Browsing all posts in "Bonding".

The Snoedel

I’ve just been introduced to a unique product called a Snoedel, pronounced “snoodle”.  The name is of Dutch origin meaning “snuggle”, and it is a small fabric doll/blanket that provides aromatherapy for babies.  According to it’s purpose, it’s recommended for babies in the NICU because the doll can be infused with the mother’s scent and [...]

Breastfeeding – the Ups and Downs

This post is a continuation of Breastfeeding:  The Prerequisites.
After your preemie baby has learned how to latch on and has begun receiving nourishment from you, you may begin a period of short nursing sessions, teaching your baby the suck-swallow-breathe routine, wacky pumping schedules, and waiting for your baby to grow bigger and stronger. This [...]

Breastfeeding – the Prerequisites

First of all, if you’re planning to breastfeed your tiny preemie baby, you need to read Pumping: Your Greatest Commitment and OTs: My Very Best Friends. Pumping will be your life for some time, and the Occupational Therapists will be such a help to you. Never forget to call on them because they’re [...]

Getting Pregnant Again: Part 2

I also have a very special place in my heart for my full-term baby, and much of that is because she was full-term.  She was a miracle!  (I am taking the fact for granted that all preemie babies are miracles)  After two preemies there was much sacrifice and prayer that went into carrying her to [...]

Getting Pregnant Again: Part 1

These next two posts may seem a little out of place following my latest post A Confession because I actually wrote these posts first.  Thinking about these posts and being involved in other conversations led to my most recent post.  Anyway, here goes:
I was just thinking about the fears I had about getting pregnant again [...]

A Confession

So, the past week or two I’ve joined a number of online discussions to talk with more parents of preemies and to leave advice or help where I can.  I’ve been having a great time and I’m enjoying talking with other women and getting to know their situations.  However, something is happening to me that [...]

First Look at Your Preemie

When your preemie baby is born you probably won’t have the opportunity to hold him right away, and possibly for quite some time.  Your baby will likely be whisked away after delivery so the pediatrician can get your baby hooked up on life support:  mainly oxygen and probably an I.V., heart monitors, and a feeding [...]