I debated posting this in OMNI but I wanted to ask the broader community.

My second daughter was born last Monday at 25 weeks gestation, right on the edge of viability. She was 860 grams/1lb 14oz at birth. She has survived through the critical first 96-hour period and we are hopeful that she will continue to fight and eventually thrive.

Needless to say, it's been very emotionally draining and physically exhausting.

Our holiday plans have been nixed and, rather than visit family, family is coming to us. Next month, however, I'm flying to a job interview in another time zone. By then, we'll have a much clearer picture of my daughter's health but I'm still leery of leaving my wife to handle her job, our older daughter, and our little one all by herself.

Do you or any frequent travelers you know have children in similar circumstances? How do they handle the separation? What contingency plans do they have in place in the event of crisis?

Any thoughts or advice would be greatly appreciated.

I don't have the answer to your question. I just wanted to wish you and your family well. I hope that your daughter grows strongly every day x

Thank you so much. It is without question the most terrifying thing I've ever endured. Fortunately, she's doing well, all things considered.

I'm at 26 weeks gestation on Monday so all I can say is that I'm praying for you and your family. May your daughter thrive.

I can't help you with your situation, but will offer you this....

Yesterday I went to the Bat Mitvah of 2 girls who were born at 30 weeks and are lovely, healthy, and thriving.

They went through all that you spoke of, though they didn't have any other children at the time.

Things will get better for your little girl.

Best wishes to your newly expanded family. In regards to suggestions most relevant to this specific online community, I note that one of the comforts of keeping sizable balances in FFPs is knowing that at any time, if I get a phone call with a distressing message, I can simply drop what I'm doing, start driving for the airport, and know that I can book the next flight using double miles and be on my way.

Disclaimers: Not all airlines offer restriction-free last seat available awards, and of course not all possible destinations will be served by the airlines with which you have sufficient miles. But since the most likely emergency destination is home, and you've doubtlessly picked FFPs that serve your home airport pretty well, this capability is still a great relief.

You and your family will be in my prayers.

As far as next month, could family or friends travel in to assist your wife with things while you'll be out of town? Would it be possible for your older daughter to stay with friends for a few days while you're out of town?

I don't know where your job interview is, but if you have friends in that area, perhaps you might be able to take your older daughter with you, and they could watch her while you're at your interview?

Good luck on the interview!

but several friends have given birth to "preemies." and all are happy, healthy kids.
Will your daughter still be in the hospital when you leave? I know for babies in her situation extended hospital stays are often the case.

I think reaching out to family and friends is a great idea. If that doesn't work, depending on the dates, I would be happy to come stay with your wife and family to help out while you're gone. A few days, right? I don't have any formal experience but I'm a great cook and do well washing up too.

First off I hope that your wife and newborn continue to get stronger every day. I have had good friends who have premature babies and they have each grown healthier after the first year. Secondly, I agree with others - perhaps you can ask your family and friends to spread out their visit and have some of them come visit while you'll be away? Do you have neighbors who can assist while you're away? How many days are you anticipating being gone? Most job interviews are 2 days maximum when they are bringing you in from out of town. You could call and ask if it's possible to conduct the interview via Skype or WebEx instead (explaining your circumstances - perhaps that will reduce the time you need to be away).

Again, I hope that your wife and baby get well quickly. Positive thoughts are being sent your way!

I didn't know you're pregnant already. Surely I hope so. Hope your baby will be very successful and hope for the best.

Have you checked with the baby's MD and is he/she home from the hospital yet?

Bob H

Thank you all so much for your well wishes. So far, mother and child are doing well.

My little one will be in the NICU until at least March 1 so that's not a concern. I was more worried about what to do in the event of an emergency and I need to get home in a hurry.

I can't bring anyone with me to the interview and doing it via electronic means isn't possible.

We have many friends in this area who have offered to help out in the event of a crisis so I think we're covered there. I was asking because this situation is new and rather frightening and I was sure there was something I hadn't considered. Thank you all for your feedback.

No, actually, the baby are not ready go home yet. Because they still in hospital for another 2 or 3 months. If the baby is a good health. he/she can go home. They have stay in hospital for approximately 2 or 3 months. They have remain at NICU.

Perhaps take a list of available flights/times that you can take in case there is an emergency and need to rush back home. I would print out all the departing flights from the closest airport and a backup airport.

Also, you can have a friend or relative handle your travel arrangements while you rush back to the airport. If you have an awardwallet.com account, your friend could access all your various airline miles from one site and find the best way for you to get home all the while you are heading to the airport.

Another option is to enlist your credit card concierge for help in last minute travel.

I, too, can't offer any travel advice, but I can tell you that my granddaughter was born at 1 lb 9 1/2 oz, to a mother who had cancer and was in chemo, and today she is a completely healthy and happy six year old. Oh, and her Mom is cancer-free for 5+ years now, too.

May it be so for your child.