A friend of mine is expected to deliver her twins within 2 weeks, making her 28 weeks gest. I want to give her a gift - at this early gestation is clothing appropriate or will the babies be naked apart from a nappy in the NICU? What would you mums of very early bubs have appreciated most as a gift?
Usually until they are out of the isolette they will only have a nappy on. But when mummy takes them home they will still be tiny most likely so premmie clothes would probably still fit and they still will need clothes for several weeks before they are discharged home. For term babies usually you already have alot of clothes but not sure about premmie bubs.
I haven't had premmie myself, but a cousin & close friend of mine both did & I got them wraps, singlets & hats.
They were born in warmer (hot) weather though, so thats all they needed. Maybe ask what she needs the most?
I have asked her if she needs anything but she is not sure herself until she speaks to the paediatrician so I will hold off buying anything for the babies just now and maybe stick to some crossword books for the duration of her bedrest.
I hope they bubs can stay in for as long as possible, every day in the belly counts as nearly 3 in NICU
I would be looking for stuff for mum and dad as well.
They will be making a LOT of trips in and out of hospital after coming home, so home cooked meals will make a huge difference, it will give them something they don't need ot worry even if it is just one meal, it will make that day a lot easier.
For mum things like really good moisturising creams, because seriously my hands were red raw from soooo much handwashing, and in the end mum gave me an udder cream which was the only thing that got the moisture back into them.
If you give any teddies/soft toys, they would need to be in a zip locked bag and hung at the end of the bed.
Special names tags for each bubba, wil bright stickers, pretty pictures and words of strength, hope and courage.Blankets to go over the isolete are beautiful, my mum makes quilts for the tops of the isoletes for our local NICU, and I make gowns for the wee little bubbas
I would hold off on too many premmie clothes to start with as it would be difficult to know what size the would be when the do get to wear clothes, so perhaps buying some when they do get into clothes and you have sizes for them would be more appropriate and a great way to celebrate a wonderful milestone and I can tell you, the first time you get to dress your child in clothes you have either be given or bought for your children is a very special day indeed.
Do they have any other children? There are some great books about having a younger sibling in NICU that would be really valuable.
Just a few suggestions I hope I haven't bombarded you
Thanks Beema, I particularly love the handcream suggestion. I remember how raw my hands got when my son was in NICU and he was out in less than a week. They will be in hospital for months. I really hope she keeps them in a bit longer, as you say every belly day helps but they have TTTS so in her belly may not be the best place soon.
They do have other children so I will look for something for them.
And as soon as my shipment is unloaded (just arriving from Scotland, I get it in 1.5 weeks) I will make a lasagne or two for their freezer, what a great idea. I know her hubby is finding it hard working part time and looking after the other kids whilst she is in there.
What is really important as a Mama of a Prem is acknowledgement of the birth. I found that some people were holding off in case Immy died... When people bought me gifts for her I felt like others had Faith that she would come home to me...
I have always had BlessingWays for my baby's. With Imogen I collapsed & was taken to hospital at 26+3 days. So I didn't get my Blessingway.
Some beautiful Women friends, my children's school gathered with beautiful quotes, candles & trinkets of well wishes for me & for my baby... It meant more than anything in the world. The burnt candles and all the quotes were given to me along with some gifts for Imogen. Just normal baby stuff. I felt truly blessed.
My friens put them up all over my room - beautiful prayers, affirmations, messages. They are among my most precious posessions.
(then all of my BB community lit candles, prayed & sent affirmation during my surgery to bring her Earthside - in all her birth day was a beautiful beautiful occassion just because of the kindness of others!)
After Immy was born I wrote out positive messages and pasted them to her Isolette. I played music - Mozart for babies & others through a cd player. So some music might be nice...
Anything nice for Mama - but a massage that will come to her when she gets back from the Hospital visit one day would be sublime.
Meals that she can reheat in the microwave at the hospital.
Subscription to ABA or a prem support group...
A link to Belly Belly!
You're a beautiful friend Traveller for thinking like this. Please let us know how she goes...
If you want to get clothes get hats small ones if you can find them, as I know in the NICU where I worked every baby wore a hat to prevent heat loss and they can really add a personal touch. Do you sew or if you can find them a small quilt or nice blanket to go on top of the incubator (if they do that) is also really nice.
I found it really difficult accepting gifts for Angus until I was certain that he was coming home.
There are however a few items that I hold close to my heart.
*A diary that I wrote in every day holds precious memories of our journey from birth to home.
* A beautiful memory box containing a collection of items from our journey such as tiny nappies, stat probes, blood pressure cuffs and notes that NICU staff and parent left on DS's isolette .
* Hand made beanie that I used when we had kangaroo cuddles whilst DS was still ventilated.
* A guardian angel with a poem that I attached to the foot of his isolette .
Meals are a great idea, packed lunch for Mum would be even better. I found that food was the last thing on my mind and I never had time to pack anything before I rushed off each day to the hospital and I wasn't leaving his side to make a visit to the cafe.
Just being there for your friend will be the greatest gift of all!
Perhaps a nice journal she can use to record her babies' progress and stick photos in? I haven't had a premmie myself but I think that would be a nice thing to look back on when they're older.
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Premmie twins
When people bought me gifts for her I felt like others had Faith that she would come home to me...
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