I didn't visit until nearly 8:00 p.m., which is well past what I've done the past few days. When we arrived, Nurse Alicia had Lily changed and wrapped and ready to come out for a cuddle. As soon as I was ready to hold her (and take her out of her isolette all by myself), Lily decided it was time to poop. Not being a fan of holding her while she's a Stink Bug, I decided to change her. And while I was cleaning her tiny hiney, she pooped again. And after I cleaned her again and wrapped her up and carried her to the rocking chair, she pooped again. What exactly is it about me that makes Lily want to poop?!?!
Anyway, on a non-poop related topic, neither Lily nor Charlie seemed to want anything to do with their bottles. Brooke tried to feed both babies this afternoon; Lily didn't take anything and Charlie only took about half. This evening, I tried to feed Lil' but she spent the entire time fussing and fidgeting, and Charlie wasn't much better for Brooke. Still, we're not too worried since neither has been at it long and it takes most babies quite a while to get the hang of bottle-feedings.
Otherwise, there's not too much else to report. Hopefully, tomorrow will be a little more like yesterday with the bottle feedings, just with a little less pooping!
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I tried and tried to convince Lily to take her bottle. Nurse Alicia even told her that I was the boss and she should listen to me... Lily didn't buy that at all. I think we all know that Lily is the boss and Brooke is her second-in-command. Charlie and I aren't going to have much rank.
Charlie was happy to be held by his mommy but not so thrilled that she tried to make him work for his food. He prefers it to just appear in his belly with the feeding tube. He's a touch on the lazy side.
10 comments:
Those precious buttercups are just recovering from their little race that they had going on. Don't worry - they'll be chugging along shortly... Enjoy the rest angels -because we expect some drinking from the bottles tomorrow.
All My Love, Auntie :) xoxoo
I read your post today, and decided I had to leave a comment. My son was born at 24 weeks getstation, I know all too well being excited to bring a baby home from the ICU, the ups and downs of being there, etc. I know you said you weren't too worried about the feedings yet....I'm not saying these things with any judgement. My son started out bottle feeding like a champ. It would give a high for the day, and some how not doing as well, felt like going backwards some, like being farther from coming home. We'd try all sorts of tricks to get more complete feedings in, spin the bottle, rub his face, turning up his oxygen some....I'm having a hard time comming up with the best way to say what I want to say....I've now learned that most preemie babies are overwhelmed/overstimulated and are shutting down to cope when they don't bottle well. You're right it can take awhile.....If there was one thing I could go back in time and tell myself it would be to have more patience with the bottle feedings, and that it'll come with time, and that quality is WAY more important than quantity. I can remember always looking for those completed bottles with the needed amount the ICU wanted him to drink....QUALITY, not QUANTITY, please, please keep that in mind. One thing that helped our son with the quality is a slower nipple....he had more control over the milk flow, made suck, swallow breath easier, and he definately had better form, however he did not get as much volume because it's more work out of a slower nipple. Also laying him on his side when he ate helped because all that extra milk that was coming in his mouth too fast could run out the side of his mouth....with the normal speed nipples.
I recently discovered your blog and we live in the same town as you. My heartfelt sympathy to you on the loss of Annaleigh, but are praying hard for Lily and Charlie. You are amazing parents - looking forward to reading about the day you bring the peanuts home. God Bless!
That's amusing about Lily pooping for you...maybe she just feels extra comfortable with you?? : ) I agree with pp, just be patient with the bottle feedings. Easier said than done, I know, but they'll get there! Hang in there! : )
That's exactly what my NICU attending says...just keep feeding them, they're the boss and will decide when they want to start really eating well!
Hi, my name is Becky and I left the second comment on this post this morning. I was rushed and on my way out the door to work, and probably should have waited until I had more time to make a more complete post, but alas I can not go back in time and change it. First I want to add that I am praying for you, and admire your strength. I usually do not leave comments, I usually don't feel I have anything important enough to say. The bottle feeding issue hits home with me because I read your words and they immediately bring me back to that time with our son. I remember feeling the EXACT same way, I wish someone had told me what I'm telling you which is why I feel compelled to share what I've learned. I would like you to take a look at this research article about initiating bottle feedings in premature infants http://www.uchsc.edu/cfii/Documents/Ross%20Browne%20Seminars%20article.pdf I found it after feeling that there had to be a better way while reflecting on how it went for us. At the time I was sure my son was ready, and was excited with every ounce, then every bottle, and felt confident we could do it when he came home. Looking back, we pushed him too much, and he wasn't tolerating it as well as we thought, and I wonder sometimes If we'd done it differently if some of the troubles we have today could have been prevented. If I can prevent you having the troubles we do today.....how can I not try to share this with you? Anyway, there are a lot of research articles out there that recommend very different things than we experienced in the NICU. I think I've taken up enough of your time. I know every kid is different, and you'll do what's best for your kids : )
When I first started reading this blog, I cried along with you. Now it is good to laugh along with you. Too cute about little Lily pooping for daddy. Guess she thinks you need some practice changing her diaper. ;-)
Karen
I enjoyed your comment "a touch on the lazy side"...I have two boys, 22 and 16, and that describes both of them PERFECTLY! Must be a boy thing!
Aw! The bows they're putting on Lily are just too much...I NEED a sweet baby girl!
What is it, exactly, about new parents and their need to discuss their baby and the pooping action?!?!? As the mom of a 3 month old, I am right there with you!! I feel the need to talk about the pooping of our son to anyone will will listen! Your post made me laugh out loud and realize I am not the only first time parent that obsesses (and shares) about the poops of out little ones. And as another first time parent, YAY!! to Lily's poo! I hope she can keep up the good work....and I hope we can continue to hear all about it!!
Jane
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