illeniccup

It has been a while since my last post, but I just wanted to thank you ALL so much again for the responses and well-wishes...there have been some tough days to get through, and there will be more, I am sure, but we have the support and understanding of our families and friends (though many don't know just yet--it just gets emotionally draining to explain everything again and again...) If it sounded "odd" for us to be shocked, well, unless you've experienced it personally, only then can you know the feelings of complete disbelief, sadness, regrets, confusion, and fear all at once. There is a real grieving process here, and I think we went through all seven stages. Acceptance is where we are now, though I am not so naive as to believe there won't be setbacks. After the holiday season I think we will be at a point where we can start reading books and really researching the resources in our community. I can only pray for the best possible outcome...fear of the unknown is our worst enemy at this point. I am sure as time goes on I will have more questions and/or need "help" from unbiased professionals here on the message board...keep up the good work--I can only hope the nurses at our hospital are as caring as you all. :kiss Illeniccup

Thank you ALL for caring to take time for someone you don't even know...I will try to follow your suggestions...we see the genetic counselor tomorrow for whatever "info" she is going to give us, going over the results, etc. JBooher--Please tell your instructor she is a dear for referring you to me...and so are you for sharing your story...any type of information is appreciated.

I am not an L&D nurse, but have wanted to be for sometime, so I am only a lurker here. I am 19 weeks pregnant and my husband and I were just given the devastating news that our fifth baby has been diagnosed with Downs Syndrome (via amnio). While we are still reeling from this news and trying to digest it, I was wondering if any of you nurses had some insight for me on what problems I might have to prepare for in caring for a newborn with this. Is there generally problems with breastfeeding, apnea, etc.? I know all babies are different, but generally speaking... My husband (a teacher) is already thinking ahead to schooling; I'm still at delivery and caring for a newborn. Any input you might have would indeed be helpful, since you are all on the "front lines". Thank you so much in advance.

Many of the reasons I want to go into nursing are because of the GREAT L & D nurses I've had at the births of my children. And yes, I remember ALL of their names, AND which shifts they were on! (I've been through it four times...) Two in particular (with baby #2) were so fantastic I just had to write to their supervisor AND to them. They were truly examples of what nursing is all about. I hope that when MY time comes to be on the "nursing end" of L&D, I will be able to have an impact like these ladies did. Keep up the good work you all do; your patients DO appreciate it!

Many of the reasons I want to go into nursing are because of the GREAT L & D nurses I've had at the births of my children. And yes, I remember ALL of their names, AND which shifts they were on! (I've been through it four times...) Two in particular (with baby #2) were so fantastic I just had to write to their supervisor AND to them. They were truly examples of what nursing is all about. I hope that when MY time comes to be on the "nursing end" of L&D, I will be able to have an impact like these ladies did. Keep up the good work you all do; your patients DO appreciate it!

I am a wannabe nurse just perusing this specialty, but you sound like a neat lady, mother/babyRN! I am nearly 39 and would love to be blessed with another baby. I hope that when I finally make it into L & D nursing I'm not so worried about every pt's age...Good Luck to you.