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Mum of a Premature Baby Kangaroo Care

6 Things to Avoid Saying to a Mum of a Premature Baby

27/07/20 ᛫ Add a Comment

I have had many a conversation with fellow mums of premature babies and it seems to be a common theme that we’ve all been on the receiving end of some quite hurtful comments. These comments aren’t meant to be hurtful, but they still hurt. They could easily be said by a friend or family member who has the best intentions, but they show a definite lack of understanding of what we are going through or have recently been through. I’m writing this post to raise awareness about what a mum of a premature baby goes through and if this post helps to stop one insensitive comment to a fellow mum then it will have done its job 🙂

5 Things to Never Say to a Mum of a Premature Baby

1. “Aw, hes so tiny”

He’s not tiny. He’s absolutely huge compared to the 800g he was. You have no idea of the blood sweat and tears it’s taken for him to reach 6lb.

2. “At least you didn’t get any stretch marks”

I had this one and I was actually lost for words. No, we didn’t get stretch marks, but that would have been such an obscenely small price to pay in exchange for having a healthy term baby.

3. “You’re lucky you skipped the hardest part of pregnancy”

We would have done anything to have had end stage of pregnancy. We feel robbed of our pregnancies. We had to grieve our pregnancies. Getting to experience a smooth, term pregnancy is not a given. It’s an absolute privilege.

4. “Don’t you just miss the newborn days?”

No, we don’t. When our babies were newly born we were away from home. We lived in a hospital. We expressed 8-12 times every 24 hours. We were separated by an incubator and held our babies once a day and only if they were well enough.

5. “How amazing is that first hold?”

It wasn’t amazing. It was terrifying. Most Mums wait days and even weeks to hold their premature baby (I waited 9 days). When we first hold them, they’re covered in tubes, tapes and wires. We’re scared to move. That magical moment of holding your baby after birth is another privilege that was taken away.

6. “Congratulations! It’s a Boy / Girl!”

I know they’re such kind gestures but receiving ‘it’s a boy’ cards and gifts felt uncomfortable and too soon. Especially in the first 6 weeks when we didn’t know if he would survive. It’s far from a time of celebration. I did receive a few ‘thinking of you’ cards and they felt much more comforting and appropriate.

A female consultant said Congratulations to me a few hours after Theo was born and I was speechless. I didn’t know if my baby was going to live or die. After a few seconds I said ‘I don’t think Congratulations is the right word’. She later apologised to me and thanked me for telling her.  


So what SHOULD you say to a Mum of a premature baby? Here are a few comments and gestures that would go a long way 

3 Things You Could do / Say to a Mum of a Premature Baby

  1. I’m so sorry this has happened. I can’t imagine what you’re going through but I am here for you every step of the way
  2. You are still the single most important person in your babies life 
  3. What can I bring you to make your days a little easier? You could suggest bringing a home cooked meal, freezer meals, new toiletries or to do some washing or household tasks.

During my time in NICU someone sent me the quote ‘from tiny acorns, mighty oaks grow’. It really touched me and I remember it to this day.


I hope this gives some insight into what it’s like to have a premature baby. Can any Mums add to the list?

Please share this post to help raise awareness about prematurity and how to be as understanding as possible to new preemie parents. Jess x

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Jessica Gibson (@thetravelista) on Jul 19, 2020 at 12:36pm PDT

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Jess is an an award-winning travel blogger based in Yorkshire, navigating the world as a new Mum to baby Theo. Blogging about adventures both local and global.

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I’m now back home recovering, very sore and drowsy from meds but feeling relieved and grateful that everything went well. The staff were wonderful and all truly deserve medals for what they do. Now time to rest, start gentle movements and ultimately get back on my feet ☺️💪🏼💫
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Tanned legs, 
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Over a year of loss and struggle, 
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As the sun sets, 
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⭐️1. The 5 Minute Journal - This book has been the greatest gift I have received in a long time. It has helped me to find gratitude in the smallest things, even when the world feels like its falling apart. I start my hour by filling out this journal. @fiveminutejournal 

⭐️2. Affirmations - I bought these beautiful affirmation cards from @lovaine_store on Etsy. Each morning I pick out a new affirmation and write it in my journal. Then I pluck another from my head. They're definitely teaching me to be kinder to myself and make me feel mentally stronger.

⭐️3. Mindfulness - After my journal I practice a guided meditation using the @calm app. 13 days in, I feel a lot more clarity. Tomorrow I’m also starting an 8 week mindfulness cognitive behavioural therapy course with @natalieenglander. I am a novice and I am excited to learn more.

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What are you doing to look after your mental well-being right now? It’s brutal at the moment. Take care guys 💓
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⚡️FESTIVE NEWS FLASH ⚡️ 🌟You don’t n ⚡️FESTIVE NEWS FLASH ⚡️

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🌟You don’t need a perfect, colour coordinated Christmas tree.

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🌟You don’t need a sprawling mass of presents under the tree.

🌟You don’t need to cook everything featured on the Jamie Oliver Christmas special.

🌟Hell, you don’t even need to change out of that trusty loungewear set you’ve been wearing all year.

💓 Embrace the chaos and all the things that make your Christmas unique. Stop letting social media trick you into thinking you don’t have it all. Honey, you do 💓

Merry Christmas and thank you for following us this year, love from me and Theo 🎄✨

(Inspired by Bd Blogs)

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