by Makita Gulley posted in Mom Stories

Everyone knows that PTSD is usually used to refer to those who have previously been in combat. Throughout the years, it's been found that other traumatic events can cause PTSD as well, including having a premature child. Kara Wahlin discusses her trauma in her article on About.com.
She's the mom of 26-weeker twin boys, one who didn't make it. She and her husband spent three long months traveling to and from the NICU. She probably lost count on how many hours she'd been there per day, forgotten if she'd eaten, and quite honestly, probably held her breath hoping the other shoe didn't drop. Feelings I remember too well.

 
 
My eldest child is also a 26-weeker. At 24 weeks I developed preeclampsia, and by the end of that week it had caused my blood pressure to go out of control and I was admitted to the hospital. At 25 weeks, I was informed that I would be in the hospital for the duration of my pregnancy -- that only lasted one more week, unfortunately. Reading about Mrs. Wahlin's baby boys reminded me of the reality all parents face when we enter those NICU doors. Every time I left, I  hoped and prayed I didn't get a phone call. No news was good news. That meant nothing had gone awry in my absent hours. Even now, as I read and type, I get kind of emotional with all of the what if's.
What if my mother hadn't noticed I was particularly sluggish that Saturday evening and take my blood pressure" The thought of that alone sc...