Preemie Check-In! 4/17/14

flerlgirl · April 2014

My apologies for starting this so late in the day! @hubbs173, @xnbride, @supgabs, @dmizak, and editing to add @babybean82 so I will be sure to add her next time!

How are your LOs?

Any progress to share?

Anything we can send T&P for?

How are you feeling?

hubbs173 · April 2014

Thanks @flerlgirl‌!! I haven't update Henry's thread in a few days, I've been slacking!

How are your LOs? Henry is still doing great!! He's now 3 lbs 12 oz!! He's been steadily gaining weight every day!! Still getting the sodium supplement also.

Any progress to share? Nothing really new other than his feeds have increased to 33 ml every 3 hrs and he's very slowly getting weaned off oxygen!!

Anything we can send T&P for? He has his 30 day head ultrasound on Monday 4/21 and from my understanding it's going to be checking for cysts that are associated with cerebral palsy. Please pray for a clear ultrasound!!!

How are you feeling? I've been feeling so much better! I actually have energy to do stuff around the house and my nesting has finally kicked in! We plan on finally getting his room ready this weekend! Otherwise I'm still struggling with my milk supply, finally consulted with a LC today. But she didn't really tell me anything I haven't been told already so I'm still frustrated! It's hard to not get frustrated especially when they tell me they've upped his feeds again! He already is getting formula for some feeds and I don't even pump enough in one session for one full feed, so I'm starting to feel like it's pointless!! The LC did tell me that having the postpartum hemorrhage and then the D&C definitely had an impact on my supply, but it doesn't make it any easier when I'm not getting any increase!!!! Sorry, but I needed to vent!!

steprozz · April 2014

@hubbs173‌ lots of prayers that the head us goes well! so happy to hear he's gaining weight so well and is weaning off the oxygen! good luck with the production issues, don't get discouraged!

xnbride · April 2014

How are your LO?

Evangeline is doing much better. She is still on the SiPap but her oxygen requirements are pretty low. she is slowly gaining weight and is almost 2lbs. Progress is slow in the preemie world but every day she is getting stronger.

The big news is that I get to hold her. Almost every day so far! I just got back from holding her. She did really good. It is such a special time. It is the only moments in which all else fades and I feel like her mama and forget about everything.

I shared this in PgaL thread but here it is again for those that did not see it.

How are you feeling? I am feeling better. Sometimes my incision hurts still and I tire easily but overall I am feeling good. It is tough to be away from home but we are adjusting well. We have met a lot of nice people at the Ronald Mcdonald house. Yesterday they have a movie night with popcorn and candy and today was an Easter egg hunt. My boys are living it up. They still haven't seen their sister because of the RSV restrictions but hopefully soon.

hjl050308 · April 2014

@hubbs173‌, prayers for a good ultrasound on Monday. As far as the production issue, I also am a preemie mom (my son wasn't a micro preemie but he was born at 33w6d) and I also hemorrhaged and had a D&C after my delivery and my supply tanked. I know how frustrating and sad it is. Don't beat yourself up if he needs formula. It sounds like he's doing great with it. Prayers for a continued great NICU stay.

@xnbride‌, what a great update and beautiful picture. Prayers that your NICU stay and time at Ronald McDonald House continue to go smoothly.

flerlgirl · April 2014

@hubbs173‌, what a big guy! That's so awesome. And pumping in the NICU is sooooo frustrating. I don't have any good advice but come find me if you want to vent!!

@xnbride‌ - almost two pounds!! Wow! That's fabulous news! And what a lovely picture

CPAP is good, too! I think the babies look like little birds with the mask on

Cherylwang · April 2014

Prayers for all

thinking of you guys! Love reading the updates.

ELC252011 · April 2014

Keeping all of you in my prayers. Thanks for the updates!

kittenslove · April 2014

Thank you for the updates. So happy to hear good news. I continue to send thoughts and warm wishes to you and your family.

lest12 · April 2014

Thinking of you all! Sending lots of thoughts and prayers and love!

flerlgirl · April 2014

Bumping because... well, because I can. Phenomenal. Cosmic. Power.

dmizak · April 2014

I just saw this thread tonight. I updated the original post, but I will do this one for today. (4/20/14).

How are your LOs?

Kolt is great today! They took out one of his 4 chest tubes this morning and left him alone for the rest of the day. Didn't tweak his medications or make any changes since he seemed to be doing well.

Any progress to share?

Yes, his swelling has really gone down. His urine output is way up so that is helping a lot. I think he may be able to open his eyes soon. They've been swollen shut.

Anything we can send T&P for?

He seemed really restless today, I think he's in quite a bit of pain. Just prayers that they can get his pain meds to kick in and keep his pain to a minimum.

How are you feeling?

So tired. We have to go back to the room at least once a day to nap.

