The First Few Days...

So- an update to his first few days- being a preemie and diagnosed as "IUGR"- we had some challenges on hand- seeing as although he's about 34 weeks gestationally (if he had been able to stay in the womb) he has the size & behaviors of what is typical for a 31 week baby. Initially he only had monitors on, and then a feeding tube (NG) since I requested no bottles (trying to remain exclusively breastfeeding for when we get out of here), which either way it would've been necessary since he still hasn't gotten the hang of relying exclusively on bottle/breast for the amount he needs.

After the first day, he lost about 3 oz, which was a bit too fast of a loss, so we increased his food and added some calories- and now he's back on the upswing. Had some challenges with his immature breathing patterns- experiencing apnea since the central nervous system is still working on maturing, so the alarms terrified us as his oxygen saturation levels would drop, and the other day he was experiencing bradycardia due to his brief "spells" of apnea. They just "forget" to breathe when they are this little. So they implemented a high-flow nasal canula to help "remind" him to keep breathing, and caffeine given as a stimulant. So far this has greatly improved his overall stats, and we had a wonderful day yesterday without any scares.

He did come back with a mild case of jaundice, so he's been hanging out under the phototherapy lamps with the "mask" or "glasses" he hates and continues to pull off (along with the nasal canula, NG/OG tubes, etc). Our wonderful nurse also found a phototherapy blanket that allows us to take him out of the lamp and be able to hold & kangaroo with him- which has also helped in his (I think) and our anxiety levels. I cannot tell you how therapeutic just being able to hold him is. On the fun side- the "blanket" makes him look like a Glo-worm - and makes me smile :)

So those have been the past few days and why I haven't had time to really respond or talk to anyone. Between anxiety, fears, and then the rigorous routine of pumping for at least 30 minutes, then being with him for 30-45 min for each feeding- both are every 3 hours now. Eating & sleeping has taken a backseat, but with a "good" day like yesterday, we could finally breathe ourselves and get some much needed rest. So today is a new day, and we will take every good minute we can... I'll end with a sweet pic of Dad & Baby Glo-worm ;)

(and yes it's hard to take a picture without a flash, but trying not to irritate him (yet))