XP: Moo! Adalyn Update

DrRx · February 2012

Hi everyone! Here's the latest on Adalyn:

Breathing

Adalyn is still on the ventilator, but on low settings. Things are relatively the same. She has had a few of minor desat episodes, but they played around with some of the settings this morning and today hasn't had many as compared to yesterday. Depending on how she does in the next couple of days the MD hopes to try her again on the CPAP. Her blood gasses have been coming back normal.

Feeding and Weight

Adalyn is back up to her birthweight of 1 pound 12 ounces (800grams)! Yay! She has gained an ounce each day for the last 2 days. She is now completely on breastmilk, with no IV fluids or TPN, and is now up to 17 ml every 3 hours! Woo-hoo! The nurse who came in today was completely surprised that my 10 day old baby, a 27 weeker now, is not on any IV fluids.

Since I've been able to produce so much milk we've started to bring a fresh milk bottle for Adalyn to use. So, now she is also getting fresh milk instead of the frozen and then thawed milk. The nurse and the MD told me to not be worried if they have to go down on her feedings, because digesting all of that takes a lot of energy and since she is so tiny she may not tolerate it, but so far so good. She has been able to digest everything and is having normal diapers. Breastmilk really is amazing, and I hope that since she is getting so much more, it will help with her development and weight gain.

Miscellaneous

Her billirubin was up yesterday and she needed to tan, but it went back down today, so no UV lights. She also needed a blood transfusion again, but luckily she was able to get DH's blood! The doctor allowed Direct Donor blood if it qualified, which means that it had to be the same blood type, as well as be negative for CMV and some other viruses. Most people aren't able to do Direct Donor blood for babies because about 70% of people from the East Coast test positive for CMV, which is a virus that isn't a problem in healthy people. DH was negative for it, and he is also the same exact blood type as her (B+). He donated last Wednesday, and they break up the pint into smaller bags that can be used within a month. This is the second time that she has needed a blood transfusion, which is normal for micro-preemies. They only have so much volume, and she needs to have blood constantly taken to check for her blood gasses and other tests. They do not fear that there is any bleeding or anything. She is just too tiny to make the blood back quickly enough.

As I mentioned earlier, pumping has been going very well for me. I've played with some of the settings on the pump, and I think that I finally found the best setting for me. I have steadily been pumping more and more. Today alone I've pumped 26 ounces, and I've still got at least 1 more pump session (maybe 2) to go! Yesterday I pumped 30 ounces (906 ml--almost a liter!) I'm so glad that I rented the hospital pump. It really is super easy to use and totally adjustable. Needless to say, I feel like a cow!

Yesterday we caught her sucking her thumb! She's also got her eyes open wide, which is better than the other pics from the other day. Here's a pic. Smile

Again, thanks to everyone for all their prayers and support! We all really appreciate it!! Please keep those positive thoughts coming!!

lovebug33 · February 2012

So awesome! I love hearing the updates and will continue to pray for your family.

ELF4321 · February 2012

She's a tough little one! Thanks for the updates. Sounds like she's doing really well, all things considered. Continued t&p's for her!

MrsNap_515 · February 2012

That Adalyn is such a little trooper!! I'm so happy she's totally off iv fluids and on breastmilk, that is so great!! Hoping she continues to improve, lots of prayers your way

Native+Girl · February 2012

I'm not even pregnant, just a lurker from 3T, but I come here every day looking for an update on sweet Adalyn. She's such a fighter, and I'm so glad she's doing so well. Just wanted to let you know you've got prayers coming from all across the board.

jillychris · February 2012

Such an amazing little fighter you have there!!! So glad to hear she's doing well!

jbeck78 · February 2012

Love the updates..what a trooper you have..she is so dang cute too!

naybird · February 2012

She's a tough little gal!! I love hearing all the updates and how well she is doing. It's great that she's off IV fluids and that her daddy can be her blood donor.

Continued T&P going your way.

cutebride73 · February 2012

She is doing so well - it's just incredible!!! Glad to hear that everything is continuing to improve.

mdiblasi10 · February 2012

She is amazing!!! Continuing to send good thoughts your way!

bumpuser6119831 · February 2012

I am glad she is doing so well! I hope she gets to go on the CPAP soon!

kzawisl · February 2012

Way to go, Adalyn!! :-) she is doing so well!! Hope you and YH are getting lots of rest, because you've got one tough little lady. So so awesome.

labbylover03 · February 2012

Such a strong little girl you have! Continued T&Ps for your family!

brandywine2010 · February 2012

What a sweetie! I am just becoming familiar with your story. What a trying thing to be going through. I will remember you and Adalyn in my prayers. Please keep us updated.

kelnyc · February 2012

Love the new picture! So glad to hear things are coming along.

snoangel79 · February 2012

Thank you for the updates! Lil Adalyn is always in my prayers! She looks so alert in the pics!! I'm glad she is doing so well!!

mrsgcal · February 2012

I love reading your updates! Adalyn is so sweet and quite the fighter and you are doing awesome momma!

07may07 · February 2012

I love seeing these updates and pictures of her. Continued thoughts and prayer for your whole family!

doggie mama · February 2012

I am so happy to see in the updates that she is doing well. That picture made me melt! Good luck toall of you!

roselln2 · February 2012

I haven't met you on here, but I want to say that I've been following your posts. I am so happy to hear that your daughter is doing so well. You are handling this all with such strength and grace. The hospital grade pump was a great decision too. I have one at home, and I really feel like that was one of the things that helps to keep my supply up.

Wishing you and sweet Adalyn much love and forward progress in the coming weeks!