SCBU Unit

Helen G · Post by **Helen G** » Thu Jul 17, 2003 3:43 pm

Hi all A few weeks ago, dh and I did a tour of the maternity unit at the hospital where we're having the babies. When I was there they advised we go and take a look at the special care baby unit sometime as there is a high chance that the babies will need to spend at least a bit of time there. To cut a long story short, I've just been told that we can go this evening. I'm really nervous now - the thought of seeing all these tiny, sick babies is scary. I've never seen really tiny babies before! Has anyone else been to SCBU before? LOL Helen xx

Jo Radley · Post by **Jo Radley** » Fri Jul 18, 2003 11:54 am

Hi Helen, Hope you don't mind me butting in on your thread, but I just wanted to see how you got on last night? I hope it wasn't too upsetting for you and DH. I myself haven't been to a SCBU unit and am just about to start IVF, but I often look on this side of the msg board for hope and inspiration from all of the wonderful mummy's to be. Thinking of you, Love Jo xx

Helen G · Post by **Helen G** » Fri Jul 18, 2003 3:28 pm

Hi Jo Unfortunately we didn't make it - dh didn't get home from work in time! We're going to go next week - I'll let you know how I get on! Where are you in your cycle at the moment? Hope you're coping with it all OK. Wishing you loads of luck! Helen xx

Jo Radley · Post by **Jo Radley** » Fri Jul 18, 2003 4:09 pm

Hi Helen, That's a shame that you didn't manage to get there, at least you can go next week. I'm just waiting for AF at the mo, then I can can start injecting. I've opted for the injections from the start, as I don't think I'd be able to do the sniffing thing - I can't even use the nasal sprays for hayfever - what am I like?!!! Bit nervous about it all really, but excited at the same time. Had failed IUIs, clomid etc, but have made the decision to start IVF and now it's here, feeling very anxious! The thing I think is funny is that we all wish every month that AF doesn't rear it's ugly head, but this month, I can't wait for it to appear!! I'm two days late and just praying it will come asap so that I can start the IVF cycle. How far gone are you? I'm presuming that you're having more than one as you refer to babies! Congratulations, I'm so happy for you. Did you have IVF? Lots of love, Jo xx

RLV · Post by **RLV** » Mon Jul 21, 2003 8:26 pm

Hiya Helen We're going to go and have a look round our maternity unit next month - don't know if we'll get to see the SCBU but not sure whether I want to! I've only seen them on TV and it is scarey to think they'll have to go in there. Fingers crossed they'll be born after 36 weeks or so and will be fine without it! Let us know when you've been anyway. Luv Rachel X

MARTEEN · Post by **MARTEEN** » Mon Jul 21, 2003 8:36 pm

Hi Helen I have read your posting and noticed you had your treatment in Oxford. CONGRATULATION TO YOU BOTH. I have had 1 failed treatment there last year and due on go on Wednesday for a second try. How did you find them?? as I felt a little disappointed with the way I was treated last year, I am very nervous about going there again this week. How many emb's did you have put back in?? How far pregnant are you? I am considering 3, as this will be our last go, due to money it is costing nearly £4,000 as we are not in the Oxford area we did not get drugs etc paid for. Wishing you lots of luck through out your pregnancy, sorry I don't know how far gone you are or how many. Love to hear from you Love Marteen

Helen G · Post by **Helen G** » Mon Jul 21, 2003 10:00 pm

Hi Marteen and Jo Thanks for your good wishes!

I am now 23 weeks pregnant with twin boys - the result of my 2nd IVF attempt at Oxford. First was October last year, 2nd in Feb of this year. Marteen - I found Oxford to be very matter of fact and not particularly personal about the whole thing. Don't know if this is a good or bad thing - neither DH or I are overly open people so too much touchy feely stuff might have been too much for us - we're quite private and tend to talk to each other about things rather than other people. It all depends on what kind of support you're looking for I suppose. I hope you find them OK this time - make sure you ask for what you want!! We found that worked. Know what you mean about the cost, we're out of area too (Berkshire) so had to fund both times ourselves. Ours wasn't quite as much as yours but then again we were straight IVF, not ICSI! Jo - hope AF has finally arrived and that treatment goes smoothly for you! I wish you both every success! I'll be watcing the other side for your progress. Best of luck! LOL Helenxx [Edited by Helen G on 21-Jul-03 23:01]

