Our biggest task with Mathew now is to get him to progress towards "nipple feeding," as they call it. Bottle first, then breast later hopefully. Now that his respiration's per minute are slowing down we are currently trying 2 bottle feeds in a 24 hour period...one during day shift and one during night shift. Mathew has attempted this four times now taking 20cc, 60cc, 50cc, and then 47cc. He's catching on more and more, but tires easily. After all it's a lot of work for him still to manage his breathing and eating at the same time. Plus, he's had food pumped into his belly without having to work for it for quite some time now. It's a lot easier to just lay back and get a full tummy with no work. We're proud of his progress though and anxious to begin trying it more frequently so we can move closer and closer to coming home. We've been told he has to have 3 complete nipple feeds (72cc) in a row before they'll take out the feeding tube. Obviously we still have some work to do, but each day we get a little bit closer.
Last night we went to a CPR and Car Seat Safety class. This is a requirement for being discharged. The CPR was great to learn, but the car seat safety was painful. I would've much rather been spending time with my son than listening to all these people who haven't even bought a car seat yet, much less installed it. It's really sad some of the people that become parents! That's a whole other blog though! Before Mathew can leave the hospital, he'll have to pass a "car seat challenge." He'll be placed in his car seat for 90 minutes while they monitor his vitals to see if he can maintain good heart rate, oxygen saturation, etc. As much as Mathew insists on being held, I'm not so sure he's going to be thrilled about sitting in a car seat by himself for that long. Cross your fingers that he's super sleepy when that time comes and he can just snooze right through it!
Mat and I also took an infant massage class this week. We'll be excited to use our new found calming techniques on Mathew once he's home. He is going to be one spoiled baby!!!
Our little guy just loves to be held and cuddled on. We arrived this morning to find him in one of the nurses arms as she sat at her computer. If someone holds him, he's a peaceful baby, but you can practically forget about putting him down. Given all he's been through, we all have no problem holding him and comforting him as much as possible. It might be interesting once we get home though.
Hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend!
6 comments:
Hey Keli - Great that he's progressing so well! It's also great that you guys are learning all these special little lessons to help in being better parents. I was so hoping MJ would be meet home, but that's ok. I just hope the time passes for you quickly & before you know it you're walking over that threshold with your baby boy. Love you, xo Mindy
I will come take a turn holding him when you get home! Such a perfect sight seeing you with him, like that, just the way it should be! :) KW
I loved the picture so much I went back to look at it after my comment....YOU have on a jacket!?!?!? I can't believe my eyes! KW
What a sweet post. I was over at mom and Luke's having dinner. I left to run to Walgreens to pick up the latest picks for mom and Luke to take to your grandfolks when I got that sweet pic of Denny holding Mathew and yes, I was quite jealous!! But I am happy to hear he is doing so, so well. This picture of you is beautiful so I will try and add it to the ones headed to St. Charles!! Hugs and smiles! djm
I am glad to see things are progressing. Give him hugs and kisses for us! I can't wait to see on here that you have brought him home. :D
Hugs,
Kathleen
God can do anything!!!!!!!! Look at
that boy eat! So glad all is going so much better every day.
We pray for the best for you and your family.
Love and Prayers,
Lockie
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