Looking at adopting a prem born at 25wks

[aimze]

Hello

First of all I've had a read of some of your stories, I spent a lot of time with a very close relative as a baby in hospital when they where born in ICU an You've all been through so much!!

So we're looking at adopting a baby who was born at 25weeks, they're now 1.

Is there any questions or advice you could give me as a potential mum of a preemie? Their health today is ok, oxygen needed when has a bad cold and struggles with certain foods.

This is an area I've never looked in before so I hope you don't mind me asking.

X

 

[MissMonty]

Hi, sounds like they're doing great - 25 weeks is very prem they must have been through a lot already in this 1 year

Just for info: I have twins born @ 31 weeks - one of whom has a heart condition and spent 9 weeks in NICU. We were advised that due to their prematurity some potential health problems may not become apparent until they are about 2 years of age (so far all ok and almost 2) so that's something to keep in mind. I also expect the baby will need to attend appointments for some time with a paediatrician to monitor development which will understandably be delayed. You probably know all this already?!

'Bliss' has a great website full of info that you'll find useful.

By the way my sister in law was born @ 26 weeks 28 years ok - she's the most intelligent person I know, succeeds in everything and has just completed a Phd - she's small in size but her prematurity has not affected her in any other way.

Good luck - wishing baby a d you all the best x

 

[aimze]

Missmonty thank you so much for your response!

I don't know how long he was in ICU for but was in hospital till his due date so 3months ish....

Poor little mite, he has been through so much...I definately want access to his records so I can fully understand everything to be the best mum I can!

I also need to ask about his walking, crawling an those sorts of developments...Do prem babies take much longer to learn those things?

Thank you again x

 

[DonnaBallona]

my baby was born at 31 weeks also but has a lung condition amongst other things which means he also needs O2 when he gets a cold. I find he goes downhill extremely quickly so if I we're you id ask if he has open access to your local childrens ward. this would let you bypass A+E if he was really poorly at any time. I'd also ask for a copy of his birth notes , as when Jude gets taken into hospital they want to know exactly what breathing help he had and for how long, right from as far back aa day 1.

I'd also ask what medical help he is receiving...... occupational therapy, physiotherapy, SALT, and ongoing medical conditions etc etc. if he has food aversions he might also be under the dietician.

it might be helpful to ask if they know the reason he was born early, another question the doctors ask a lot.

good luck with your adoption and your future together. xx

 

[aimze]

Amazing help their Donna thank you!! I'll be sure to ask about everything mentioned!! X

 

[jandksmommy]

My little girl was born at 23 1/2 weeks. She is now almost 14 months (10 months adjusted). She still needs oxygen support at night and when she is sick with a cold or flu. She is definitely behind reaching milestones but not too far behind. She never had a lot of opportunity to spend time playing on her tummy as it made it difficult for her to breath so she has just started rolling and does not crawl yet. She loves to walk though (when I hold her hands and help her balance).

Some things you may need to look into with a baby born so early are sensory impairments, my little one has blind spots in her eyes where the retinas did not develop blood vessels. Hearing is also commonly affected by prematurity. You will likely have many medical appointments for the first few years. We have also been warned that as she matures, we will likely see behavioral issues and she may need extra support when learning to socialize appropriately as she may not have the ability to pick up on 'social cues' that teach us how to behave in a social setting.

She is an absolute joy though... happy baby so quick to laugh and smile... she is worth everything and so much more... You will have a lifetime of love and wonder with your little one.

 

[aimze]

Thank you janksmummy...we've got a long list of quesions to ask but we know a lot of things you just can't see into the future an this little boy needs a mummy an daddy so were prepared to see what the future holds!!

Xxx