Any parent's of prem babies in Tameside?

[rascal1979]

After the birth of my DD 9 weeks prem last December I would have really aprpeciated having someone to talk to who had been through the experience and come out the other side. I feel that this would have been beneficial both when we were in hospital and again when we came home. In Tameside there is no community NICU nurse and the HV and Gp's don't know enough about prem babies to be of any great use

Also the fear of taking my tiny DD (only 4lb 40z on discharge) to 'normal' groups where people stared cos she was so small, or because of the risk iof infection etc. I remember going to a breastfeeding group and feeling that DD would never grow and never be 'normal' - I just sat there and burst into tears

Myself and another mum (whom I met on NICU) of a prem baby have set up a support group for parents and families of prem babies in Tameside.

So.... if you are a parent of a prem baby in the Tameside area and would like to come along for a chat and or moral support then email me at [email protected] .

The first meeting is on 5th November 2008

[pipintroll]

Where is Tameside please?

[PeaMcLean]

Tameside near Machester.

Hope it goes well rascal.

[pipintroll]

Thanks PM. Nowhere near there. Hope it goes well too.

[rascal1979]

Thanks!

[rascal1979]

opps the email should read [email protected]

[johnworf]

Hi,

I'm in Bury. Not too far from you (a short trip up the M60).

My baby was born 24 +3 and was in St Marys then Fairfield Bury. We're home now but if you want to give me a shout on all things prem, let me know

[NomDePlume]

I was a prem baby born in Tameside General Hospital .

Donkeys years ago now, mind.

[NomDePlume]

Am from Droylsden originally.

[rascal1979]

Thanks!

Johnworf I folllowed your thread - think I posted a couple of times. My DD was born at St Marys last December before being transferred on Xmas day to Tameside. Hope your DD is doing well. I actually came up to the unit whilst you were on with your DD (popping in for a visit with my DD) and asked if you were around but you had nipped home! They were so fab at St Mary's weren't they.

The support gruop is specifically for parents in Tameside but would be lovely to meet you and your georgeous daughter. If you'd like more info or to come along plase email me at [email protected]

NomDePlume I too hail from Droylsden!! When were you in Tameside NICU?

[johnworf]

rascal1979 what a shame I missed you! It would have been nice to meet up and go for a coffee...god knows there's been times on that unit that I've need to have a break. But, it all seems so long ago. Weird isn't it how time passes so quickly once you get them home?

She was in St Marys from 29th May and transferred to Fairfield on 22 August. She's been home since 7th September and we're doing fab. She's still on O2 but it's coming down nicely (so far). It feels as though we've got a million hospital follow up visits still; Pendlebury for her PDA, Eye Hospital for her ROP and follow ups at Bury. Also she's having the Synergis jab for Bronchiolitis so she has that once a month as well.

She's over 10lbs now. Not sure of exact weight as the specialist nurse was on hols last week and the stand in was ill. Yep, I still get a regular visit once a week from her and she's fab. I've even rung the unit at Fairfield when her bum was sore and they just said 'ah bring her up and the doc will see her'. So I did, and the doc did! In and out in 10 minutes. They're almost like family to us

One of the SHO's from St Marys finished her 6 months there and went to Fairfield so that was nice as she knew all about Katherine already...she might have even looked after your DD when you were there.

There's a support group at Fairfield SCBU but I haven't been to it...yet. I did intend to as it's nice to talk to those that have been through the mincer like us! However, I hardly go out these days as I don't want to compromise Katherine plus everyone is so ill right now. She has CLD and I don't want her to end up back in hospital again.

[rascal1979]

Johnworf So glad to hear that she is doing well. I agree that time FLIES when you come home but it goes sooooooo slowly on the unit doesn't it.

One of the SHO's - who fitted DD's longline at St Mary's - turned up at Tameside just before we left. He was so lovely butI dodn't get chance to see him to speak to. We eventually saw him on a visit to the unit and managed to thank him for his kindness. He remembered us cos he struggled to fit DD's longline cos she was tiny - although think she was bigger than your's!

DD was 13lb when she was weighed on Tuesday - at just over 10mths old! So she is still titchy. But seems to be perfect in every other way and is doign well developmentally.

Hope your DD continues to go from strength to strength x

Please feel free to email me x

[johnworf]

Rascal are you on facebook? Let me know and I can drop you a line.

[rascal1979]

Yes I am but don't want to put details on here. If you email I can send you my real details! x

[NomDePlume]

Hi Rascal. I was born and raised on Greenside Lane. Was in Tameside NICU in 1982

[johnworf]

Rascal I've emailed you xxxx

[rascal1979]

NomDePlume - My sister was born in 1982....did you go to Greenside Primary? You probably already know me in RL!!

[johnworf]

I didn't go to that school rascal but I know where it is. I used to live down the road in Newton Heath