Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Visiting Emma and Mady

These "rules" apply while Emma and Mady are in the NICU and when they come home. We will need to be strict about visitors to protect are precious girls. They will still be much more fragile than a full term baby.

Because our girls were early, they are more at risk to contract RSV which can, in some instances, be fatal to a preemie. The girls are coming home during RSV season which runs October - May. They will not be allowed in daycare during this time nor in crowded places.
Although full term babies can get the cold quite easily, they have a much better chance of fighting it off and staying relatively well while they're sick. If the girls get sick it may send them back to the hospital and we do not want to come back here again.

We and the girls love visitors and want to show them off to everyone. All we ask is that you please refrain from visiting if you have been exposed to a cold or virus, if you have a cold or virus, or are recovering from one (waiting 2 weeks after is ideal).

Just as you have to wash your hands when you come and go from the NICU, the same rules will apply at home... at least until the cold and flu season is over.

I just wanted to explain and hopefully you will all understand why we have no choice but to be extra cautious. Please don't let this deter you from visiting us unless you are sick, getting sick or just getting over being sick.

This is a link with more information about RSV
http://www.preemiecare.org/rsv_resourceshtm.htm

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