Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Milk & Suntanning

We just got back from our most recent visit with Ellie. She's doing well, and I was able to change her diaper. She piddled just as I was putting the new diaper on so I technically got to do two changes. The doctor said they took out one of the tubes in her tummy and will most likely take out the other one today. (At which point we might be able to hold or do "kangaroo" care with her.) He's increased her milk intake to 1 cc every 3 hours, which we're excited about. One of the biggest hurdles she faces is getting to the place where she can get all of her nutrition from my milk.

Speaking of milk (stop reading now if you don't want to hear anything about nursing - or pumping in our case), I was able to get 55ml in one session right before going to see Ellie! Up until now I've only gotten close to 5ml so we're on the road to getting Ellie plenty to eat. Although it'll be a long time before she eats enough to keep up with how much I make, it's good to be to the place of making enough for her.

Also, Kit took a photo of Ellie "suntanning" under the blue light that she's under to help with her jaundice. You can see she has little "sunglasses" on to help her sleep in spite of the bright light. The doctor said her jaundice level has decreased since they put the light on her yesterday morning so they'll probably take her off of the light tomorrow. She'll most likely need it again at some point, but she's progressing for right now.


7 comments:

Erika said...

What a beautiful baby girl! I just found your blog & wanted to let you know that I'm praying very hard for you all!
Way to go on your milk supply, that is fantastic for your little girl!
Praying for you all..!
~Erika

Anonymous said...

That's great about your milk. That'll come in handy. I would def. freeze as much as you have room for. We fed my son breastmilk for 5 months that was frozen before it ran out. He never picked up breastfeeding, so it was great to have it at home in our deep freeze. Just as info, when they finally do let you try breastfeeding, don't get discouraged and quit like I did. Let a lactation expert help and use a nipple shield if you must. Very personal choice but if you really want it, it can happen. Sounds like everything's going as good as it can! I know it was hard leaving her today!

K said...

Yeah for breastmilk! You've probably been told this, but I've read that Mom's with premature infents will make milk that is perfect for their premies. It's God's perfect gift. I get to spend time with you on Saturday!

Kelly

Andrew, Zachary and Will's Mommy said...

She is precious! My Zachary is a 28 weeker and is growing like a weed now. Keep up the good work with pumping. You'll soon have a freezer full. Remember to take it day by day too and enjoy the Kangaroo Care. I cherished those days the most.

God Bless you and your sweet family. We'll be praying for you all and your sweet baby's homecoming.

PS. How many grams does she weigh? Post it daily to keep up with things.

Hillary said...

She's gorgeous-I found your blog through Kelly's and I wanted you to know that I'm praying for your beautiful family.

Mandy Gramkow said...

wahoo! good job with the pumping! I felt it was therapeutic for me as a mommy to our preemie - it's like what I could contribute mainly because I couldn't care for her 24/7. GOOD JOB!

Becca Sue Congdon said...

I'm so proud of you! You're a milk machine, Mama!