Information about Fostering Premature Infants

Cobb, No info for you, only support. If ANYBODY can do this, it's YOU and your family! I'm so inspired by your journey with Miss A!

Thank you! We realize that if we're given the opportunity to care for this little one, it will be a whole new experience with completely different challenges than what we faced with Miss A. So, the support and confidence you have is greatly appreciated! :)

By the way, did I mention that we got the call? The information we got last week was slightly off, so here's the story. Baby girl born 2 MONTHS ago - 1 lb. 5 oz. - 4 lbs. now - Will be released from the hospital in 1-2 weeks. Deep Breath! Our placement worker is an RN and was a medically fragile foster family for MANY years, so she was able to provide tons of information. She was very good about letting us know about her current status and the potential issues we might face. The good news is that she is already getting 50% of her feedings from a bottle and it's expected that she will be 100% bottlefed by the time she is released. She's currently recieving O2 and caffeine to help her breathe, but again, they are expecting that to be done by the time she comes home. There is a good possiblity that she will come home on an apnea monitor and would continue with it for the next couple of months. At this point, it's just a matter of seeing how she does. Other than other potential issues that are common for extremely premature babies, that about covers it. She did have a Grade 3 Intraventicular Hemorrage (brain bleed) at birth. Grade 3 is a grey area, so we don't know whether she will have long-term affects. The good news is that it was only on one side, she hasn't had siezures, she's very bright-eyed and alert and her head is growing. It was a one-time incident and she has had any other issues since. We need to be aware that there is a possibility that she will have some affects down the road, but our CWer has a gut feeling after seeing her and talking to the doctors that it is unlikely. She's not jittery, no arching or stomach cramps... basically she is a growing premature baby. So far her retina formation appears good - she will be checked every 2-3 weeks for several months to monitor. If there is an eventual issue, she made need laser therapy down the road. She also said that glasses are common for little ones at her weight, so there may be some vision issues. In general though, things could be alot worse. Let's see, what else? She is a foster to adopt placement. Her older brother was abandoned and they attempted reunification, but TPR is scheduled and he is in a preadoptive placement. While that family wasn't interested in taking this new little one, they are open to sibling contact. They are proceeding towards TPR with this little one too and they will have the same court date. Her father is deceased, so all of this is on her mom's side. Like any situation, we are going in with the understanding that there are no guarantees, but chances are strong that we will be able to adopt her. We'll be getting a call this afternoon from the hospital social worker letting us know when we can go see her tonight. Very, very, very excited!!!! ACK! I have so much to do!!!! With Miss A things kind of fell into place... neighbors gave us a crib, she already had a car seat and clothes. Plus, we had some stuff left over from Anna as well as some very generous hand-me-downs. With this little one we are starting from scratch! Sooooo, I have some shopping to do! Heck, I don't even know if she will be able to use a regular infant car seat... Is it safe to put a 4-5 lb. baby in one? Casey??? Then there's a bassinet, a sling (I plan to carry her as much as possible - I have a feeling she won't be nearly as hard on my back!), little sleep slacks and onesies, a second monitor, diapers, bottles (need to find out what kind of nipple she's using), a special blankie, of course that I will be able to leave at the hospital with her... What else? Hmmm, better go make a list! I'm over the moon guys and have been informed that she is absolutely beautiful and we will fall in love with her instantly. She has the big brown eyes and you all know what a sucker I am for those! More to come... <Martha and Surfmama - Again, thank you for your PM's and offers to share your knowledge. We were out of town this weekend, which is why I haven't gotten back to you. I WILL be emailing you both later with some additional information we've recieved. Overall though, everything looks very hopeful! Again, many thanks. :)>

OMG Cobb! How exciting! You will do great!

I have never fostered a preemie, but my father's godson (almost like another brother) was born at 27 weeks in 1973. He was one of the first young preemies to survive and today at 31, is six foot three, healthy and a fireman. Another baby I know was born at 26 weeks and at 2 years old is almost completely caught up, although his speech is a little delayed. I just thought we hear so much about the rough years as babies, but so little about what happens years down the road that I would give you a couple of positive stories. Good luck!

Hiya Cobb:) A new lil one! Congrats!!!:) You will do just fine, and Im sure Anna will be a great helper to you, you all have done wonders with the Princess, you will have no probs with this new lil one, anyways HAPPY SHOPPING!!!. Bet you cannot wait!:) Have fun with her! Huggz and blessings Jeannette

Oh, and by the way, when my first grandaughter was born, she was a preemie, she did just fine in a regular carseat, she was just at 4lbs when my daughter brought her home from the hosp. Jeannette

I pm'd you, but again, have fun visiting and keep us posted! She sounds like a very special little miracle baby.

Congrats! All of my little ones have been preemies too! My baby L was like your newest she was a 25 weeker born weighing under a pound. She also had a brain bleed at birth and has a shunt. She was tube fed in the hospital and was completely bottle fed when released. She is still developmentally delayed but never gives up and is doing her best to keep up with her sister. My other FD J was a preemie and was 4lbs 3 oz when they released her. They had to do an O2 check in her carseat before we could bring her home.....to make sure the incline wasn't too great for her little body that her arms or legs would decrease circulation. They sell preemie head rests to make the car seat fit your little one better so she doesn't flop around. Wearing her in a sling will be wonderful for her. She'll need that extra "womb" time to really grow. Let us know if you have any questions! I wish I had another little one in the house....I miss my tiny babies!