NickyJ · Post by **NickyJ** » Tue Jul 22, 2003 12:01 pm

Helen, been away but just had to respond to your note. Our two spent 7 weeks in SCBU and I only got the tour two days before they were delivered at 29weeks. It really isn't that scary and the nurses in there are a very special bunch, so kind and helpful. When we were in we had at one point 7 sets of twins and almost set up our own twins club. I became quite an expert by the end of our stay and we still go back every few months to visit as they love to see how my two have developed..in fact we are due to go back next week for their one yearly check. It is worth asking for any leaflets etc as the more you know the less scary it all seems. Chances are at worst you will only have a short stay there and if you have any worries, there are a few of us here who can answer any questions. Take care and get loads of rest Nicky

Jo Locker · Post by **Jo Locker** » Tue Jul 22, 2003 3:25 pm

Hi Helen - just about the SCBU - this is a long time ago but when my little brother was born (he's now 21!!!) he was 3 months prem,. and so had to spend a long time in this unit and was very poorly. It was a bit daunting at first but the work that goes on in there is truly amazing. I was 15 when I visited him there but I remember every little thing - what a fantastic place. I'm sure there's plenty of twins & triplets who spend some time there and you'll be fine I'm sure - just think how lucky we are that they have these special places for babies with special needs! Another good thing is that you will meet other parents with the same worries and fears. Try not to worry - best of luck with your visit & lots of love, Jo. XX

Jo Radley · Post by **Jo Radley** » Tue Jul 22, 2003 3:32 pm

Hi Helen, Hope you're OK. Just a quick note to say that AF hasn't arrived yet and it's DRIVING ME NUTS!!! Oh well, they say these things are sent to try us, don't they??!! Thanks for your kind msg. Congratulations on your twin boys - I'm so happy for you! When is their due date? Take Care, Love Jo xx

Helen G · Post by **Helen G** » Tue Jul 22, 2003 4:23 pm

Thanks all again for your notes! Welcome back Aunty Nicky - did you have a good holiday with the little ones??? We've got a trip to SCBU booked in for tomorrow night but I feel a lot better having read Nicky and Jo's notes - you really can't beat first had experience. I'll keep you posted! LOL Helen xx PS - Jo, my boys are due 17 November so I've still got a way to go!!

Jo Radley · Post by **Jo Radley** » Wed Jul 23, 2003 3:37 pm

Hi Helen, 17th November - that's my DH's birthday so a very good EDD date obviously - he told me to put that !!!! Seriously, I bet you're so excited - the time will really fly by, I bet. Have you decided on any names yet? Love Jo xx

kateg · Post by **kateg** » Thu Jul 24, 2003 8:28 am

HI Helen - I gave birth to twin boys 22 months ago they were 2 months premature and stayed in special care for a total of 3 weeks. Mine were the biggest set of twins in the intensive care at that time, they were 4lb 10oz &4lb 11oz. There was a couple of really tiny babies and there was one little boy who was six months old and basically was never going to leave the hospital which I found really sad. One of my little boys was in the bed next to him and I remember sitting there one night at about 2am and crying looking at my little boy (hormones as well just wanting to hold him and take him home) and when I looked up and looked at the other little boy (Aaron his name was) I felt so guilty as I was so lucky. There is always someone better and worse off than you isn't there? The staff were great and I looked after my babies myself for about 18 hours every day the other six I slept. They show you everything you need to know, how to dress them whilst they're in the incubator (not allowed out for anything but cuddles and have to be well wrapped up) how to tube feed etc etc. You can have as much involvement as you want, some parents find it difficult and like the nurses to do the cleaning, changing etc. Whilst I know its not ideal not having them at the side of your bed there are definitely worse things and waiting a few extra weeks to bring them home is definitely worth the wait. Love Kate

Helen G · Post by **Helen G** » Thu Jul 24, 2003 10:00 am

Hi Kate Thanks for sharing your experience with me - every little helps, doesn't it! We went along last night and found it amazing. Nowhere near as scary as I thought it was going to be! The nurse that showed us around was really lovely and spent a good half hour going through everything, showing us some of the babies and generally talking about their lives in SCBU. Like you say, some babies were really, really tiny, others were a bit bigger and not quite so dependent on all of the machines. The whole experience has definitely put my mind at rest and I will not worry if they have to go there now. The dedication and expertise of the nurses just makes it all seem OK. LOL Helen xx

Advertisements