Water Broke at 24 Weeks

What a great mom you are! I'm sure this is hard on the family and you are doing the best that you can - and I love that your concern is for your kids and family. Right now, everyone's concern is for you. Don't let those worries and concerns get the best of you because, what you must do NOW is to relax and rest and let hubby take care of the kids. You can tell that there is a lot of love in your family!

Your kids are young and resilient - this too, will be forgotten. Let this be one of those "all about me" moments in your life and let your husband take care of the rest. They need their mom back and soon, you will be. Maybe having a special candy or small toy/sticker dish or a cute "special box" in your room would help and give them something to look forward to, when visiting, and they can pick one item out, for each visit. Or just have specific toys or games and things in your room that they will use, while visiting - a puzzle, coloring books, small toys like "littlest pet shop" figurines, etc...

Best of luck to you and your family.

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C.,
I had a friend that went thru the same thing. Water broke at 24 weeks, she was in the hospital for 2 or 3 and they ended up delivering the baby. She weighed 1 lb and 8 oz. The baby spent the next 3 months in the hospital. It was hard but she made it. That was 20 years ago. She is now a lovely college sophmore living in Arizona. I can only imagine that the care and research are even better than they were then.
Good Luck!!!

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Hi. Although I haven't been in your position, my daughter was 18 mos old when I had my 2nd. Grandma watched her while I was in labor/in the hospital and brought her to visit. She was very mad at me (I guess for leaving?),and didn't want to see or be by me. She was mad when I brought baby home and stayed that way for a couple days, but after about 2 or 3 days things went back to normal. I know you are gone for a longer period of time, but Daddy brings them so they know you are there and you love them and didn't abandon them. When I went and had my 3rd my daughter didn't even care I was gone that time and fully accepted baby. It will get better as time goes on and after you can have baby and things eventually will get back more like normal. Good Luck!

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This is a hard one. You may want to try to put on a favorite shirt or something when he comes to visit. Try to talk to him about the new baby coming. Even though u feel bad, fix yourself up. He can still feed off of how you are feeling. Have hubby bring a learning activity or book that you always read him. Use this time to be with him and do some of the things that you all normally did at home. It is hard when you don't feel well and have bad feelings about your situation. Be blessed and I will havwe you in my prayers.

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Hello.. I have a friend who was in a very similiar situation to you and struggled with the same issues. To get her through it, she just remembered that every day that passed, was one more day of development for her baby and one day closer to meeting the baby (not to mention less time in the NICU if baby does come early). Someday your children will all be friends and won't be able to imagine life without each other, so even though it is hard now, this too shall pass, as my mother always says. With that said, maybe your husband could bring some of your kids favorite things/treats/toys to the hospital that you can give to them when they come visit so it is "fun" for them to come to the hospital. They just love and miss you, but you will be home soon!! Good luck.

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I C. First I pray that everythings turns out fine with you and your so newborn. If the hospital allows, have your husband or family member bring the children as much as possible and let them know you love them and give them plenty of hugs and kisses. Because at this point that pretty much all you can do until you have the baby.

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Hi C. -
I can relate to the hospital part of your situation. I too was on bed rest, 9 weeks at home and the last 2 weeks in the hospital. My water broke after 1 week in the hospital and the drs said they would let me go for up to 3 weeks with it broke, if I did not deliver. Crazy, I had never heard of such a thing. I went into labor at 31 weeks and my little preemie was in the NICU for 6 weeks. Being so independent, the hospital bed rest was the hardest thing I have went through. I agree with the previous poster to set a schedule for your day. Seems like you have a computer too, which helps. The nurses are really empathetic towards your situation and can offer a lot of support. Just keep trying to reassure yourself that you can (and will) get through this for your baby. Everything will work out, just take one day at a time. Good luck to you and my thougths are with you.

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I have not been in the position, but I was hospitalized during one of my pregnancies. I know how hard it is it to away and afraid. I will be praying for your family. God bless!

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C.,
I know it must be sooo hard being away from your children. However, keep in mind that your husband is with them and they will be fine. The baby that you are carrying deserves all the attention right now. Try to rest and not worry...I know easier said then done. Every day does matter at this point. I will definitely keep you in my prayers.

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Dear C.,
My son was a preemie (30 weeker), so I understand what you are feeling! I did not have any extra hospital time after my water broke (I delivered in 24 hours)....but at only 26 weeks, your baby needs every hour it can now - so the most important thing you need to do is RELAX! That is your most important concern right now. I know it is difficult with other children. Do not let their fears get to you - especially your 2 year old, who probably has very little idea what is going on. Hopefully dad and other support people you have can step in right now. You might have to limit your visits. I know it seems hard to do, but if it hurts more than it helps, you have to do what you have to do. This will be a huge adjustment period for your whole family, so you need to give it time, and take it one day at a time. I agree with previous poster about bringing fun things along when they visit you - so that it seems more like "oh, we're just hanging out playing with mom" as they might do at home....favorite toys, books, movies, etc. Alternatively, maybe you could have someone record you reading stories or just saying goodnight that can be played for your kids at home (my iPhone has a cool "voice memo" feature that can be used for this sort of thing!). Talk to your nurses, and see if your hospital has perinatal support staff (we did at Evanston Hospital...social workers and other trained experts). They likely have seen other families go through the same thing and probably have lots of ideas about how to make this very difficult time smoother on everyone. You don't have a short road ahead, but stay strong, your very special, tiny baby will need it!!

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I do not have advice for you since I have not been in your situation. I just wanted to let you know that you are in my thoughts and prayers!!!!! I wish you good health and very little stress. Do whatever you have to do to "pump yourself up" before you see your children. I know you love seeing them but I am sure they sense the stress you are facing while being in the hospital. Play your favorite song, do your makeup etc. I agree wtih the idea about having something special in the hospital room for your son and daughter. Maybe someone could make a treasure chest for you that can be filled with special new things. The dollar store has a lot of stuff for children if you want to keep the cost down. Best of luck!!!! Let us know how you are doing!