Premature Grandson

I rarely reply to posts on Gransnet but I really wanted to respond to yours Mandy. I apologise for taking 4 days but I must say that I’m very glad you’ve decided to go away and that is the advice I would have given. My heart goes out to you and your family. Our first child was born in 1985 when I was only 26 weeks pregnant with him. He only lived for half an hour but then he was 2 weeks below legal viability. Most babies born at his gestation then did not survive then but how things have changed in nearly 40 years. In 2018 our first grandchild was born at 30 weeks due to a placental abruption. Both he and my daughter very nearly didn’t survive and his 6 week NICU stay was a real rollercoaster ride. Ultimately though he is thriving and has just started Year 2 at school. I found it extremely hard but did my best to support my daughter and her husband. Before my daughter had another baby she received counselling and was assured that it was very unlikely to happen again. While pregnant with her 2nd child she was given a 7% chance of having another premature baby and discharged from the early labour prevention clinic at 23 weeks. Then her waters broke, only a trickle at 27 weeks and she was admitted to hospital. At 29 weeks they could no longer prevent labour and her 2nd child was born. He fortunately had a very straightforward NICU stay and came home over a month before his due date. He too is thriving and loving nursery. He was born in April 2021 when there were still Covid restrictions so we couldn’t meet him until he was discharged. Our support was looking after his older brother virtually 24/7 some of the time. I know my grandsons weren’t as early or as small as your little one (both just over 3 lbs) but I understand your anxiety and feeling of helplessness. There is a wonderful charity for premature babies and their families and I think it would be worth you contacting them. They had a presence in the NICU our grandsons were in and they were marvellously supportive. Please keep us posted on how everything is going OP and I and many others I’m sure will be thinking of you all and praying/rooting for your precious tiny grandson ❤️

This could be the charity you mean, KVW27

www.bliss.org.uk/

It was formed shortly after my long awaited daughter arrived (our eldest is adopted) and needed special care but she wasn’t premature but large at 10lbs 1oz so a difficult delivery. I was quite involved with fundraising for Bliss for many years.

My heart goes out to Mandy45 and the parents and little one. 💐✝️💐

You can still support your DD as now from a little further away. Hoping for progress with the little one.

Yes Ashcombe I meant to say its Bliss and they support sick and premature babies and their families. ❤️

I know how you must feel about going away just now, you do not know to stay at home or not, everyone is different in this situation.
One of my granddaughters was at 30 weeks not as early as your little one but a worrying time still.She was in hospital for 5 weeks and is now 28 years old so days seem so long ago now!
My father and his twin sister were premature born at home in 1918.My grandmother was told neither of them would see the next day. In those days it was prayers alone for very small babies. The priest came to the house to baptise them, and they did see the next day and many more afterwards.Both married and brought up families before dying( my father at 72 my aunt at 82). I cannot ever remember either of them having any illness before they hit old age. My mother said my dad could go out in the snow wearing only a thick jumper and never suffer.
There premature babies surprise all the time.

Sorry for typos and missing words I am getting tired!

Go. Your grandson has every chance of growing up to live a normal life - though he may need glasses. There are worse things to look forward to! Enjoy looking forward to meeting him in the near future.

Only just seen this post, but thought I would add to it. My son was born 40 years ago at 25 weeks weighing just 1lb 13oz. He spent 4 months in hospital and was 5lbs 4oz when he finally came home.
Definitely enjoy your break away while your grandchild is being well cared for in hospital. You can be of great help over the years to come once he is home.
Wishing you and your family many happy years to come.

I thought I'd update everyone ,thank you for your kind messages. We went away but we're called back home after 2 days away
My heart is breaking as I write this. My grandson caught an infection which caused major complications, and at 11 days old he died in his father's arms.

Oh I am so, so sorry to read that.
My condolences to all of you.
How very sad x

I am so sorry to hear your news. I am sure you must all be feeling devastated. My heart goes out to you.[thanks}

Sorry

I’ve just seen your news, Mandy. I am so very sorry. 🌹

I am so very sorry to hear your heart-breaking news. Every sympathy to the young couple and to you the grandparents ❤ ♥

Mandy45

I thought I'd update everyone ,thank you for your kind messages. We went away but we're called back home after 2 days away
My heart is breaking as I write this. My grandson caught an infection which caused major complications, and at 11 days old he died in his father's arms.

My heart goes out to you and your family in your grief

Mandy45 and the poor baby's parents at this very sad time.

I'm sad to read your devastating news. Sympathies.

How very sad my consolences to you and your family. 🌹

So sorry for you and your family. Take care ❤️

Your devastating news has taken my breath away. I am so sorry to read about your little grandson. My deepest sympathies to you and your family. Is it too intrusive to ask what name was given to your grandson?

I’m so terribly sorry, Mandy45. 💐

My grandsons name is Toby Jude

So sad. I am really sorry to hear this devastating news.

So sorry to hear your sad news. Condolences to you and your family

Oh, so sorry to read your news.
Please don’t feel guilty about going away.
Will be thinking of you and your family.