Author TheRainbow Posted February 7, 2019 Author Share Posted February 7, 2019 So glad to hear she’s doing so well! I just now saw your thread so had no idea this was happening. She seems to be steadily progressing. I’m curious, you mentioned taking anti-depressants. Can you really do that if the breast milk is going to be used for the baby? I got the okay from both her doctor and my OBgyn. I am on a low dose too. Link to post Share on other sites
Author TheRainbow Posted February 8, 2019 Author Share Posted February 8, 2019 She took one full bottle this morning, but only 10 to 15ml the other ones. Progress. Hoping she takes all her bottles tomorrow, so that they can remove the feeding tube. 3 Link to post Share on other sites
Author TheRainbow Posted February 8, 2019 Author Share Posted February 8, 2019 Side note: She is 35 weeks gestation (adjusted weight) and 7 weeks old. 1 Link to post Share on other sites
Author TheRainbow Posted February 11, 2019 Author Share Posted February 11, 2019 She took all her bottles today, so they removed the feeding tube. Starting tomorrow after her 7am bottle, they are going to let her feed on demand. She is 3 pounds 15 oz. So one oz away from the minimum weight she needs to be. For 24 hours she has been oxygen free. She was in an open crib but failed two of her body temperature tests, so they put her back in the isolette on the lowest setting. They are going to try again tomorrow, and hopefully, by Tuesday/Wednesday she'll be back in the open crib. 5 Link to post Share on other sites
Mr. Lucky Posted February 11, 2019 Share Posted February 11, 2019 i wanted to repeat something I posted before - don't put too much stock in in your doctor's projection of your child's future. We had many evaluations in the first 12 months with our son, born similarly early, including a comprehensive one on his first birthday. Much of the news was devastating - might not walk, talk or be able to care for himself. And while he was slow to develop and had some issues, he eventually launched into adulthood with all the pluses and minuses of any other kid. It just all came at his own pace. Wishing equal success for your child... Mr. Lucky 1 Link to post Share on other sites
Rayce Posted February 11, 2019 Share Posted February 11, 2019 I am so happy for you! I just want to second Mr. Lucky posting. My great niece who was born at 23 weeks of gestation is a healthy happy 7 year old today. She was in the NICU for 4 months and had her feeding tube for over a year. Wishing you peace Link to post Share on other sites
whichwayisup Posted February 12, 2019 Share Posted February 12, 2019 Fantastic news! I hope your little one continues to get better! Link to post Share on other sites
BaileyB Posted February 12, 2019 Share Posted February 12, 2019 i wanted to repeat something I posted before - don't put too much stock in in your doctor's projection of your child's future. If I had a quarter for every family who cried to me and told me that their doctor had predicted their child wouldn’t walk or talk... I’d like to think that the doctor had the beat of intentions, and it doesn’t seem to be as common practice like it used to be... but still... The doctor, for all their knowledge, can not predict the future. Nobody can. There have been tremendous advances in neonatal care such that kids that would never have survived before or would have had significant disability, are now living very normal lives. So, never let go of your dreams for your child and just continue to take it one day at a time... 1 Link to post Share on other sites
Author TheRainbow Posted February 12, 2019 Author Share Posted February 12, 2019 (edited) Thanks! She is doing better than I had thought. I'm celebrating what she can do in the present versus what may be. I over stress, worry when things aren't in my control. I'm working on it. Today is a good day for her. Last night she reached four pounds and if she can pass all her body temperature tests she'll move back into the open crib later today. She is on day 2 on demand feeding. She is going close to 3 hours on her own and taking on average 1 1/2 ounces. So she is self-regulating which is good. She'll be 36 weeks gestation on Thursday. They are thinking, by early next week, she'll be released if she continues to do this good. So way before schedule. Edited February 12, 2019 by TheRainbow 1 Link to post Share on other sites
