Kangaroo Care

Many of us know the heartache that comes from unfulfilled longings (Proverbs 13:12). But in the valley of that pain, we don’t have to submit to despair. The faithful love of the Lord never ends (Lamentations 3:22). And the same God who collects our tears in a bottle (Psalms 56:8) also causes everything to work together for the good of people who love Him (Romans 8:28).

—Jennifer Benson Schuldt

I was so crazy pleased when I went to the hospital today, they said it was time some kangaroo care. Since she now had a PICC line, I guess it was time. She felt like a warm, wiggly little person against my chest. I could even hear her breathe a little. This was really the first time I could talk to her and she could feel me.  It was so peaceful and quiet. I was so relaxed and amazed how she was so completely mine. Any other normal delivery this moment would have happened a week ago, and maybe holding and talking to her would be something I wouldn't have given much thought to. 

I only got to hold her for 10 minutes because she started having bradys (a slow heart rate, it would dip way down then back up) But we get to try tomorrow. 

I went home and looked at the benefits of kangaroo care. 

• known to benefit a baby's growth and  development
• restores the natural dependence of the baby on his parents for care and well being
• when being held they cry less, have less apnea higher levels of oxygen saturation, longer periods of restful sleep and a reduced response to pain
• they gain more weight rapidly than preemies who don't get kangaroo care. 
• for the parent it can help emotional, reduces stress and depression. deepens the bond between parent and baby. 

Today:

1. 5 mls of breast milk every three hours. Tonight that will increase to 6 mls. She is handling the milk very well. As I said last post the emphasis is nutrition. 
2. PICC line in
3. She is pooping ALOT
4. weighs, 550 grams
5. 11 1/2 inches long. 

Prayer request:

they will try at end of week/or next week to take vent tube out and try again CPAP. Please pray she is ready to give that vent up and can tolerate the CPAP. This is the direction that she needs to go in soon. The Dr. said today this would be our next hurdle. 

Pray these Bradys get better and that there isn't any underlying illness occurring. 

thanks!

thank you everyone for sending cards, gas and gift cards, phone calls, messages, dinners to us this past week. As I have said these gifts of love are so tremendous and literally get us through our day. Today I was so tired, and didn't get home in until 6:20 from Chapel Hill. Two friends had dropped off supper and left surprises for Maddie. You are all such a blessing to us.