Re: preemie-l Hello and New Mom Questions
EStarnes@aol.com
Tue, 4 Jun 1996 13:59:39 -0400
Hi Leslie,
I live in Maryland, and have triplet daughters born at 26.5, 28, 28 weeks in
1991. Our firstborn was smaller and more fragile than her co-triplets, and
at one point we thought she may have a broken bone also. It turned out to be
an infection in one of her hips, was caught very early and treated
successfully with IV antibiotics (thank goodness). I am so sorry to hear
about the loss of one of your twins, but am happy that your survivor is
doing well... and you're beginning to focus on bringing her home. We had
many preemie outfits that were given to us by friends and relatives. Looking
back, we could have done fine with about 3 items per baby. I have given
some as hand-me-downs to other families with tiny preemies, and others we
kept as doll clothes. The babies do grow so fast, it does seem silly to
invest too much in preemie clothing. However, for me it was very important
that I could dress my babies in clothing that fit them. After needing
science to conceive, then having a complicated pregnancy and babies that
were hospitalized for nearly 3 months, I longed for things to seem
"normal". Having them in little terry stretchy sleepers (Carters preemie
size) that didn't swallow them whole did wonders for me emotionally... they
looked just like "regular babies". As for diapers, I never liked the
preemie Pampers, they may have changed in the last new years, but they
didn't used to have any elastic around the legs and the messes would just
seep out the sides. Newborn Pampers are about the same size, and fit snugly
I found. My girls were just barely 5 lbs. when they came home.
Best wishes to you and your family,
Libby Starnes
(mom of Rachel, 7-91; Blair, 8-91; Emily, 8-91)