Update to my feeding question and new NICU vent

Mrs. Alice

The LC told me yesterday that I could begin doing "play breastfeeding" with them while they are getting their tube feedings as long as I pumped beforehand so they wouldn't be overwhelmed with milk.  I tried it last night with each of them and to my surprise, little Owen latched on and sucked pretty well for a few minutes.  I am sure he got some milk, because I was leaking all over my shirt.  Miles was a little too squirmy and wouldn't settle down enough until I swaddled him (I was doing skin to skin).  He did get a few sucks in but by then he was getting too sleepy.  I will try again tonight!  I hope the OT evaluates them soon so we can do this for real. 

It's also kind of hard adjusting to the new NICU.  They don't seem as well experienced in caring for early preemies and seem to get really excited whenever they have a little desat.  At the other NICU the O2 sat alarm limits were lower and the nurses didn't get very worried if they dropped down a little bit for a short time.  Here they come running in and by then the sats are already coming back up, and I keep saying they are fine!  This is very normal for them, in fact they are actually doing even better now.  Hardly any brady's now.  I guess I'm going to have to get used to this...

kck329

Congrats on getting to start breastfeeding. I know the non-nutritive "play" feeding seems slow but I think does help them learn to latch before adding significant let down. Hopefully you'll be doing the real thing soon! Also congrats on being able to pump and work on BFing in the NICU-I know how exhausting that is!

As far as your new NICU, you are probably right that they aren't used to the alarms the way a Level 3 NICU is. Like you, I got used to the alarms and learned to watch the baby instead. That's actually good practice for when you are home and eventually off the monitor. Maybe once you've been at the new NICU a few more days you can pick some primary nurses who you like and can teach them what is normal for your boys. Its great they are having fewer bradies!

MrsMVM

Hey MrsAlice!

I'm on your BMB too. We also just switched NICU's yesterday. I was terrified to do it, going from a Level 3 to a Level 2A but he had a great night. Only one night, but still, it does a lot for peace of mind.

I am so happy Owen latched! Jonah did too, yesterday- he stayed on without falling asleep for about 45 minutes. I just am trying so hard to get my milk production up. It's tough!