I’m happy to report that Olivia did not have to go back on the CPAP. In fact, today when we called Olivia hadn’t had any As or Bs (apneas or bradycardias) since 2:15 am. She had been saturating at 100% consistently and they kept turning her oxygen down. Finally, the nurse took the prongs out of her nose and Olivia kept saturating just fine. She was basically doing everything on her own like you and me . . .or so we thought. Well, when we got there tonight she was back on the nasal cannula. Come to find out, the oxygen mask had a little bit of oxygen coming through it and it was in the enclosed isolette with Olivia. So, technically, she was getting some oxygen. When they turned it off, they had to put the prongs back in her. She is still doing fabulous and is on less than 25 mL/minute. Last night she gained another 25 grams and now weighs 3 lbs 9 oz. I spent the afternoon with Stacie and we sat and talked just like the good ‘ole days. After talking with Stacie, I figured out why Olivia is doing so well. I believe that she is a very strong girl herself and in addition to that, Logan is giving her all of his strength as well. I just know that he is up in heaven cheering her on.
Tonight, Olivia was our little ‘golden girl’ and was dressed in her yellow giraffe sleeper. Olivia’s nurse even got her yellow bedding to coordinate with her outfit. She looked adorable and I finally got to rock her again. She has been maintaining her temperature well and has had only 3 As or Bs since midnight. I’m so proud of her. They believe that her problem yesterday did stem from the change in her feeding. They are going to keep her feeding over 2 hours this weekend and may try reducing it to 30 minutes on Monday. Feeding has always been one of our concerns as I’ve not yet heard of a micro-preemie who doesn’t have feeding issues whether it’s reflux, weight gain, vomiting or the need for a feeding tube. (If there is one out there, I’d love to hear from you.) Please continue to celebrate each of Olivia’s successes with me. You’re reading about a wonderful woman in the making.
Tonight, Olivia was our little ‘golden girl’ and was dressed in her yellow giraffe sleeper. Olivia’s nurse even got her yellow bedding to coordinate with her outfit. She looked adorable and I finally got to rock her again. She has been maintaining her temperature well and has had only 3 As or Bs since midnight. I’m so proud of her. They believe that her problem yesterday did stem from the change in her feeding. They are going to keep her feeding over 2 hours this weekend and may try reducing it to 30 minutes on Monday. Feeding has always been one of our concerns as I’ve not yet heard of a micro-preemie who doesn’t have feeding issues whether it’s reflux, weight gain, vomiting or the need for a feeding tube. (If there is one out there, I’d love to hear from you.) Please continue to celebrate each of Olivia’s successes with me. You’re reading about a wonderful woman in the making.
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5 comments:
You asked about parents of micropreemies who didnt have too many feeding issues. We have a 25 wkr (I know those 2 weeks can make a big difference, but still hope this is encouraging to you) Our little guy was able to take the breast and bottle very well (of course, it's work at first, but we ended up with no problems) We always tried to do skin to skin during as many feedings as possible so he could start associating the good "full tummy" feeling with being near mommy. And we also tried to have him suck on his pacifier during feedings. The nurses on team 3 and lactation consultants really helped us through all of that. Also, ask when you can start "nipple protocol" I think that really helped him practice the sucking motion. Once we got home, it was a bit of a struggle keeping him awake for feedings, but we never had to be on medicine for reflux (Dr. Dorn suggested having him sleep on his tummy, which seemed to help), never had a feeding tube, and just added some formula to a few bottles of breast milk a day to help with weight gain. Other than that, we were able to nurse. (Of course, I could never get more than 3 oz, so we had supplement- I think all that pumping makes it hard to increase milk supply.)
I hope I'm not overloading you, just wanted to offer some hope that you can go home with a micropreemie and not have huge feeding issues. After about a month or two home, he started gaining tons of weight and is quite a chunk now!! He's 18 lbs at 8 1/2 months (5 mo adjusted age) and weighs more than some of his full term friends! Having a mom like you, Olivia is sure to be off to a great start!
Neva (Charlie's mom)
Neva, thank you so much for sharing your story. I know it is an encouragement to Jodi. I hope and pray that Jodi and Olivia will be able to enjoy the pleasures of nursing. I admire Jodi so much for her persistance in pumping. So many mothers would have given up (which is understandable). I was so encouraged to hear your story. Jodi, I think you better get ready for Olivia to come home well before Christmas! I'm feeling some prickles of excitement. Something big is happening! I think Rebekah and I better shop for some "Pink Party" mint molds!
Laura
Hi Jodi,
Just wanted to let you know that our little Conner (23 weeks, 2days)(who came home yesterday after 107 days in the NICU!) has never had any problem with reflux, vomiting, weight gain, etc. He's still little, but has gained 4 lbs since he was born (now he weighs 5lbs, 5oz). He's still a bit slow at the bottle, but is doing it. Olivia can do it too...she's a tough cookie! It sounds like she is doing absolutely fantastic.
We are keeping you in our prayers.
Stacy, David and Conner Larson
Hi Jodi,
Although you are correct that many micro preemies have feeding issues there are some that escape them. Our little Ryan (23 weeks 5 days) took well to the bottle although ate very slow for quite some time. He had very minimal reflux for the first couple of months but never severe enough to be on medications. He is now 9 months old weighs about 13 pounds and eats like a champ. He loves his bottle and takes it very seriously. He doesn't like any solid foods and that may present a bit of a challenge for us later, but for now he is growing just fine while only on breastmilk. Your little Olivia is amazing. She may or may not have some struggles with feeding, but knowing what all she has already overcome she is sure to overcome all obstacles shining like a little star.
-Julie
Hey, it's a one of your more rare team 3 nurses(Holli). My mom is the one who made Olivia the special quilt. I took care of Charlie(Neva's son) quite a bit also. No matter what happens, know that you gave Olivia those special antibodies contained in colostrum and you eased her into full feedings sooner by pumping your milk. It is difficult to live your life by a cycle of "How long do I dare sleep before I get up and pump?" But, you're burning calories and helping your baby in the meantime. Not a vast number of very low birth weight infants go home breastfeeding well, but that doesn't mean it can't be done. Always know that Olivia will forever be thankful for the awesome antibodies and for the simple fact that she has a mom that has been as committed to pumping as you have! You're doing great! Can't wait for the day you take her home.
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