First child

[applecrumple]

Hiya, just wanted to post my story - my dd was born at 36+1 due to static growth (she stopped growing at 32 weeks). I was induced at 36 & she was born by emerg c section the following day. my little one was in the SCBU for 9 days (she had hypothermia & low blood sugar when born & then developed jaundice & a skin infection). She's now home (is 11 days old now) & I, breast feeding her - have been exclusively of the last 5 days (prior to that she was fed m expressed milk through a feeding tube). I'm posting to get some experiences from other mums who are/have been in the same situation. I'm terrified that she's not feeding enough & therefore won't put on weight, also that her temp will drop. Think im just lacking in confidence really, she is my first so that makes I harder anyway. On the feeding thing, she's feeding approx 15-20 mins every 2-3 hours. Any responses would be greatly appreciated!

[FancyBread]

I have absolutely no advice apart from suggesting that you not be shy to ask your health visitor or GP for as much support and reassurance as you need. I am sure I hope they won't mind.
Congratulations on your new DC, I hope everything goes well.

[TeaandHobnobs]

Apple congratulations on your DD!

Are you able to contact the staff at SCBU with any concerns? I found they were my best port of call when I needed advice and support.

The feeding pattern sounds very normal to me - don't forget at this stage you can judge intake by lots of wet and pooey nappies. If you have been breastfeeding exclusively for 5 days now, that must mean SCBU felt all was well in order to discharge her, so take confidence from that! But I know how different it is when suddenly there isn't a nurse just there to check with if you are unsure about something.

I know those first days at home can be very tough. Do speak to your HV if you are feeling anxious, and maybe try and get to a breastfeeding support group if you are feeling up to going out?

And of course, keep chatting to us The prem board can be a little quiet, but there are a lot of us about I think. Also if you post any queries about feeding on the breast and bottle feeding board, I know there are lots of mums of prem babies there who will offer you support.

Try and stay confident, and don't be afraid to ask for more help or support.

((hug))

[lotstar]

I was a wreck when i got my little boy home! I felt like the scbu did a much better job than me and wanted to take him back so he could be looked after properly! Needless to say everything has settled down now and I'm no longer stressing about every little thing.
I think its pretty normal to worry about their temp after witnessing it being monitored since closely whilst on scbu. They told me not to buy a thermometer as they were confident he could control his temp and said that you can tell easily Bhutan the warmth of their belly and back of neck if they are a good temp.
Breastfeeding was a bit mental to start with (and still is sometimes even at 4 months) i just feed whenever he wants and that seems to keep him following the 9th percentile. He struggled a bit in the first couple of weeks after coming home but i think that's quite normal just whilst they establish a routine.
Good luck!

[lotstar]

Sorry couple of weird typos there, no idea what bhutan is!

[applecrumple]

Thanks ladies for your support. The HV has just been & DD has put on 5oz in less than a week so I'm obviously doing something right! Another horrendous night of v little sleep, but early days yet & everyone keeps telling me it'll get easier!

[TeaandHobnobs]

That's great Apple!

Definitely the first two or three weeks at home were the worst. There is a light at the end of the tunnel - keep on plugging away