Not April fools--I promise

[Saint Monica]

a million good thoughts and prayers!

[cc]

Sending good thoughts your way.

[lilafowler]

Checking in again-still thinking good thoughts for you guys. Another anecdote-my friend had severe pre-eclampsia and had her daughter by emergency c-section at 32w 2 day (3lbs, 4oz)-she spent a couple of weeks in the NICU, went home and is now an extremely healthy (and insane crazycakes) 8 year old.

You're in a great hospital and things will be ok for you and Tiffany. Stay strong (or try to).

HUGS

[ering1115]

Praying for you and Tiffany. I hope she stays in there as long as possible. You can do it!

I know the vaginal birth piece may be the last thing you want to do but with preemies they try for vaginal births when possible because it helps squish the fluid out of their lungs and helps them breathe better.

DS was born at 35 weeks and did well after a stay in the NICU. He was really small for his gestational age- your daughter will likely be bigger. She will be fine. Huge hugs.

[mudslide]

I'm happy to try vaginal birth. I'm scared of the pain. Ultimately, however we can get her here the safest for her and I. I think being afraid of the pain is afraid of the unknown. I've seen a med student and intern already and it's not even 7. I had a rough night last night. Breakfast should be here soon. Received last dose of steroids.

[Deleted]

I'm just catching up, Praying for you and your baby girl! You are not a failure! You have gone thru it all this pregnancy, just think of the stories you can tell her later in life. Keep us posted and let us know if you need anything. Try to take this day by day and not stress on the unknowns. Each day is an accomplishment and to be celebrated. This will turn out ok ((hugs))

[Deleted]

Thinking of you!!

I'm fairly certain new studies showed that vaginal birth for preemies is optimal, because it helps the lungs. I remember reading about it on one of my multiples groups. So I am glad your docs aren't just jumping to a c-section, this is good!!

[Marle]

Now that you are settled I just want to tell you that the odds are in your favor. Though this is anecdotal, one of my employees has a beautiful 3 year old girl who was born at 27 weeks.

[julez]

Mudslide, I'm just catching up but wanted to tell you that I'll be thinking about you and baby Tiffany and sending you good thoughts.

I was born at 29 weeks (35 years ago tomorrow!) and I have never had any significant health problesm related to my prematurity.

A previous poster mentioned that vaginal birth is optimal for preemies, and she's right. Passing through the birth canal helps ready the lungs, and also exposes baby to good bacteria that will help her immune system, digestion, and breathing.

Best wishes to both of you!

[sparkythelawyer]

Hey lady!

You just keep calm and relax. You staying chill and calm and keeping your blood pressure down will help you both.

You have failed NOTHING. You have fought for that baby from the moment the second pink line popped up and you are continuing to fight for her and are doing a GREAT job. Relax, watch some movies, read some magazines, etc.

I'm pulling for you!

[jssymom14]

Thanks for the updates! Hope everything is still going well and you are able to comfortable.

[styme46]

My dd was born at 32 weeks and she's a wonderfully healthy and happy 7 1/2 year old now!

You did not fail in any way! T&P's that she stays in a bit longer, but even if she doesn't, the NICU is a fabulous place and they will take good care of her! Medicine has come a long way!

I know it's scary! (((HUGS)))

[mudslide]

Thank you all for the positive stories. I wanted a vaginal birth but my ob advised to not have me labor and go straight to scheduled c section as that would be much safer for us both. But now that I'm in such a great hospital with top medical teams, I feel safe going for vaginal. I'm very happy to hear it has a benefit to her as well. She's head down so as long as she stays that way, we are in the clear to go for it. I trust that if there's an issue that I'll be taken to the OR before anything becomes life threatening.

[moolarkey]

Thanks for posting updates, we all really do care and are all hoping for the best. You comment about fear of the unknown - that was what just terrified me. I'd never been in the hospital for anything and I was just scared of it al but you know I had great hospital staff and it was all just fine. It sounds like you have great people taking care of you and I bet it will all be great for you too.

Keeping all of you in thoughts & prayers.

[mudslide]

Had ultrasound. They kept questioning whether my due date was correct because she's so big. Saw her in 3d for a minute. She's got CHEEKS!!!! She got her daddy's cheeks. Conditions for ultrasound are sub optimal because I don't have as much fluid as I should so they couldn't quite see things as well as they would have liked, but everything looks okay.

[mudslide]

Apr 2, 2013 19:47:16 GMT -5 @tambcat said:

So glad you were able to get all the steroid shots. That is great! And it sounds like you are in good hands there. A couple of babies on my BMB were born earlier than Tiffany and are doing great.

Vaginal birth isn't so bad.

Me too! Hopefully she'll stay in for a few more days. I'm sure birth will go fine. I think the unknown is always scary!

[mudslide]

Thank you all for the encouragement and support and happy ending stories. I feel like she's going to be fine, just going to arrive earlier than expected.

[pantsparty]

It sounds like you have a really good attitude, and are in great hands! Thinking good thoughts for you and your little one!

[lilafowler]

I am loving she is measuring big! The bigger the baby the better when it comes to premies (or so I've heard).

I think your attitude is awesome. Hugs hugs hugs

[mudslide]

I don't feel like I've failed anymore between everything you all said and the doctors have said. I'm doing everything I can and she's okay. Last night was really rough mentally and emotionally. But after a little sleep (finally!) and iv zofran, and encouragement from you all and having my feelings about the rooming situation validated, I'm doing okay. I've had an iv since Sunday night and I've had zofran regularly today so I'm actually feeling about the best I have through the pregnancy.

[mudslide]

I'm seriously in the best hands. I feel totally safe here. This is a top hospital with a very good nicu and top med teams. We are going to be okay.

[sonrisa]

Every day counts right now, and you've already added two more :-)

[Deleted]

Thinking of you and baby T, mudslide. Youre in good hands! Stay positive!

[papie]

I just caught up, I am sending good vibes your way. You are doing great, mama! Hang in there baby!

[Deleted]

Thinking of you and glad you're getting good care.

[pugz]

(hugs) Being on hospital bedrest, while sucky in some ways, is not altogether bad. You can get a hot breakfast in bed every morning! I had a leak at 33 weeks and was 100% effaced but my fluid levels stayed very high and I did not develop an infection thanks to the antibiotics they gave me. After getting the steroid shots and 5 days on hospital bedrest with no contractions or dilation I went home for 2 more weeks and delivered at almost 36 weeks when my water broke (again? I guess) and labor started. I hope your baby keeps cooking for awhile longer!

[gretchenindisguise]

I'm really happy to hear all of your updates. It sounds like you're in great hands and are receiving great care.