Grandmother in Waiting

Grandmother? When my daughter and son-in-law announced their pregnancy, all I could think about was GRANDMOTHER? I am too young? Are you sure? I knew this would happen? I am excited? Really weird emotions…. excitement…… denial…….. wait a minute, no one loves babies more than me? Why the weird feelings?

Anyway, after deciding I did not have to be called Grandmother, the idea of being a grandmother was quickly growing on me. I made sure I was the first to buy a baby gift. I calculated (on an iPhone app) when my little grandbaby would arrive, based on dates, and “who” would be the right person to help provide prenatal care to my daughter and her little one. Yes, iPhone app, “What to Expect” when you’re expecting. It has provided week to week information on the pregnancy and the baby’s growth and development. From week to week the baby’s size is compared to some type of fruit or vegetable…..we have grown from a grape to a plum, and now are the size of a small head of cabbage, (28weeks) 17 inches and 2 ½ lbs.

So 3 weeks ago, after a very frightening evening, it is determined that my daughter experienced a partial placental abruption (premature separation of the placenta from the uterine wall). VERY scary. She and the baby did well through the events that followed, however this unfortunate complication landed her on strict bed rest for the remainder of this pregnancy. Like any concerned mother, whose daughter has just spent a week in the hospital, I talked her and her husband into moving back in with Mom until this baby arrives safely.

So now let’s talk not only about Mommies in Waiting (our program for hospitalized Mommies), but Grandmother’s / Families in Waiting. I have been very involved in the Texas Health HEB Mommies in Waiting. And although I thought I understood the needs of these families, now I realize how much more is going on for them than what we see or hear.

As an expectant Mom on bed rest, my daughter has lots of ups and downs. I find her “worrying” more than I have ever seen or noticed in the past. She is concerned for her baby, and will spend hours just looking at the TV and holding her tummy…daydreaming. Her husband is attentive, but seems confused on what she needs. She is bored, and you can tell she hates to ask for anything. I worry every minute I am away from her! It has been very stressful on everyone. My husband, the expectant grandfather, has had difficulty sleeping himself, and has been amazing. Yesterday he brought her king-size bed to our house so she could be comfortable. Her younger brother and sister live at home, so they are a nice distraction for her. It is great when they get her to play a video game or watch a movie.

We purchased a zero gravity lounge chair, and have encouraged some lounging outdoors for fresh air and sunshine, which she seems to enjoy.

11 more weeks and counting! I am excited to be a Grandmother and I know that learning through living the experience will make me a better nurse for our Mommies in Waiting and their families.


Laura Burnett, RN, BSN
International Board Certified Lactation Consultant
Nursing Supervisor, Women's Services
Texas Health HEB