Hey mamas! Trying to decide if it is smart to take my newborn (1.5mo old) who was in the NICU for 3wks on a car ride to Michigan for a day or two to attend my brother in laws engagement party.

Question

Hey mamas!  Trying to decide if it is smart to take my newborn (1.Hey mamas! Trying to decide if it is smart to take my newborn (1. 5mo old) who was in the NICU for 3wks on a car ride to Michigan for a day or two to attend my brother in laws engagement party. Worried about the flu and maintaining a routine with sleep and breastfeeding. But S feeling pressure to bring him to meet my husbands family for the first time . Any thoughts?  

Answer 1

RSV is very high this time of year.  

Answer 2

Follow your gut. I kept my baby away from ppl for a few months after nicu. Just my opinion

Answer 3

Too little. Flu and RSV are at an all time high. Especially if baby spent time in the NICU

Answer 4

Personally, I wouldn’t risk it. Due to flu being so high this time of year, being around so many people and being so young. Don’t let the guilt or pressure cloud your mom gut.  

Answer 5

My rule of thumb was- if I was unsure, I played it safe. Trust your instincts. Protect your precious little baby. Will you regret missing the party more than regret exposing your baby to life-threatening germs? Not that I’m trying to scare you, but think of how you feel when you get the flu, then imagine your little baby feeling that way  

Answer 6

Both of our families live in MI. Both my kids were 4 months old before I did the trip.  

Answer 7

I'd say no especially if your child was in the NICU. it's to risky.  

Answer 8

No, still flu and rsv season

Answer 9

I’d say no

Answer 10

I wouldn’t risk it. As excited as you would be to show the baby off and as excited as everyone would be to meet the baby. just too risky with the flu right now and baby just out of NICU.  

Answer 11

Former NICU mom here. Trust your gut and feel zero guilt for saying no.  

Answer 12

Nope. Not as a Nicu graduate. RSV is super bad this year as is the flu

Answer 13

No way.  

Answer 14

Ask your pediatrician

Answer 15

I missed my husband’s brother’s wedding to stay home and feed my NICU baby. She was home for 1 week after a 6 week NICU stay. Health concerns and feeding methods/requirements can be different as you already know. Don’t allow anyone to make you feel bad about missing a family event, if that is your choice. You take care and do what you feel is best. ❤️

Answer 16

I would say no! My 3 month old no NICU time is fighting a cold right now and I would protect that little one from a big group of pass the baby!  

Answer 17

If anything, I think the idea of meeting with a smaller group of family and skipping the party itself is a good suggestion. However, I think considering your baby’s age and three weeks in the NICU that your husband’s family should be understanding of this is too much for your little one right now. Good luck!  

Answer 18

Sounds like you dont wanna risk it so dont. Dont let the pressure push you into something you dont wanna do. Theyll get over it and if they wanna meet the babe so bad, they can come to you.  

Answer 19

Engagement party is not that important of an event, I say no

Answer 20

My kids are old but my first was 4. 25 pounds 25 years ago. I feel like there is an issue with infants being locked down for long periods of time and dying? Is that a thing?  

Answer 21

Tough call, my daughter got a virus when she was 6 weeks old and was in the hospital with a 103 degree fever on IV antibiotics for 3 days, it was horrible. It’s a tough decision!  

Answer 22

No- just no.  

Answer 23

We have a 5 year old and every year he has gotten a respiratory thing and it’s been BAD. This season is HORRIBLE. We just had to cancel our Florida trip for tomorrow as my son tested positive for influenza b. Personally, I wouldn’t risk it and I wouldn’t expose the baby to anything unnecessary

Answer 24

I wouldn't go strictly because you said the word "pressure. " You are obviously feeling pressure from them which isn't okay and in my opinion, already tells me that you don't want to go.  

Comments

@dane2983 exactly. If they want to see the baby, the road goes 2 directions.  

Answer 25

You can always just say the Dr. said not to travel.  

Answer 26

Not worth the risk

Answer 27

I wouldn’t. It seems hour maternal instinct is telling you not to. I would just tell them dr advised agains it if you don’t want to just say no.  

Answer 28

Your question was is it smart to take your baby. It is not a danger to travel and have your baby around others. If anyone is ill, and actually shows up, you can decline any attempts to hold the baby. If you don't want to go, then don't.  

Answer 29

Thanks for the great advice everyone! I just need to listed to my gut!  

Comments

@pterodactyl293 personally I wouldn’t but your momma gut will tell you what decision is best for you and your baby. Don’t let family guilt you into putting your child’s health at risk during flu season if your not comfortable with it.  

Answer 30

Not worth the risk! and they should understand !  

Answer 31

If you feel peace about going go. if u feel worried about going don’t! Peace is my indicator if I should do something.  

Answer 32

I wouldn’t. They said the flu is the worse it’s been in 10yrs. Too many people/germs and traveling that far away from home. I just wouldn’t take the chance in the winter especially.  

Answer 33

I would say no due to the combo of young age plus time already spent in the NICU. And with rampant flu everywhere, better safe than sorry this time  

Answer 34

I wouldn’t, too many influenzas right now, baby hasn’t had time to build up a good strong immune system

Answer 35

I would go so his family can meet the baby. If I were his family I would be deeply disappointed.  

Answer 36

I would not take the chance. My son was given antibiotics when he was only 2 weeks old and developed a severe allergy to milk. If your baby does get sick, they will give antibiotics to your child in the hospital.  

Answer 37

Former NICU mom of 8 weeks. he didn’t go out until flu season was over. If someone doesn’t understand, they probably have never had a NICU baby

Answer 38

I would probably err on the side of caution with this one.  

Answer 39

I most likely would not. The worry was horrible for me when my babies were little. So risky for babies with all of those germs.  

Answer 40

No. Never feel pressure go w your gut. Baby first.  

Answer 41

I wouldn’t. He’s to young and this year the flu has been terrible! IMO not worth the risk.  

Answer 42

Do what you think is best for you and your baby, it doesn't matter what anybody else thinks.  

Answer 43

If it was me, I’d stay home. The flu is rough right now for grown adults, let alone little babies. Better to be safe than sorry. But whatever you think is best!  

Answer 44

I didn't take mine to gatherings during flu season. There is a stomach virus that is bad and quickly dehydrated my 10yo, 8yo and 5yo. Family gets really into the 'need to meet', but baby wont remember, no one should touch (contagious b4 symptoms) so why the pressure on you all to do so. Someone else doing it some other time in history with different circumstances has nothing to do with your tiny baby's safety. <3

Answer 45

Too little. Maybe a small family gathering but not a big party. (OTOH you’re breastfeeding so his immune system is pretty jacked. )

Answer 46

You’re the momma. YOU make the rules. And a bit of info from the dr might help. What does dr say?  

Answer 47

NO - and the fact that you are asking probably means you do not think so either follow your gut

Answer 48

Nope my son is 2mnths and head met like 5 people. #idgaf it's better to not be back in the hospital.  

Answer 49

My daughter was born at 35. 5 weeks. in NICU for over a month (even had surgery 3 days after born), we drove to middle of Florida in December and she was 2 months old. i don't let people touch the babies hands or face but I just baby wear and they are not going to get that close to my Bobbies lol. My kiddos are never sick, shes 5 now. Just have the confidence to do what you want. I breastfed as well(if that matters to you), if I was getting sick, my breast milk would create antibodies to help baby. so I was feeling better about leaving the house during these crazy times of the year.  

Comments

Plus it's so fresh and clean the air in Wisconsin and Michigan. im in Wisconsin right now with 2. 5 and 5 year old, and is awesome feeling