Plethora of News...
Well, lots of news. I'm not sure if I said that Emma is off of her phototherapy, but she is. In addition, she has ramped up her feedings (4ml every two hours) and her murmur continues to be a thing of the past. But, a couple more things of note...
First, the not as great news (to be followed by good news and pictures)...
Emma has been having some problems with her breathing tube lately. Because she was so small when she was born, she currently has the smallest tube. However, the tube has had some drawbacks because it is small... mainly, that it can easily be blocked off by a move in the tube or by some mucuous. Unfortunately, the presence of the tube induces the body to create more mucuous than normal, so it has been an issue. What has been happening (almost twice a day lately) is that the tube will become plugged w/ mucuous, and because the tube is so small, it takes a while to clear (during which Emma is deprived of oxygen). I have seen her turn grey before my eyes (which is not a pleasant experience). Luckily the quickness and efficiency of the staff at Meriter has put my mind at ease that she is in great hands.
Today the doctors are going to do some blood work to determine whether they should upgrade to the next biggest tube. It would be nice to move up because it would diminish the likelihood of future plugging. However, it is not a pleasant experience for Emma to have her tube changed, and as with anything, the doctors and nurses are hesitant to introduce anything foreign into Emma if they don't need to. So, we are waiting to see on that one.
Second, Emma is starting to come down with an infection. One of our doctors called today and mentioned that Emma's white blood cell counts were up, indicating that the body was fighting off an infection. At this time we (ok, the doctors) decided that it would be best to start antibiotics so as to minimize any potential harm to Emma. Note that this infection could be the cause of the increased mucuous that Emma has had in the past couple days which has been causing problems w/ her breathing tube. I was assured that this possibility will be explored and weighed when making treatment decisions.
On for the more interesting stuff... first, I fed Emma for the first time this morning. While this doesn't mean much (all I did was hold a syringe filled with breastmilk as it gravity fed into Emma's stomach), it was meaningful for me. On a second, and more exciting note, Liz and Emma did "kangaroo care" last night. For those of you who aren't experts in caring for premature babies, kangaroo care is where the baby lies skin-on-skin on one of the parent's chest (and then is covered w/ blankets). It is supposed to be a great way to stabilize the baby and reintroduce her to her mom and dad. Liz and Emma were together for about one hour and had a wonderful time... and without further ado...
Mommy and Emma
She's tiny, but cute...
Mom and baby bonding time...
A happy mom and sleeping baby...
Close up of Emma's face w/eyes open...
First, the not as great news (to be followed by good news and pictures)...
Emma has been having some problems with her breathing tube lately. Because she was so small when she was born, she currently has the smallest tube. However, the tube has had some drawbacks because it is small... mainly, that it can easily be blocked off by a move in the tube or by some mucuous. Unfortunately, the presence of the tube induces the body to create more mucuous than normal, so it has been an issue. What has been happening (almost twice a day lately) is that the tube will become plugged w/ mucuous, and because the tube is so small, it takes a while to clear (during which Emma is deprived of oxygen). I have seen her turn grey before my eyes (which is not a pleasant experience). Luckily the quickness and efficiency of the staff at Meriter has put my mind at ease that she is in great hands.
Today the doctors are going to do some blood work to determine whether they should upgrade to the next biggest tube. It would be nice to move up because it would diminish the likelihood of future plugging. However, it is not a pleasant experience for Emma to have her tube changed, and as with anything, the doctors and nurses are hesitant to introduce anything foreign into Emma if they don't need to. So, we are waiting to see on that one.
Second, Emma is starting to come down with an infection. One of our doctors called today and mentioned that Emma's white blood cell counts were up, indicating that the body was fighting off an infection. At this time we (ok, the doctors) decided that it would be best to start antibiotics so as to minimize any potential harm to Emma. Note that this infection could be the cause of the increased mucuous that Emma has had in the past couple days which has been causing problems w/ her breathing tube. I was assured that this possibility will be explored and weighed when making treatment decisions.
On for the more interesting stuff... first, I fed Emma for the first time this morning. While this doesn't mean much (all I did was hold a syringe filled with breastmilk as it gravity fed into Emma's stomach), it was meaningful for me. On a second, and more exciting note, Liz and Emma did "kangaroo care" last night. For those of you who aren't experts in caring for premature babies, kangaroo care is where the baby lies skin-on-skin on one of the parent's chest (and then is covered w/ blankets). It is supposed to be a great way to stabilize the baby and reintroduce her to her mom and dad. Liz and Emma were together for about one hour and had a wonderful time... and without further ado...
Liz in the appropriate kangaroo care attire...
Mommy and Emma
She's tiny, but cute...
Mom and baby bonding time...
A happy mom and sleeping baby...
Close up of Emma's face w/eyes open...
posted by Chadwick at 12:50 PM
2 Comments:
Oh, wow, the time with the Kangaroo care must have been wonderful, Liz. And Chad, I'm sure feeding her felt great.
What beautiful pictures, she looks like such a peaceful, sweet baby. I love seeing pictures of Emma with Liz, she looks so much like her momma!
I hope the decision on the tube size moves smoothly, and that the antibiotics fight off any infection, so Emma can use all her energy to grow.
You guys are in our thoughts and prayers!
I'm so happy to know you're in a hospital that does kangaroo care. It is the best thing. Those pictures of Liz and Emma almost made me cry. I can just imagine how moving it must have been for Liz to hold her baby skin to skin for the first time. Emma and all of you are in my prayers.
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