|
|
|
 |
|
|
| The hardest part of Sarah's stay in the NICU was being away from the rest of my family. Because the only time I was allowed to hold her was at feeding times, which was every three hours, I stayed at the Ronald McDonald House. Our home was too far away to drive back and forth; besides, I was still too weak from the traumatic delivery to drive. |
| The RMDH is a unique presence; it's a godsend in that it allows you to be close to your baby and feel somewhat like a parent; but it's tiring. Living among 15 families, sharing bathrooms and kitchens, the late night phones ringing and families so stressed out they fight in the hallways. |
| I couldn't wait to leave that place, although I very much needed to be there for Sarah. I felt cheated; I should have been at home in my jammies cuddled up on the couch instead of running back and forth every three hours. My day centered around her feeding times. |
| There were strict rules, too. No eating or drinking in your room; other children must remain by your side at all times. Shoes on in the house at all times. Visitors must leave by 9pm. Waking up in the middle of the night to pump and having nothing to drink but tap water wasn't a treat! At least all the noise in the house reminded me to wake up and pump. |
| But there was one cherished element to staying at RMDH; the other moms of other babies who were side by side with yours in the NICU. We could talk about things no one else would understand; which nurses we liked and those we didn't. Which doctors were more progressive. We would watch out for each others' babies as well; if one baby was seen fretful during a visit the mom would know about it. It's amazing what you hear when you're behind the curtain pumping! |
| I miss the comeraderie between the other moms. When they told me I could room in with Sarah, I was so excited, I just packed up my stuff, cleaned my room, left and never looked back. But I wonder now and then how they've gotten along. |
| I miss having someone to share stories about my day with. For that, I am grateful for the RMDH. |
|
