I know this isn't Disney, but I need advice.

[DisneyTiger]

Hi, I hate to go off subject here but I need some advice and I know there are some wonderful, caring people out there on the DIS that may be able to help me. My SIL is due in October with their first child that has taken many years and lots of fertility treatments to conceive. She was admitted to the hospital last week with preeclampsia. They are probably going to have to take the baby this weekend. She'll be 28.5 weeks. Anyway, I am trying to find ideas of things to cheer her up while she's in the hospital. She really can't have visitors and has to just sit in a dark hospital room as to not make her BP go up. I took my DD3 to see her last week to cheer her up and when we left, her BP had gone sky high! Any ideas of what else I can do?

 

[mom2aiden]

How about a gift basket/bag with things to keep her occupied? A good book, some snacks, crossword/soduku puzzles, a new cd (for her or the baby). Maybe a DVD or two to watch on a laptop/portable dvd player, if she has one?

I hope her and the baby are healthy and happy!

 

[DisneyTiger]

How about a gift basket/bag with things to keep her occupied? A good book, some snacks, crossword/soduku puzzles, a new cd (for her or the baby). Maybe a DVD or two to watch on a laptop/portable dvd player, if she has one?

I hope her and the baby are healthy and happy!

I've actually done all of those things. When I visited her with my DD, we brought her magazines, snacks, candy. She also has a copy of the CD that I play for my kids at nap time. I havent' thought about DVD's. I'm just worried that she's falling into this state of depression where she doesn't want anything. I don't know. I just feel helpless. Thanks for the tips though. I appreciate you taking the time

 

[GOOFY4DONALD]

I am so sorry to hear about her situation. I was admitted many times and after the stress of all th doctors and nurses goes away I got really bored. When people would come by and stand over me I felt really weird. What I would have liked was someone to bring me DVD's. If the hospital does not have players see if you can get people to help pitch in and get a player..they portable ones are under 100.00. Get a whole bunch of light hearted movies without sad endings. Even though at 28 weeks chances are great her baby will be ok sad movies may get her thinking about things that could go wrong.

If I think of anything else I will post.

 

[SherylWrites]

I suggest a Nintendo DS. You can get a lot of adult games - word puzzles, crosswords, word searches, IQ tests, etc. and a charger. It will keep her mind occupied for sure. I know it's a lot to shell out in the beginning but perhaps your brother would split on the cost?
A deck of cards, puzzles, cross stitching..does she have any hobbies?
I'll keep her in my thoughts during this time! Here's praying for a full 40 weeks and a healthy baby and mommy!

 

[GOOFY4DONALD]

I've actually done all of those things. When I visited her with my DD, we brought her magazines, snacks, candy. She also has a copy of the CD that I play for my kids at nap time. I havent' thought about DVD's. I'm just worried that she's falling into this state of depression where she doesn't want anything. I don't know. I just feel helpless. Thanks for the tips though. I appreciate you taking the time

Also she may need someone to just sit there and talk to. Let her do all the talking...just be there. People always want to come by and gush over the baby but when there are problems people don't know what to do or say so they just stay away.

 

[Tnkrbelle565]

Oh I went through this. I had pre-eclampsia too. I was completely bored every day. I had visitors at night but everyone was working during the day (I was in the hospital for a month). Does she read? I read more books/magazines than I care to count but I was glad to have them. I also had a Nintendo game (not DS...this was almost 5 years ago). If she has a portable DVD player, definately get her some new cheesy chick flicks. If your sister wants any advice from recovering from this (there are particular issues if she chooses to nurse), feel free to PM me.

 

[thegrimdwarf]

Does the hospital have a spa? That's pretty popular around here - spas right in the hospitals, and services like massage or manicure/pedicure available right in the rooms. I bed a nice foot massage and a pedicure would do wonders.

I'm sorry for the situation - so scary! I wish all of you the best!

