The daily post is coming a little late. Kris and I came home from the evening visit with Jonah and needed some rest. Yesterday was another day of progress for our little boy. His oxygen requirements had been cut in half by the time I got there for the morning visit. I walk into the room and the nurse asked if I would like to try breast feeding. I was so excited about the idea of our boy being able to take in food by mouth instead of the NG tube. Jonah and I gave it a try and got one good latch but it was a short latch. So he received his 11:30 feeding via NG tube. Which was ok with me. I was just so excited about having this opportunity. During the feeding trial Jonah and I were able to touch skin to skin and it was the best connection I have felt since he was born.
We returned for the 5:30 feeding, walked into the room and the nurse was feeding him a bottle. Jonah had pulled the tube from his nose that was providing oxygen and the NG tube. The nurse left all tubes out and allowed Jonah to take his 5:30 feeding from the bottle. This was huge!! He took the bottle and finished his 5:30 feeding. It is taking a while for him to feed from the bottle but is getting better with each feeding. I tried to breast feed at this time and the 8:30 feeding. We got one very short latch on at the 8:30 feeding which was another positive thing to take away from the day.
The oxygen tube and the NG tube did not have to be replaced for the rest of the day. This was the first time Kris and I were able to see Jonah's face with no tubes or machines attached. I did not think it was possible to fall more in love with our son, but it was wonderful to get a good look at his face and observe each expression he has when sleeping. Kris and I could not take our eyes off of him.
I called the nursery twice throughout the night when I am up pumping. The nurse mentioned he has continued to feed from the bottle and finally got a good stretch of sleep from 2:00 to 6:00. The volume of breast milk he is given will be increased today. We will play it by ear to see if he is able to keep up with the volume increase from a bottle. I am meeting with a lactation consultant today for additional help with breast feeding.
We are looking forward to another good day and will continue to keep you posted on our child's progress.
1 comment:
i've been waiting for this update. awesome. be patient with the breastfeeding - it sometimes takes them a while to get back on the breast after taking a bottle. but he can do it. and i know - that skin on skin is the sweetest feeling ever. isn't it so great to get to hold him - don't you finally feel like this is what you were made for? i'm so happy he's getting stronger! go jonah! go God!
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