El Duendecillo Posted February 12, 2019 Share Posted February 12, 2019 Hey Rainbow, Just wanted to say that I've been following your thread and I'm very happy to hear about the progress your daughter is making. Mr. Lucky said it better than I ever could, but no matter what the doctors tell you about her future development, they really can't know what the future holds for her. Being an uncle to a niece and nephew (twins), that were born at about 29 weeks. They spent their first 2 months in the NICU, with many ups and downs. Well they both graduated high school with honors 2 years ago, and are doing fine today! I will continue wishing your baby daughter well, and I hope you get to bring her home soon. Link to post Share on other sites
Author TheRainbow Posted February 14, 2019 Author Share Posted February 14, 2019 She's doing very well. Nothing says I love you more than her peeing on Dad. She is eating consistently around 40ml to 50ml which is around 1 1/2 ounces every 3 to 4 hours. She is at 4 pounds 1 oz. So around 1/2 an ounce weight gain a day. She is in an open crib again. All there is really now is now is to watch for consistency and the car seat test. 4 Link to post Share on other sites
Author TheRainbow Posted February 17, 2019 Author Share Posted February 17, 2019 She's doing so well. Like really well. She is 4 pounds 3 oz. She has taken 1 1/2 ounces consistency, and even one bottle that was 60ml (2oz) every 3/4 hours. The last test, which will determine if she can go home is happening tomorrow, the car seat test. So if everything goes well, she could be home by tomorrow night or Tuesday. Fingers crossed. 5 Link to post Share on other sites
Author TheRainbow Posted February 19, 2019 Author Share Posted February 19, 2019 She passed her car seat test. We are taking her home. Two months to the day she was born. She is almost 37 weeks gestation. She has a check up for a weight check on Thursday, and every 2 to 3 days until she passes 5 pounds. 6 Link to post Share on other sites
Mr. Lucky Posted February 19, 2019 Share Posted February 19, 2019 Congrats, it's a big day. I remember, after 5 months in the hospital, we were nervous but it was also our first child, kind of a double whammy. Still have the recording of us giving him his first bath in the sink at home - watching it, you'd think we'd never seen a baby before. Somehow we all survived and prospered, just as I'm sure you will too... Mr. Lucky Link to post Share on other sites
nospam99 Posted February 19, 2019 Share Posted February 19, 2019 first bath in the sink at home Tears of nostalgia. I had totally forgotten sink baths. The last one has got to be 25 years ago now. But remembering ... happy baby splashing in the shallow water and laughing his ass off. No vids. But probably photos ... somewhere ... and that yellow plastic shallow tub with the small padded section that fit in the kitchen sink may be around somewhere, too. Thanks for the memory. OP, I don't recall if I've posted on this or your pregnancy thread before. But I'm following the story with interest and enjoying the positive developments as they unfold. Bless you and your whole family. Parenting. It's not the kind of love I'm searching for at this stage in my life. But a wonderful love indeed. Link to post Share on other sites
LastStraw Posted February 19, 2019 Share Posted February 19, 2019 She passed her car seat test. We are taking her home. Two months to the day she was born. She is almost 37 weeks gestation. She has a check up for a weight check on Thursday, and every 2 to 3 days until she passes 5 pounds. Wow congrats!!! I’ve been following from the early birth thread, great to hear that after this whole ordeal, all is good:) Link to post Share on other sites
Mr. Lucky Posted February 19, 2019 Share Posted February 19, 2019 Tears of nostalgia. I had totally forgotten sink baths. The last one has got to be 25 years ago now. But remembering ... happy baby splashing in the shallow water and laughing his ass off. No vids. But probably photos ... somewhere ... and that yellow plastic shallow tub with the small padded section that fit in the kitchen sink may be around somewhere, too. Thanks for the memory. I don't know why this procedure ever changed. As opposed to leaning over a tub handling a squirming, slippery infant at the end of arm's reach, the baby's at your height, happily sitting right in front of you. It's obviously fallen out of favor, my DIL came home once as I was sink-bathing my granddaughter and I thought her head was going to explode. She thought it was unsafe and unsanitary. Though come to think of it, my son did splash so much water we eventually had to have the surrounding cabinets refinished. Sorry for the t/j... Mr. Lucky 1 Link to post Share on other sites
divegrl Posted February 21, 2019 Share Posted February 21, 2019 This is lovely. Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us. Continued energy is being sent your way. Sending love my friend Link to post Share on other sites
