After Discharge : Nurturing our 24 Weeks Premature Baby to Thrive
As a parent of our 24 weeks premature baby, I want to share our incredible journey of raising our baby. It hasn’t been an easy road, but through our love, determination, and enduring commitment, we have witnessed our little one overcome various challenges and blossom into a thriving child. For our baby’s NICU journey
Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP)
A week after our baby was discharged from the NICU, we scheduled a visit to the ophthalmologist for a green laser treatment to address retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). This condition if not treated on time had the potential risk to affect the baby’s vision for life, so we knew the treatment was crucial. With hope in our hearts, we witnessed both of our baby’s eyes undergo the laser procedure. We were advised to return for follow-up appointments for next few months to ensure our little one’s eyes were free from ROP.
Abnormal EEG Reports
After 2 weeks of discharge during a follow-up of our 24 weeks premature baby at the hospital, we requested EEG reports of our baby’s brain activity, EEG test was done 2 days before discharge. To our dismay, the results showed abnormalities, leaving us worried and anxious. Our baby’s pediatrician shared our concerns and recommended MRI of brain for further investigation. With a mix of anticipation and fear, we went for an MRI scan, praying for normal results. Seeing our tiny baby in the MRI machine was overwhelming, but our prayers were answered when the MRI reports came back normal. A wave of relief washed over us, and we felt grateful for this positive outcome.
Reasons for premature birth my shocking story!
“BERA” Test of Our 24 Weeks Premature Baby
Our pediatrician emphasized the importance of our 24 weeks premature baby’s hearing development, prompting us to undergo a BERA test.
BERA is brainstem-evoked response audiometry, it is early identification of hearing impairment in children. The test would help identify any potential hearing impairments early on, as hearing plays a vital role in language acquisition, reading, writing, and social skills.
As we sat through the test, we couldn’t help but worry about the results. However, our concerns were alleviated when we received the news that our baby’s hearing was normal. It was a joyful moment that filled our hearts with gratitude.
Physiotherapy and Hearing and Visual Stimulation Sessions
Because our baby was 24 weeks means extremely premature, our pediatrician warned us about the possibility of developmental delays. To ensure our little one reached milestones on time, we were advised to pursue physiotherapy sessions and engage in hearing and visual stimulation activities for at least one year. This meant dedicating extra time and effort, both during medical visits and at home. It was challenging, and at times tiring, but we embraced it wholeheartedly, knowing that these interventions were crucial for our baby’s growth and development.
And within a year after discharge we noticed magical results due to these sessions. our preemie was hitting all milestones on time.
Triumph over ROP: A Glimmer of Hope
After two and a half months since the green laser treatment, our baby’s ophthalmologist declared that our little one’s eyes were finally free from ROP. The news brought tears of joy to our eyes and filled us with hope for the future. We were instructed to return for a follow-up visit after 1.5 years, it was indeed a significant milestone in our baby’s journey.
Want to know how and why our baby was born too early?
For Parents of Premature Baby
As a parent of a premature baby, remember to stay patient, follow the advice of medical experts, and embrace early medical interventions. With dedication and support, your baby has the potential to grow and thrive, just like any other full-term baby.
Stay hopeful and believe in their remarkable journey ahead.
Conclusion
Today, our precious little fighter 24 weeks premature baby is 4.5 years old, and we couldn’t be prouder of his progress. We have overcome the challenges that came with our premature baby and now are baby is thriving just like any other child. As parents, we have learned the power of unconditional love, resilience, and the importance of early intervention.
Our journey is a testament to the miracles that can happen when we pour our hearts into our child’s well-being. We cherish every milestone achieved, knowing that our baby has defied the odds and continues to reach his full potential.