Hi Kristy
My DD was born @ 31+3 weighing 1512 grams. I had had 4 steroid shots as we knew she was coming early and she was able to breath on her own from birth with only 1 desat. There is a trial in most hospitals where a baby can be in an open cot if they are more tham 1.6kgs. But I'm not sure of the ins and outs of it. Even when DD was in the isolette I was able to touch and comfort(more for myself than her) and kangaroo cuddles are just magic, I wore a loose fitting top always so she could just snuggle in under there.

My DD was in hospital for a total of just under 5 weeks and came home may 10 she was due 2nd June. She was 2.4kgs when she was discharged feeding by bottle. BF was not an option with us but it is certainly encouraged. We started nuzzling when she was just a few days old.

DD was born @RBWH and I was able to stay @ Ronald's House. I didnt have to pay as I was a transfered patient from another hossy. When we were transfered back to our original hossy a week later I was able to stay in their old cardio wing which had been converted to accom for people in my situation who live more than 50 kms away from the hospital. I could see(if I strained lol) DD's isolette at night from my window. The SCN she was in was great. The nurses were very understanding especially at 2 am when I couldnt sleep and would go over. The other mums would be in early in the morning and would come and go during the day but I was the only one who would stay all day.

DD has no "side effects " as such. She is small for her age and will be petite more than likely for the rest of her life. Her development is a little delayed but only by a month or so.

HTH and best of luck xoxoxoxo

ETA DD was born VB