It was a wonderful day though! My parents brought Kash here today! I missed him so much!

ahopkins0419 · April 2014

Thanks for the great updates on those beautiful babies... I will continue to keep them in my prayers so they get big,strong, and come home!!!!

flerlgirl · April 2014

@dmizak‌ - thanks for the update! So glad they could remove one of the tubes. I hope they are able to manage his pain a little better soon! You are doing awesome.

dmizak · April 2014

@xnbride
Isn't the Ronald McDonald house great? I am so impressed with the way it is organized. It's such a blessing to have a place to be close to your baby. We can walk there as soon as I'm able, it's only 3 blocks from the hospital. I'm glad Evangaline is getting bigger.

@hubbs173‌
I'm sorry you're having trouble producing. I am too, and am going to try all the tricks suggested here. I know it's frustrating, but in the end if you can't make it, it's not the end if the world, and stressing about it or feeling guilty won't help.

I'm glad Henry is improving all the time.

Thank you everyone for the prayers! So appreciated. ❤️

supgabs · April 2014

Late to the party!

How are your LOs?

Minor bumps in the road..he's been retaining fluid and his poor little feets were so swollen Friday. They gave him a dose of diuretic and that helped a bit. They gave him another kidney u/s and found a bit of calcium build up on his working kidney. They aren't concerned but it freaks me out since he only has that kidney. Desats after feeds which they think is related to a full belly and some reflux. Otherwise he's doing well!

Any progress to share?

Colton joined the 3 lb club today! He actually hit it last Friday but then pee'd it all out over the weekend lol. His hemoglobin was down but started going up on it's own which is good. Hoping it continues to do so and we can avoid a blood transfusion.

Anything we can send T&P for?

Right now just that he keeps growing and that the calcium in his kidney is NBD.

How are you feeling?

Fried. Between my appointments and hanging out with Colton I've been at the hospital 5 out of 7 days every week. I was going to visit him today while SO is at work but I just don't have it in me to drive the 50 miles both ways to Minneapolis. I keep reminding myself that I was there for a few hours yesterday and will be there all day tomorrow. It's hard for me to justify not seeing him everyday. Trying to get some baby stuff done around the house today so I don't feel like a dead beat parent lol.

flerlgirl · April 2014

@supgabs - poor swollen boy! DS had that same issue and the diuretic helped a ton. Same with the desats - once they figured out it was reflux they gave him some meds and it helped a lot! Three pounds - wow!! That is awesome! T&P that the kidney issue is NBD!

Taymiller · April 2014

Thanks for the updates ladies. You are all amazing and I am glad the babies seem to be doing well.

babybean82 · April 2014

Hey everyone, I haven't been around much lately so I just now saw this.

How are your LOs? Liam is doing pretty good we have had a rough couple of weeks with a huge increase in his brady spells though, the Dr's don't really have an explanation for it other than he is a preemie and its normal. He has also been having pretty bad reflux which doesn't help the number of spells either. On a positive note he is almost up to 4 pounds! 3 pounds 14 ounces as of today and last night we got the official go ahead to try to feed him orally.

Any progress to share? I have tried breast feeding him twice now he is struggling with the latching and hasn't been able to get much milk yet but it's great to actually try it and tomorrow the lactation consultant is going to bring me something called a nipple shield that should help with his latch.

Anything we can send T&P for? Just for him to catch on to feeding soon, this Nicu stay has been really rough on all of us and as soon as he can master feeding regularly we might get to take him home.

How are you feeling? I am doing okay today, I have my ups and my downs, when I have to go home I miss Liam so much it's crazy.

flerlgirl · April 2014

@babybean2 - thanks for updating! The bradies are so stressful

But how awesome that he gets to try oral feeds! That is the light at the end of the tunnel! FWIW, the nipple shield helped DS a ton when he learned to latch and feed orally. What kind of breathing assistance is he on?

babybean82 · April 2014

@flerlgirl

I am kind of excited about the nipple shield now, I just googled it cause I didn't have a clue what it was when she suggested it but I think it will really help him get the hang of it.

Liam has been on no breathing support for a few weeks now, he is just breathing room air. They mentioned that they might put him back on a nasal canula if his brady spells get any worse than they are now but as of right now they haven't made that decision.

flerlgirl · April 2014

babybean82 said:

@flerlgirl

I am kind of excited about the nipple shield now, I just googled it cause I didn't have a clue what it was when she suggested it but I think it will really help him get the hang of it.

Liam has been on no breathing support for a few weeks now, he is just breathing room air. They mentioned that they might put him back on a nasal canula if his brady spells get any worse than they are now but as of right now they haven't made that decision.

I had no idea what it was, either! It freaked me out but it was so helpful.

No support - fabulous!! That is really great. Even the cannula is barely a little breeze so he is clearly too cool for the NICU.

Also, I just realized I didn't tag you in the OP! My sincere apologies, @babybean82.

vv826 · April 2014

Such wonderful updates! I will keep praying for all of you!
@dmizak I love your picture we are a Bronco family also!

babybean82 · April 2014

flerlgirl said:

babybean82 said:

@flerlgirl

I am kind of excited about the nipple shield now, I just googled it cause I didn't have a clue what it was when she suggested it but I think it will really help him get the hang of it.

Liam has been on no breathing support for a few weeks now, he is just breathing room air. They mentioned that they might put him back on a nasal canula if his brady spells get any worse than they are now but as of right now they haven't made that decision.

