So close to the end

So I've made it 35 wks (as of Saturday) with no issues (aside from some mild, diet-controlled GD). I've felt remarkably good thru this whole pregnancy. But Murphy's Law (I can't stand that guy!)...DS brought home a cold from daycare and now I have it. And since DH cannot be within 50 yds of an illness without contracting it (or so it seems ) I suspect he's next. I feel reasonably ok (not feeling like I need meds) and have been pumping myself full of fruits, veggies, water, and vitamin C. But what if these babies decide to come while me or my family is still sick? Would I be able to hold the babies? Would DH be allowed at the delivery if he's sick? I know that my hospital doesn't allow sick kids into the recovery ward, so I'm sure DS would be out of luck. If they ended up in the NICU, I'm presuming we'd all be banned from seeing them, correct? What if they don't need the NICU? I know it's ok to b/f your babies when you're sick, but what about just holding them?

I have an appt w/ my Dr. tomorrow and I'll ask about protocol, but I'm wondering if anyone's had personal experience w/ this. I'm so bummed to think we've made it this far only to be quarantined because of stupid colds, and I can't imagine not having DH by my side for the delivery. I really don't feel like I'm close to D-Day at this point, but DS was 2 wks early, so I'm not going to presume I'll make it the full 38.

Also, I have DS in daycare 2x/wk...not because he needs to be but for the socialization and to (hopefully) ease the transition of having to share me, etc. I've been considering pulling him out for the next month or two to hopefully avoid having him bring home any unnecessary "crud" to the babies. Anyone have an opinion on this? I'd like to keep him in as I do think it's beneficial to him, but I'm really on the fence about the health issues since he doesn't NEED to be in daycare.


Eve...who's off to hook up the OJ IV now

 

Hi, I am 28 weeks with twins but have experience with NICU from my daughter, who is 2. She was born at 35 weeks and 2 days. She had to be in the NICU for a little bit of Resp. distress and jaundice. They were very strict about colds. Didn't want you in there if you had anything other than a mild cold.... and even then, made you wear a mask so you wouldn't be breathing your germs out on the floor. So many tiny bodies in that room, they REALLY do take good precautions to make sure none of them contract anything that they would have a hard time fighting.

 

I figured that would be a given w/ the NICU (as it should be), but what if they don't need NICU time? Or what about the delivery room?

 

I don't know about the delivery room, since my daughter was born in a birthing room, not the OR. I know here at my hospital, you can ONLY have one person in with you that is family in the OR. And, they are suited up with masks, so a cold shouldn't be a huge deal. If the babies don't need NICU time, I would suggest you make everyone (INCLUDING HUBBY) use hand sanitizer before handling the babies so they don't contract the cold. And, keep the kisses away as well as young children.

 

It's just a good idea to always make everyone wash hands before holding new babies. But I think if you're specifically worried about this particular cold, and your babies are essentially full-term, you shouldn't have a problem. They're getting the antibodies from you that you're building as you fight off the cold.

 

My husband got sick the day after I had my daughter. We decided it was best for him to stay away from the hospital. It was horrible being there for those days without him, but I was so worried he'd pass on the cold to the baby.

I'd talk to your doctor...see if there's anything you can take to speed the recovery along, and have your hubby start taking Airborn.