I recently brought my preemie home from the hospital - he was born at 31 weeks and is doing well. The NICU warned me against running errands during the winter months and basically advised me to keep the baby at home (until around March). I have a 2 1/2 year old that goes to daycare so it seems a little funny that I'm worrying about germs at the grocery store, but I guess there is nothing I can do about the daycare issue. I should also mention that he is receiving the monthly RSV vaccinations. Anyway, my question is - what have other preemie moms done in this situation? I have several errands that need to be run, especially with Christmas coming up. Did anyone take their babies out? I was considering putting a blanket over his car seat and saying no, if anyone asks to peek at him and also running my errands in the morning, when less people are out. I don't really have any friends that don't work and no family in town, so I can't think of anyone to ask to watch him. Anyway, I don't want to do anything stupid, so was just wondering how cautious other moms have been. Any advice appreciated.
Not sure about the preemie situation - but I've done almost all my shopping online the past few christmases. Amazon.com has almost everything that might be at a mall and etsy.com has fun handmade gifts. Lots of other sites too - mostly the same stuff you'd find by driving to a big box store or at a local shop, but tax and hassle free.
My daughter was born @ 29 weeks in Feb. and I was given the same advice. We also had lung issues. I heeded their advice b/c I didn't want to risk it escpecially after the rollercoaster ride of bringing her into this world and watching her struggle in the NICU. I too have no family down here and all my friends were professionals w/ families of their own. I just waited for the weekend when my husband was off from work and bundled everything I could into one trip (groceries, stores, post office etc.). I will admit to getting stir crazy during the week (only went to the doctor's office once or twice a week for them to check her). At one point I too tried going in the mornings to avoid everyone but that isn't any good b/c that's when all the elderly are out in force in the grocery stores and other stores and they love to "peek." Good luck
L.,
I had a 34 and a 35-weeker. Both of them had the RSV shots, and I avoided taking them out whenever I could (I'm a huge fan of online shopping). That being said, there are times that you just can't avoid going out.
I will never forget standing at the checkout of Walmart, only to have the -cashier- come from behind the register and start groping my first-born about the hands and face (she was in her carseat, in the front of the cart). I've been on -that- side of the register before, and I know precisely just how FILTHY money is. After that, I got a car-seat cover (funny, I found it at Walmart). It looks basically like a miniature fitted sheet (elastic around the corners) with a little flap you can open up to see the baby's face. I used that for a while, then discovered the joy of the baby sling.
If you're comfortable using a baby sling, I've found that it was the biggest deterrant for avoiding unwanted touches (and, both my babies loved it). Most of the time, the sling will cover the baby's face, and it seems as though people avoid the baby, because it's an invasion of your own personal space. I had several that did realize that I was carrying a baby in there, and asked if they could peek. I would just tell them, "Oh, she's sleeping. I really don't want to disturb her." Or, "I'm trying to get her to sleep, right now. I'd like to avoid any distractions, but thanks for asking."
Those worked well for me.
Congratulations and best wishes!
M.
My daughter was born in February at 33 weeks and spent 2 weeks in the NICU. I was advised also to stay away from people for 6 months. My doctor also said to go to stores either very early or very late when fewer people were there. Her father was zero help even on weekends so I had to figure out what to do all by myself because I too had no family here. For my sanity I had to do something outside the 4 walls of the house. Just don't let anyone get near him, put the blanket over him and go at off hours. My daughter turns 7 next year and all is well. Good luck!
Although mine weren't preemies, I didn't get out in the first weeks/months. Dad did the shopping. But there is a host of on line services. www.rainbowresource.com www.lovetolearn.com toysrus, target,jcpenny, the list goes on la cocchinella has high end type presents and I bet many other shops in town have websites and would ship to you. They'd deliver gifts to your door. Food/groceries: See if Schwan's delivers to your area. They'd take care of much of your needs. Hope someone posts a delivery service for the fresh vegetable/milk need and you'd almost be covered. Good luck!
http://www.ucp.org/main.cfm/145
United Cerebral Palsy
They pretty much saved my life, too! Hope they work for you.
Best of luck to you and your new little guy!
My daughter, who is now 15 years old, was born at 28 weeks, so I totally know what you are going through.
