Day 4, 28 weeks adjusted

4 days old, 28 weeks adjusted

"Adjusted" is how the NICU staff refers to the baby's age - they keep counting gestation weeks so that they can track typical milestones expected at each stage of pregnancy. Speaking of adjusted, we're not quite there yet. Having two boys at home makes it really difficult to figure out a schedule with Marco - our weekend was packed, like always. That said, I took off two weeks from work so that I can figure stuff out and create some semblance of a new normal.

Status: we've had an exciting few days - Marco seems to be doing so well, which makes me cautiously optimistic. There are 3 things the docs are looking out for: breathing, brain bleeds and infection.

- Breathing: After the first day they took out his breathing tube and replaced it with a CPap mask. Marco was able to breathe on his own, which was such amazing news. His cpap isn't oxygen, it is forced air - meaning it helps Marco's lungs stay open slightly to allow for easier breathing. Then after another couple of days, they weaned Marco from a cpap mask to a simple nasal cannula. Another great sign his breathing is strong.

- Brain: No signs of a serious brain bleed so far. If there is going to be a brain bleed it typically happens within the first week, so they'll do an ultrasound of his brain on day 7. That will be a huge milestone for us. There are 4 levels of brain bleed. Level 1 and 2 are more common and typically heal on their own with no serious affects. Level 3 or 4 are bad news. They can lead to developmental delays and even Cerebral Palsy.

- Infection: No signs of infection and blood continues to come back clear, so they stopped Marco's antibiotic treatment.

Biggest News: Today, I was able to hold Marco for the first time!! He had an IV in his umbilical cord and they said I couldnt hold him until that was out - which would take roughly a week. Well, surprise for me, when I went to visit today, it was out and I got to hold him on my chest, skin to skin, for an hour! It was the most amazing feeling and helped me bond tremendously with my little, wrinkly, red baby. Feeling him wiggle on my chest felt almost like he was back in my belly, where he should be. It was heart warming and heart breaking all at the same time. 

Definitely a good day.



Comments

  1. AndreaApril 14, 2021 at 5:52 AM

    I am so proud of you my daughter - so strong & brave. So happy for your little son - he was born into such a warm & loving family. Can't wait to meet him in June!

    ReplyDelete

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