Ignorance is bliss...

I've worked with doctors, hospitals and hospital systems almost my entire legal career.  I spend a lot of time in hospitals with administrators, I understand the healthcare system fairly well, and I feel pretty comfortable in them.  So, when an opportunity to go and view the NICU with a group of other "Moms of Multiples" came up, it seemed pretty benign. 

Ever since I found out I was pregnant I've tried to get as much information as possible about what I can expect from this unique pregnancy.  Books on multiples, reading triplet blogs, joining a multiples group here in town.  So, when the hospital based multiples moms group had a NICU tour scheduled, I of course decided to go in the spirit of more information is always better.

NOT.  TRUE.  Going into the NICU was one of the most overwhelming and heartbreaking places ever.  Impossibly tiny babies, overwhelming medical equipment and struggling families surrounding them.  I had to leave the tour halfway through to avoid crying in front of the rest of the tour.

Whose bright idea was it to take a bunch of hormonal pregnant mothers into that setting?  I normally like to have a good idea of what to expect, but this time, I think I would have been better off not knowing.  I can't get those images out of my mind! 

I know so many friends whose children have gone to the NICU and are healthy happy kids now.  Those are good stories to hear.  Just need to remember those.

Comments

[Blythe]

Theo spent five days in the NICU after he was born. It was less traumatic than it might have been because he was one of the biggest, healthiest babies in there, and every time I went down to feed him I was reminded of how lucky we were. It was also inspiring to see the amazing care the babies receive there. In fact, I may have been the tiniest bit relieved that he was being monitored so closely instead of being my room with clueless moi!

But yes, you're right, some of it is so difficult to see and makes you think about worst case scenarios.

[Dawn (KitchenTravels)]

D - my girls were in the NICU for 10 days. The hardest part, honestly, was not being near them 24/7. But there were lots of upsides, too. They received such great care, the nurses were amazing (NICU nurses ROCK), and when it's your own children the whole thing doesn't seem so overwhelming b/c you are so happy that your kids are doing well and growing every day. Your babies will be fine... promise!