Woman’s is now partnering with Smart Patients, a free online community for patients families affected by the challenges of giving birth prematurely and needing advanced medical attention in the NICU.  You can share your questions and concerns and benefit from peer-to-peer interactions in a secure, supportive environment.

Here’s an example of Smart Patients in action…

Question: Ideas for friends and family who want to help but aren’t sure how? What can I tell them?

Answers:

They didn’t know that a hug was the only “word” they needed to “say.” That a phone call to say, “I don’t know what to say” could’ve changed my whole day for the better.

We had a CaringBridge site, and I still look at the posts I made and the posts friends and family made in the guest book. I will treasure those forever.

One thing that helped me was when my sisters took me to lunch every Sunday. It was a simple gesture, but I was able to enjoy their company for a bit. I looked forward to it each week.

Question: Anyone else experience preemie mom guilt?

Answers:

It’s so hard to deal with mom guilt — if it’s not one thing, it’s another.

I’m doing the best I can with the tools I have.

Whenever I think of their birth or the 94 days they spent in the hospital, a wave of guilt hits me again. I also feel blessed and grateful and proud of my little fighters, but there’s still a twinge of guilt.

Question: I am worried about trying to conceive and pregnancy after a NICU baby. Any advice?

Answers:

I’m finding it difficult to give up my current feeling of safety in order to start trying for another child.

Just be sure to find yourself a good, high-risk OB-GYN!

Can’t say I’m sorry we did it. My daughter is 12 now and she’s a spectacular 8th grader!

You can create a free Smart Patients account here.