I had no idea what it was, either! It freaked me out but it was so helpful.

No support - fabulous!! That is really great. Even the cannula is barely a little breeze so he is clearly too cool for the NICU.

Also, I just realized I didn't tag you in the OP! My sincere apologies, @babybean2.

Yea, I have been saying that all along, he has been trying to bust out of here since the beginning he is constantly pulling off his wires and when they took him off the cannula in the first place it was because every time a nurse walked in he had it completely off his face and was breathing fine so they figured he must not need it.

flerlgirl · April 2014

babybean82 said:

flerlgirl said:

babybean82 said:

@flerlgirl

I am kind of excited about the nipple shield now, I just googled it cause I didn't have a clue what it was when she suggested it but I think it will really help him get the hang of it.

Liam has been on no breathing support for a few weeks now, he is just breathing room air. They mentioned that they might put him back on a nasal canula if his brady spells get any worse than they are now but as of right now they haven't made that decision.

I had no idea what it was, either! It freaked me out but it was so helpful.

No support - fabulous!! That is really great. Even the cannula is barely a little breeze so he is clearly too cool for the NICU.

Also, I just realized I didn't tag you in the OP! My sincere apologies, @babybean82.

Yea, I have been saying that all along, he has been trying to bust out of here since the beginning he is constantly pulling off his wires and when they took him off the cannula in the first place it was because every time a nurse walked in he had it completely off his face and was breathing fine so they figured he must not need it.

He is doing so well! You gotta love a fighter in the NICU! Does he need to eat a certain number of bottles a day to come home as well as stop bradying?

babybean82 · April 2014

flerlgirl said:
He is doing so well! You gotta love a fighter in the NICU! Does he need to eat a certain number of bottles a day to come home as well as stop bradying?

They haven't said how many a day yet to go home, right now they said he has to learn to master 1 feeding per 12 hour shift, then they will let me feed him 2 times per shift and go from there.

JulieSmiles · April 2014

I love seeing all the updates a! You women are truly amazing and your babies are such strong little fighters! You continue to be in my thoughts!

flerlgirl · April 2014

babybean82 said:

flerlgirl said:
He is doing so well! You gotta love a fighter in the NICU! Does he need to eat a certain number of bottles a day to come home as well as stop bradying?

They haven't said how many a day yet to go home, right now they said he has to learn to master 1 feeding per 12 hour shift, then they will let me feed him 2 times per shift and go from there.

Gotcha. I hope he gets the hang of it quickly!

Carriebear22 · April 2014

Glad to see all the babes are coming along, prayers for continued improvement and that all you momma are doing better too!

Kittylove72 · April 2014

hi everyone! checking in with an update about my preemie, Jacob.

he is 34 weeks gestation age today, and 18 days old.

     He is up to 4lbs, 8oz and hopefully this week they will try to start bottle feeding him.   He's taking 34ml through his feeding tube, and they said they will try to nipple him this week to see how he tolerates it.   He's still having breathing episodes - he breathes too fast and then his Sats drop (his oxygen saturation).   We are hoping that resolves soon. Overall the doctors are pleased with his progress, but haven't given us a time-frame at all for bringing him home.

In the meantime, I'm on "maternity" leave... with no baby at home.   recovering from my c-section and feeling better. I am supposed to go back to work 6 weeks from now, but seeing as how Jacob isn't even home yet, and there is no way I'll be comfortable leaving him with anyone else when he does come home... I will probably take FMLA time to spend with him.   I love my job and I hate the idea of leaving them a person short for longer than I anticipated, but my son comes first, always!

He is the light and joy of my life.   I am so proud of what a little fighter he is.

flerlgirl · April 2014

Kittylove72 said:

hi everyone!    checking in with an update about my preemie, Jacob.     he is 34 weeks gestation age today,   and 18 days old.        He is up to 4lbs, 8oz and hopefully this week they will try to start bottle feeding him.   He's taking 34ml through his feeding tube, and they said they will try to nipple him this week to see how he tolerates it.   He's still having breathing episodes - he breathes too fast and then his Sats drop (his oxygen saturation).   We are hoping that resolves soon. Overall the doctors are pleased with his progress, but haven't given us a time-frame at all for bringing him home.

In the meantime, I'm on "maternity" leave... with no baby at home.   recovering from my c-section and feeling better. I am supposed to go back to work 6 weeks from now, but seeing as how Jacob isn't even home yet, and there is no way I'll be comfortable leaving him with anyone else when he does come home... I will probably take FMLA time to spend with him.   I love my job and I hate the idea of leaving them a person short for longer than I anticipated, but my son comes first, always!

He is the light and joy of my life.   I am so proud of what a little fighter he is.

@kittylove72, glad Jacob is doing well! Those pesky desats are so irritating but he will figure it out! I hope you are able to work out your leave. I'll go ahead and add you to the check-in for this week as well - can't wait to hear how Jacob progresses!

Want a personalized experience?

Preemie Check-In! 4/17/14

Re: Preemie Check-In! 4/17/14

Choose Another Board

Search Boards