HI Georgi - you sound really positive so that's a wonderful thing. You may not know my story but I birthed my baby girl Imogen at the RWBH spot on 28 weeks. Different circumstances to you but we were there none the less. I am assuming you are in the lovely 6Bsouth where I am sure you will be cared for as beautifully and kindly (by almost everyone!) as I was.
You are in the absolute best place to have a premmie - the staff at NICU are second to none and the obstetric team know their stuff. Your little one is much bigger than mine (Im was 815grams) but he will be small - his recovery will be quicker the more days he stays in.
After your discharge you can stay next door at Ronald Macdonald house. It is not home but it is free and close to the hospital so you can be with your baby as much as possible.
My advice is keep a diary - write down everything that has and is happening. Take lots of photos, get on a good mobile phone plan! Contact the lactation consultant before the birth and learn how to hand express. That colostrum is liquid gold for premmies and so is the breast milk. Prem babies need breastmilk - it is the best thing for them. The lactation consultant will be only too happy to come to your room to talk to you.
If you need anything. If you need support - if it all gets too much you can pm me and I will give you my contact details. I would be happy to come up to Brisbane and lend you support.
YOur baby's chances of being a happy healthy baby are huge - it's a stressful time just live each moment, talk to your baby and try and relax.
Oh goodness Georgi, I was so shocked to see this post, but you sound like you're doing fabulously! So big big well done to you hun, and keep going well
Hopefully your little fella will stay put until next week - sounds like you've got an impatient one there! I'm happy to hear you got everything you need at your shower, and you are going to be a brilliant brilliant mumma to your boy! Thinking of you...
Once again, thanks so much for all your kind words.
FLOWERCHILD I am in the Mater Mothers Private hospital which I am told has only been open for 2 months. I'm guessing they have all the up to date equipment. Basically the private & public are in the same hospital, just on different floors. Your advice is spot on. Thank you so much for your reassurance. I have been watching the in house channel about premmie babies & breast feeding. It has been so helpful. And funny enough, I was just thinking I should up my mobile phone plan. I have given DH a list of things for him to bring me tomorrow & one of those was an exercise book so I can keep a diary. Your post has re assured me that I am in the right frame of mind. Thanks a million..
I had a visit from the Neo Natal unit social worker. She was so so supportive & wanted to make sure DH & I were coping. She was happy that DH & I are in a good space. She also informed me of a group that meets here on level 9 every Wednesday at 1pm. They are all women that are in the same situation as me. It's a chance to get to meet others that are going through the same thing & we can support each other. Considering i'll be here for another few weeks yet, I think it's a good idea that I join this group.
I haven't had the chance to surf BB yet to find the premie section here but will certainly do that in the next few days... Thank god for wireless broadband.
The Mater is fantastic too - you are in excellent hands. Sorry, I just assumed you were at the RBWH. I was private too but in the RBWH - it was nice having my own space - you need it when you are there for an extended time! I am not sure if there is a Ronald Macdonald House on the Southside of Brissy. I would think there would be???
I didn't have a lap top when I was in hospy - I am glad you have it will keep you in touch with everyone and will let you know how supported you are by everyone here and "out there"!
Take good care, if I can do anything please let me know.
Georgi,
I think the closest Ronald McDonald house is the one that FlowerChild is talking about, Garrick Terrace right behind the Royal Women's Hospital.(in Herston) It would only be a 10min drive from Mater in reasonably good traffic flow.
If it helps, here is there number to save you looking it up 07 3257 0328.
to find out how it all works here is the website for you as a quick link Ronald McDonald House - Herston
) as I was.
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