Holidays in the Hospital--Please give your comments

Last year at this time, we sat quietly in the hospital watching our 29-weeker sleep peacefully in our arms. Outside, Christmas lights twinkled, reflected on the newly-fallen snow. It was still early in the month, and we were beginning to think that we would be spending our holidays in the hospital. Much of Thanksgiving had been spent in the NICU, and we desperately hoped that Christmas wouldn't find us in the same place. Luckily, T.J. was discharged before Christmas, and we were able to celebrate the holidays in our own home with our precious baby. We were lucky, but many parents face the holiday season with a sick, perhaps dying, baby. We are seeking the advice of parents, hospital staff, and families who have been in this situation. We intend to publish an article next week on surviving the holidays while your baby is in the NICU. We would appreciate any and all comments that you can give us. Please send responses to susanjensen@usa.net. If you don't mind, please also give us your first name and state, or type anonymous if you wish to remain so. Some of the questions you may answer are:

1.) How did you cope with the stress of the holidays while your baby was in the hospital? 2.) If you have other children, how did you make the holidays special for them? 3.) Do you feel that your perspective on the purpose of Christmas (or other holidays) changed because of your experience in the NICU? 4.) What advice would you give parents who are in this situation? What advice would you give their family and friends?

Thank you very much for your help.

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