Everyone Loves a Field Trip

Now that we have received all the information about our babygirl's health possibilities our trips to the doctor have been a bit more mundane.  When I go to the doctor I get an ultrasound, a non-stress test, and then a quick visit with the doctor.  Last week, however, I got to go on a field trip to the NICU. I was excited--who doesn't like a field trip--but then I was reminded me that even though we have so much good news about this baby, she still has to spend some time in the NICU.  I didn't cry, but perhaps got a little misty when the social worker instructed that she will be carted away to the NICU shortly after she is extracted from my womb.  I'll get to see her before she goes, but briefly. (This will depend on her ability to breathe through her nose.)  Luckily I have a sweet husband that will be able to go and be with her while I am getting stitched up.  After I am all done I get to be wheeled up to spend some time with her before I go to my recovery room.

Walking through the doors of the NICU made everything seem more real.  I was encouraged to know that sweet babygirl will probably be the biggest baby there. (As she is right now, she's probably already bigger than the babies in there.)  All the other babies were so tiny, it broke my heart to see them--so fragile and delicate, and all hooked up to monitors.  It made me want to gently cuddle each of them.  But I wasn't allowed to.  But I will have twenty-four access to my baby when she is there.  Both my husband and I will.  And chances are my husband and I will try to be there for the full twenty-four each day.  Even though she will share a wing with other infants, we can curtain ourselves off for private time with our baby, including nursing time.

She will be hooked up to monitors, just like the itty bitty babies, and in the early hours of her life will have an MRI and an echocardiogram so that her doctors will know exactly what we are dealing with.  My husband and I feel bad that she has to be poked and prodded so soon, but I know we will be relieved with the information given.

And now a note about visitors.  Since most of you don't live in the area this doesn't really apply, but for the few readers in the area this may be pertinent.  Since I am having a c-section, we will be in the hospital for at least three days, and wouldn't mind a visit.  Keep in mind that visits to the NICU might be a tad tedious since only the baby can only have to visitors at a time, and one of those visitors must be a parent.  (This translates to one guest at a time.)  Additionally, children under the age of twelve are not permitted.  We will not feel unloved if everyone decides to wait until we are home to make a visit.

I am glad that I was able to take a tour of the NICU.  I am reassured that my baby will be in good hands with 24-hour doctors and nurses.  I am relieved that we will have so much access to her. (I look forward to seeing her so much.) And with what we do know I am so hopeful that she will be coming home with us.  We have twenty-two more days until she comes out. (Unless she has her own ideas, and let me tell you, there are days when I want her out now.  But that sentiment comes from sleepless nights thanks to all the stomach acid I choke on every night...but that's about me.)