Looking for support

I don't have any advice except to be patient. I know that's much easier said than done. It's so frustrating to feel that you don't know what to do for your baby. It's also frightening to feel that you can't take care of them in a way that they need. I went through all those feelings and the only thing that helped really was just giving her enough time to mature a little bit. My Gracie was not as you described but I think the feelings come with whatever the issues are. I hope someone else here can give you some more helpful advice. It does get better....really...

A NICU friend of mine had the same problem. A warm bath is what calmed her little one. The few times I had this issue, it was related to gas.

I do hope it gets eaiser one of her nurses says its because she has no coping skills and she'll grow out of it but in the meantime her melt downs are just so overwelming for me and its hard for me to stay calm for her. A warm bath did work we were in the tub for 3 hours.

Welcome to Share and a huge congratulations on the birth of your daughter Khloe. I am so glad that she is now home with you, although I am sorry that the transition has been harder than you imagined. I think it's going to all be in trial and error until she understands that she is in a safe place. Also, this happens with every child... so don't fear that it is abnormal! Your daughter's may be a little more intensified because she was 'used' to the NICU. With our son, we had to hold him and bounce him on the side of a bed until he finally fell asleep. With Katie we had to try many, many things including the warm bath, a warm towel on her belly, the swing, and swinging her back and forth in our arms. I am not sure what type of support you have, but like Gracie's mom said, patience is the most important thing. The baby feels that mom is frustrated and then baby becomes more irratible. I would always hand the kids over to my husband when I felt myself getting frustrated. I hope that things get better for you and Khloe! Keep us posted. We'll be thinking of you!

Love, Kelly

I finally got my point across that Khloe wasn't just "gaggy" like some nurses told me she got put on reflux medicine and when I went to visit her today I swear she was like a different baby she finished her bottle I fed her and she burped and went to sleep with out all the crying and fighting that had been going on crying to get her to eat. So keep your fingers crossed that her reflux was causing the melt downs and hopefully she won't be so irritable all the time.

Fingers are crossed. Toes are crossed. I hope this is the answer you have been looking for.... the answer that provides Khloe relief!

Love, Kelly

I'm definately keeping it all crossed that his will make a huge difference for you and sweet Khloe!!

Tracy

The plan is for khloe to come home Monday for the 2nd time but they want me to be there all weekend I hate to say it but khloe has been there since December and I am just tired of the hospital. I am hoping the reflux medicine is making her more comfortable I was there all day today and she seemed alot happier only had one melt down. I am praying that her 2nd time home will be better. I know babies cry but I hope she doesn't get as frantic as she did. And I pray I can handle it better. I saw a women with her baby at Target today she was caring it in front in one of those little carriers the mom looked happy the baby looked happy and I couldn't help but think why couldn't it be that easy for Khloe and I.

Crystal- I will be thinking of you and Khloe on Monday. I hope round 2 homecoming goes better for you all. Funny that you mention that carrier thing, because I have heard that the babies LOVE that thing. You may want to check into the price on one or see if a friend has one you can borrow. I am NOT encouraging you to take Khloe out to Target.... but, maybe try it out around the house. I have heard that the baby likes the closeness of their body to Mom and it allows mom to carry baby around while also doing other things. Just a thought. Please update us when you can about Monday and how it goes.

Love, Kelly

Hi Crystal
I am so sorry that you and Kloe are having such a hard time at the moment and i hope everything works out well when you take little khloe home again.
I just had a comment about the carrier, i have 3 children but didn't bother to use a carrier for the older 2 but with my 3rd i did get one because i don't drive and have to use public transport it is so much easier than trying to get a pram etc on the bus - any how the reason why i think it will be a good idea is it is supposed to be as close as being inside the womb as possible - similar position- the warmth of your body and the sound of your heartbeat. so maybe those comforts may be settling for kloe
well all the best to you and Khloe. take care
Chris

Hi Crystal, my son had reflux as well and the first month or 2 were so horrible! he cried nonstop and the meds they put him on never helped at all. my friend gave me the book Happiest Baby on the Block by Harvey Karp and it really helped us. It teaches you how to calm a crying baby! I hope everything goes well for you! Good Luck!

Crystal.... I hope that things with Khloe are going well.

Tracy

Crystal,

I also hope that little Khloe is doing really well and you all are getting adjusted to having her home. Take care.

Maria

I'm sorry I dont have any advice, my daughter is still in the NICU...but I wanted to say that it is amazing that she is now 6 lbs...i know it must be difficult and Ill pray for you.

I hope that your baby is doing much better. If you are still havind this problem,try swaddling and a dim light for your baby. I find that as a nurse in the newborn nursery.It usually helps.
Janet