Intro/NICU Mommy

[motownthrowdown]

Hi! I'm usually pretty glued to my birth month board, but I feel like it is starting to become a trigger for me. I feel like this board is a better fit right now. I thought about the preemie board, but it's not very active and I think the issue goes deeper than that.

Here's the shortened version: Due date was August 6, first time parents. Beginning at 25 weeks, my doctors suspected preeclampsia or HELLP syndrome, but I didn't fit the diagnostic requirements for either. At 27 weeks 6 days, I was admitted to the hospital because my blood pressure was high and I had suddenly developed high levels of protein in my urine-hallmarks of preeclampsia. The next day, I was blindsided by an emergency C Section. My daughter was born at 28 weeks exactly, and weighed 1 pound 14 ounces. She will be in the NICU until around her due date. She's been in here two weeks as of today.

I'm a wreck at the moment. I have an appointment with my OB tomorrow for a follow up from delivery and I plan on addressing my ppd symptoms. I've dealt with depression and anxiety before and was very concerned that I would develop ppd with a normal birth, let alone the one that I got.

Thanks for reading and letting me get it out. I'm having a hard time processing everything.

[KayVeeKay]

First of all, hugs. Sounds like you've been through a ton. I'm sorry you find yourself here. I haven't been here long, but I hope that this board helps you just as it has me. We have so many great ladies and equally great advice and support.

And although you're caught in the maelstrom right now, it will get better. Congrats on your sweet little babe.

[flcl]

((Hugs)) Congratulations on your baby girl and sending lots of positive vibes your way. I'm sorry to hear that things were less than ideal... I'm glad you found this board and that you're talking to your doctor tomorrow. I'm not the most active on here but have found so much love and support the times that I do pop on. I hope your daughter gets stronger day by day and that you get what you need to do the same. FX for you both!!

[irishvodkagrl]

Hugs motownthrowdown. My boys were born at 30w3d and spent 8 weeks in NICU. I've dealt with anxiety and degree since I was a teenager and this absolutely triggered me again. I went back on meds at 6 weeks pp when I stopped pumping for the boys.

[Deleted]

Hugs motownthrowdown I'm still TTCing, so I only have NICU experience from an aunt's perspective.
Just be open with your doctor and don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it.

[motownthrowdown]

Thanks for the welcome! My ob ended up giving me lexapro so this is the second day of being on it. I had mentioned very early on that I was worried about ppd and she told me yesterday that I've been on her radar for that as well as generalized anxiety disorder. The lexapro works for both, so I might just stay on it if it calms me down. She said my previous history of anxiety and depression made me higher risk, and then delivering so early makes me even more high risk for ppd.

[Deleted]

May 31, 2015 15:06:31 GMT -5 motownthrowdown said:

Thanks for the welcome! My ob ended up giving me lexapro so this is the second day of being on it. I had mentioned very early on that I was worried about ppd and she told me yesterday that I've been on her radar for that as well as generalized anxiety disorder. The lexapro works for both, so I might just stay on it if it calms me down. She said my previous history of anxiety and depression made me higher risk, and then delivering so early makes me even more high risk for ppd.

Welcome, I hope the lexapro is helping.

[flcl]

May 31, 2015 15:06:31 GMT -5 motownthrowdown said:

Thanks for the welcome! My ob ended up giving me lexapro so this is the second day of being on it. I had mentioned very early on that I was worried about ppd and she told me yesterday that I've been on her radar for that as well as generalized anxiety disorder. The lexapro works for both, so I might just stay on it if it calms me down. She said my previous history of anxiety and depression made me higher risk, and then delivering so early makes me even more high risk for ppd.

Fx on lexapro!

[RedDDD]

DS was 6 weeks early with a 2 week NICU stay. So no where near your tiny miracle but take the time you have right now as a gift. Yes your baby is tiny right now but allow yourself the time to recover, sleep, and give back to yourself a little bit. Healthy mom = healthy baby I remember feeling so guilty about leaving him in the hospital and not coming to night feedings but then the NICU nurses said....hey we are here for him, take care of yourself. It was the permission I needed to get back my health and stay strong for him. GL and keep us posted on her progress!

[motownthrowdown]

I think the lexapro is definitely helping. I've only cried a couple times this week lol. She's got an infection and one of the complications is meningitis so they are testing to see if she has that. I think I would have had a total breakdown if not for the lexapro so that's good. But she's doing a little better overall, which makes me happy.

[icequeen]

Welcome. My head is spinning reading all of that because I can't even imagine the worry and stress you must be going through mentally, emotionally, and physically. You are most welcome on this board, and just for your reference, but also we have a PPD/PPA sub board. I will be praying so hard for your DD to thrive and gain strength every day, and for your family to have peace throughout this process. Huge hugs.

[Deleted]

Warm welcome hugs!

I'm so sorry you are going through this - my T&Ps to you and your LO.

I hope you find this board very helpful, warm, and supportive.