 

[Tnkrbelle565]

Does the hospital have a spa? That's pretty popular around here - spas right in the hospitals, and services like massage or manicure/pedicure available right in the rooms. I bed a nice foot massage and a pedicure would do wonders.

I'm sorry for the situation - so scary! I wish all of you the best!

You must have gone to Elliot...they have the coolest services there. AND the best NICU I've ever been in!!

 

[mavslab]

Can you spend some time with her during the day without your DD? If so bring some stuff to make her feel all beautiful before the baby comes. Soak her hands, paint her nails, paint her toenails. Bring her some great smelling lotion and her favorite summer drink (if she can have it). Nothing makes you feel better, then when you feel beautiful.

 

[frtchr]

I ditto the Nintendo idea. We love our DS! Maybe there is a place to rent one? I know you can rent games online at gamefly.com.

I'm so sorry that your SIL is going through this. You sound like a very caring SIL to do all you can for her.

 

[thegrimdwarf]

You must have gone to Elliot...they have the coolest services there. AND the best NICU I've ever been in!!

Yep, Elliot rocks. I also got spa services at Lowell General, in MA, when my first was born. I don't remember if that was in-house, though - my husband may have called around to find someone to do a "house call".

 

[mavslab]

Does the hospital have a spa? That's pretty popular around here - spas right in the hospitals, and services like massage or manicure/pedicure available right in the rooms. I bed a nice foot massage and a pedicure would do wonders.

I'm sorry for the situation - so scary! I wish all of you the best!

We must have been typing at the same time!

 

[saratogadreamin09]

if you get her a book or movie just make sure it's nothing that will get her blood rushing. go for some calming things

 

[ERMama]

It really sounds like youve done most of what you can do. I think just letting her know you will be there for her after the delivery and that you care so much is most helpful.
Good luck to her!

 

[DisneyTiger]

Thank you all so much for your tips and concern. This is just all so new to us. I was blessed with two easy conceptions, pregnancies, and births. About as perfect as they come. They've just been through so much. She had an ultrasound today and her amniotic fluid has dropped from 12 to 6 (not sure what they measure it in). All I know is that if it gets down to 4 then it's go time. They will have another ultrasound on Thursday so I'm thinking the baby is coming by the weekend.

She does have a DS. And no, our hospital doesn't have a spa. They're actually building a new facility now that will have all of that but not yet. I just feel helpless but I know she is where she needs to be and all will be well. Again, thanks for the support. I can keep this going if y'all would like to hear her progress. We can use all the prayers we can get

 

[tlbwriter]

Maybe you could go online and look for stories of 28 weekers who did well? It could cheer her up. A former neighbor of mine had her baby at 28 weeks and he's doing great.

 

[DisneyTiger]

Maybe you could go online and look for stories of 28 weekers who did well? It could cheer her up. A former neighbor of mine had her baby at 28 weeks and he's doing great.

That's a good idea. I do know a few babies that were born around the same time and they are fine. These are the stories that she needs to hear!

 

[coteau_chick]

Maybe you could go online and look for stories of 28 weekers who did well? It could cheer her up. A former neighbor of mine had her baby at 28 weeks and he's doing great.

I think that is a wonderful idea.

I had the same thing when I was pregnant for Grace. It didn't start until 35 weeks and I got to stay on bed rest at home. I went in the hospital 3 times. The third time they delivered her. She was born at 37 weeks. I know that is a big difference. I will pray for her and the baby. My heart just goes out to her. I am tearing up as I type. I know she must be scared, thats why I agree that inspirational stories would do her good.

 

[tr-ray]

I don't have any other ideas, but I will tell you that I am due in September 2008, and there have been 4 or 5 live births on my birth club at Babycenter.com.

And some of those were earlier than 28 weeks! Several healthy babies! One might even be coming home in the next two weeks!

Just keep her spirits up! It's a trying time, but each week the baby stays in the better it is for both her & baby!