The NICU Rollercoaster: How to Set Up and Use an Online Blog to Help Survive the Ups, Downs, Agonies, and Joys of Your Baby's Stay [Paperback]

Nicole E. Zimmerman & Edward J. Sprague (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 26, 2008

For Nicole and her husband, Edward, a seemingly healthy pregnancy took an unexpected turn and resulted in the birth of two profoundly, premature babies. Like so many parents of preemies, she and her husband were suddenly thrust into the unfamiliar, terrifying world of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. The first time they saw their babies, they looked miniscule next to the tangle of life-sustaining tubes and beeping machines. Would their babies survive? This couple quickly learned the meaning of the "NICU rollercoaster." The ups and downs were constant and agonizing. The 160 days between July 7, 2006 and December 14, 2006 were the most emotionally trying times of their lives. This is the only book of its kind with advice on how NICU parents can best use this wonderful tool to both keep family and friends updated, and to receive much needed love and support. Nicole and Ed will explain common problems preemies face, offer suggestions for coping, and share their experiences. The innovative format combines helpful "how to survive" advice with blog entries and blog reader comments. Readers will get advice on how to start their own blog to help cope with what may be the most trying experiences of their lives.

Product Details

• Paperback: 179 pages
• Publisher: Xlibris; 1 edition (July 26, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1436326540
• ISBN-13: 978-1436326544
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 9 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #659,588 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book for parents and professionals, September 5, 2008

By 

Diana L. Hogg "MSPT" (North Carolina) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The NICU Rollercoaster: How to Set Up and Use an Online Blog to Help Survive the Ups, Downs, Agonies, and Joys of Your Baby's Stay (Paperback)

This book is written by the parents of twins born at 25 weeks. It is a compilation of their blog on CarePages and useful information on what the babies and parents can expect to encounter during their NICU stay. Nicole and Ed were surprised when their generally healthy pregnancy turned into an emergency situation at 25 weeks gestation. They were not prepared for what was to follow - having 25 week twins in the NICU - one for 104 days and the other for 160 days. Their book is their story, but it is also a guide for other parents on what to expect - from apnea and bradycardia, to NEC and jaundice, and to the emotional ups and downs of having discharge dates set and then quickly taken away. Nicole and Ed write openly and frankly about the emotional and physical tolls of caring for babies born so prematurely. This book is written in simple everyday terms to help parents learn the NICU "lingo". I have worked with former preemies and worked in the NICU setting so I have a fair bit of knowledge about what happens there. This book not only explained common preemie issues in a coherent and competent manner, it also gave a parents perspective and helped me to understand the NICU environment more fully. In my opinion, this is a book that would not only benefit the family members of children currently in the NICU, but also parents of former preemies to know that there are others going through the same thing, as well as health care providers and community members who care for preemies throughout their childhood.

5.0 out of 5 stars A truly inspirational story, August 17, 2009

By 

A. Brantley "teacher Liles" (NC) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The NICU Rollercoaster: How to Set Up and Use an Online Blog to Help Survive the Ups, Downs, Agonies, and Joys of Your Baby's Stay (Paperback)

The NICU Rollercoaster is a story written by parents of 25 week old twin preemies. It is a collection of blogs written not only by the parents, but also the people who left inspirational and encouraging comments. It chronicles the lives of the twins and their parents from July 2006 until February 2007. I found the book to be both educational as well as inspirational, a true heart felt story of love, worry, fear, and hope. I would recommend this book for parents that have children in the NICU and also for friends and family of anyone who has given birth to a preemie. I believe that book is a great source of hope for families that have children in the NICU whose futures may be unclear. I personally could not put the book down, even as my eye-lids were closing on me. It is very "user friendly" and Nicole takes her time explaining medical terms that the common person may not know. The book certainly makes me have an appreciation for life and my "typical" birth and the months that followed. I cannot believe all that these children have endured in their short little lives and also how far they both have come. They are truly miracles.

5.0 out of 5 stars Heartfelt Story, February 13, 2009

By 

R. Chadwick (NJ) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The NICU Rollercoaster: How to Set Up and Use an Online Blog to Help Survive the Ups, Downs, Agonies, and Joys of Your Baby's Stay (Paperback)

Written in a diary format this book takes you through the preemie 'ride'; what's happening with the babies and equally important, the parents. Nicole and Ed's book opens a window into a world that is unfortunately all too real for some parents. They provide helpful advice how to deal with the issues that can be encountered as the parent and how others can help them.