huge relief. But there is a bit of nervousness when I think of bringing a baby home right away!!! We had so much support and teaching when DS was in hospital--by the time he came home, I knew exactly what I was doing. This will be so different!!

Am I crazy???

[mum_of_four]

Not crazy. This time you will know exactly what you are doing again, because you've already done it! It'll be fine, and you'll be so happy to leave the hospital with your new LO, so you can get back to your older LO.

[tansie]

NOT AT ALL!
My 1st was in hospital for 4 weeks. Cardiac and feeding issues. Everyone was all "Oh, it must have been awful." Yah, there were times it was. But, like you said...I knew how to change his diaper, feed him, bathe him, knew his sleep habits, etc. I went home very comfortable and confident. Then came along number 2. I had her on WEds morning and was discharged early Thurs afternoon! But, Weds night was the worst! I just wanted them to take her and let me sleep! I was so glad to be home, but freaked out too. What do you do with a new baby?!?!?!?
But, rest assured. Mommy instinct will kick in and you'll be just fine!

[Indigo74]

Thanks ladies...you've helped already! It's not that I would want a preemie again or anything. But it is a totally different experience from having a FT baby!

[pumpkinsmom]

Not crazy. This time you will know exactly what you are doing again, because you've already done it! It'll be fine, and you'll be so happy to leave the hospital with your new LO, so you can get back to your older LO.

What she said, lol. It's ALOT easier the second time around...you'll do great!

[mylittlejewels]

I agree with everything said above! I can relate - My first came 7 weeks early and I worried about the same thing with my second one (now 8 months old). It has been sooooo much easier with the second one! I was so eager to just get home with the new baby (I even contemplated leaving earlier than the 24 hrs).

I'm sure it will all come together for you too! Good luck!

[ladyweim]

I can totally understand your feelings. Our twins were in the NICU for 8 weeks and everything was so organized and prepared by the time we took them home (we even kept doing the feeding charts of when and how much they ate for weeks after we were home). I think if we were to have another and assuming I would go full-term, it would almost feel like having a baby for the first time again because the experience would be so different.

Don't worry, your mommy instincts will kick in, it will all come back to you and everything will be wonderful. I was even a bit nervous to hold my new neice the other day because it had been so long since I held a newborn, but it came back to me in an instant.

[Tan5kids]

Not crazy at all! completely understandable. But you will be fine. Enjoy!

[tracysnest]

Totally understandable!! Best wishes for a great outcome and a quick memory refresh!!

[oliviasmommy]

I feel the exact same way. I am 29 weeks right now with baby #2 and have no idea how to bring a new born home. Baby O is 21 months and still isn't walking or talking so all anyone says to me is, how are you going to do it? My husband works away from home so he is gone 4 days, home days? How am I hgoing to do it?
I can't wait, but at the same time, my life is so focused on getting Baby O to where she needs to be that that is my whole life and has been for almost 2 years?
Anyone else been there? I could really use some advice and it is nice to talk to people that have been through the same thing.
Olivia ws born at 32 weeks but got really sick on her 7th day. She had been taken off of the monitors too early and stopped breathing so now on really knows how long it was. We have had a ped eval at TVCC and have seen a nerologist and thankfulkly, they are sayong that she is just delayed and we need to give her time for her brain to fully develop.
She is SO bright and happy, but it is hard that she can't run and play with her friends. I love her more than life and I love this new little one too-it's amazing to me how one (or two) little lives can change someone so completely.
Sorry for the rant, it's just nice to be able to get things out.
Thanks.

[twinmommy]

olviasmommy - DD did not walk until 17 months and DS just started talking a few weeks ago. I can relate to worrying about how you will do it. I was really worried when DH went on business trips how I would handle two infants on my own. His first week away they were only 10 weeks old. Before his first trip I made sure that I planned a few things - I had my mom come over for dinner 2 nights. I had a playgroup that I went to once a week (this was obviously more for me then them at that point) and I arranged to have girlfriends visit me in the evening after they finished work.

I found/find it much easier to spend days on end alone with them if I get the chance to have adult contact. Do you have friends or family that could come over in the evenings?