For many preemie families, November means the start of RSV season;
Synagis shots, lots of hand washing, and lockdown- nobody comes in to
see baby, and baby doesn't go out. It can be rough to be stuck at home
all winter long!
Our daughter was born at 27 weeks in
July 2011, came home in September, and wasn't allowed out of the house
until June 2012. Praise the Lord, our little girl stayed super healthy,
and at 16 months still hasn't had her first cold. Lockdown, hard as it
was, definitely payed off!
After nine months of being
cooped up, I've learned a few secrets of surviving lockdown. If you find
yourself tapped indoors this winter for your little one's best
interests, I hope that you find these tips to be helpful!
Teamwork.
There is no way those nine months would have gone so smoothly if it
wasn't for my supportive husband! He worked with me to make sure that I
got to get out of the house frequently- whether it was just for alone
time at a coffee shop, or to meet up with girl friends. I tried to do
the same for him. Even though he was gone at work all day, it was
important for him to get out and have fun too. We also tag teamed going
to church services, I went in the morning, he went at night.
If
you are a single parent, or if your spouse doesn't feel comfortable
being left alone with your special needs child, find a competent and
trustworthy friend or relative who can help relieve some of the
pressure. We had several NICU nurses volunteer to babysit for us- who
could ask for a better sitter? If they aren't offering, it never hurts
to ask a nurse you are close with. Oftentimes they would love to see how
their tiny patients fare outside of the NICU, and they would be more
than happy to enjoy some snuggle time with your peanut.
Routine. Having
an established order to my day, goals I hoped to accomplish, and a plan
of action to keep me busy really helped the days to fly by. Human
beings crave structure, and the sooner you can develop a structure for
your unorthodox new normal, the better. Plan to get up at a certain
time, and shower and dress as soon as you possibly can. While sweats are
nice for the first few weeks after your baby comes home, months in
pajamas can make you feel way more depressed about the slow pace of your
new life. Clothes that make you feel good can really improve your
outlook! A "to do" list all checked off will also give you a great sense
of accomplishment.
Take advantage of this season. When
in your life are you ever again going to have such a free schedule and
quiet pace to your days?!? Probably never! Take advantage of it- catch
up on your reading list, tackle major organizational or DIY projects
around the house, maybe even start a new hobby or home business. Your
days will feel less wasted when you invest them wisely. Remember- this
is just a season. It won't last forever! Soak up these quiet baby days,
use the time well to the best of your ability, and reap the rewards.
Look on the bright side. Who
really wants to schlep around a newborn, diaper bag, oxygen tank, and
apnea monitor anyway? That is a whole lot of crazy! Remind yourself that
going out nowadays would be a lot trickier anyway, and enjoy the
freedom and ease of just staying home. Think of how good it is that you
can keep your baby safe at home and away from germs. Enjoy the extra
time you get just getting to know the newest addition to your family.
Relish these days- they go by too fast!
Get some fresh air. Just
because you can't take your baby out in public doesn't mean you can't
go outside! Go for a quiet walk in your neighborhood. Step out into the
back yard. Just be sure to avoid parks and crowds!
Treat yourself.
Every once in awhile, allow yourself to do something fun and out of the
ordinary to break up the monotony (guilt-free!). Watch a movie in the
middle of a week day. Take a long nap when baby sleeps. Order in a
special meal. Enjoy a bubble bath. Catch up on your favorite shows.
Little perks go a long way towards a happier outlook. An indulgence here
and there will help you to actually enjoy your house arrest ;). Who
knew?
Looking back, those nine months really flew by. I
was so afraid of going stir-crazy... but I must admit, there were only
one or two days that I really felt lonely or caged. Don't worry preemie parent- this too shall pass!
If you've been through a preemie lockdown before, what tricks helped you to get through it? Please share in the comments!
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