Author TheRainbow Posted February 21, 2019 Author Share Posted February 21, 2019 Thanks, everyone! First few days home have been exhausting. I've gotten maybe 10 hours of sleep total. The baby won't sleep at night. I can't really nap during the day because my other daughter is awake, and I need to get things done around the house. My husband has picked up the slack, because I can't go to bed, sleep or anything without a clean house. Last night, at 4 am, after he went to bed at 12 am, told me to go to sleep because I was so exhausted. He stayed up with her until 7 when he had to go to work. So I got a few hours there. On the bright side, she is weighing 4 pounds 7 oz. And eating 2oz consistently, but despite only eating about every 3-4 hours, she doesn't sleep 3-4 hours. It's exhausting. 1 Link to post Share on other sites
BaileyB Posted February 22, 2019 Share Posted February 22, 2019 My husband has picked up the slack, because I can't go to bed, sleep or anything without a clean house. I can only imagine your exhaustion, with a toddler and a newborn just home from the NICU where there is no “day” or “night.” If I may, you may want to consider adjusting your expectations. I like a clean house too, but not at the expense of my sleep or my sanity. Sleep > cleaning. Is there any way that you could hire a house clear to ease the pressure, at least for a little while... it’s about survival right now. You simply can’t do it all. Link to post Share on other sites
Author TheRainbow Posted February 22, 2019 Author Share Posted February 22, 2019 I can only imagine your exhaustion, with a toddler and a newborn just home from the NICU where there is no “day” or “night.” If I may, you may want to consider adjusting your expectations. I like a clean house too, but not at the expense of my sleep or my sanity. Sleep > cleaning. Is there any way that you could hire a house clear to ease the pressure, at least for a little while... it’s about survival right now. You simply can’t do it all. I do think I'm going to bring up with the husband about having someone come in once a week. I've tried going down for an hour or two nap the odd time both babies are sleeping but I toss and turn, because there would be dishes or the bathroom that needs to be cleaned. I can't help it. Link to post Share on other sites
BaileyB Posted February 22, 2019 Share Posted February 22, 2019 I can't help it. Sure you can. No mother of two children under a year and a half has a perfectly clean house. You need to give yourself permission to let some things go... the world will not stop, and life as you know it will not fall apart, if you leave the dishes to do until later... Link to post Share on other sites
Author TheRainbow Posted February 23, 2019 Author Share Posted February 23, 2019 Is it wrong that I just want to switch to formula? I pumped for two months. I had an appointment with a lactation specialist, and she won't latch. I'm tired. My breastmilk is draining up. I pump 10+ times a day. She is not sleeping. I know it's just day 4. But I'm depressed and the psychiatrist said an increase in my ant-depressants would help, but not recommended if I continue to pump. Link to post Share on other sites
noelle303 Posted February 23, 2019 Share Posted February 23, 2019 Is it wrong that I just want to switch to formula? I pumped for two months. I had an appointment with a lactation specialist, and she won't latch. I'm tired. My breastmilk is draining up. I pump 10+ times a day. She is not sleeping. I know it's just day 4. But I'm depressed and the psychiatrist said an increase in my ant-depressants would help, but not recommended if I continue to pump. Oh my god, yes! Switch to formula. I breastfed and everything, but I am a firm believer that there's no one option that's best for everyone. Formula seems to be the best solution for you and your family at this point, you're amazing for even going this far. Don't even feel guilty about this, you're baby will be fed and happy and have a well-rested, happier mom. Link to post Share on other sites
littleblackheart Posted February 23, 2019 Share Posted February 23, 2019 Is it wrong that I just want to switch to formula? I pumped for two months. I had an appointment with a lactation specialist, and she won't latch. Not wrong. I breastfed for 2 months exclusively after NICU (with a nipple shield or he wouldn't latch either), then another 3 months half/half (breastfeeding morning and evening/night, formula during the day) because I was getting exhausted of breastfeeding every couple of hours + lack of sleep + he wasn't putting on weight fast enough. No regrets whatsoever. Your health matters too. Link to post Share on other sites
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