Nicholas in NICU Update #6

Today was a big day for Nick!

First, he got his nasal cannula removed. (the tape holding it down was removed as gently as possible, but he was still quite unhappy by the process)


Then they moved him into a regular "crib". (he is no longer on the warmer, but gets covered from time to time to minimize any drafts that might make it harder for him to regulate his temperature)


And finally it was our first attempt at breastfeeding!

{NO PHOTO}

The first two went well, but he was just too sleepy to do much when we attempted a regular feeding. I had a lactation consultant with me to remind me of the basics, and she said that he definitely showed interest, but was clearly just too tired to fully engage. It was reassuring to hear that it wasn't because of my technique - which admittedly is quite rusty when it comes to nursing a newborn, let alone a preemie. His nurse pointed out that he fed from a bottle all day yesterday, and that it can be quite exhausting for kids his age. So, it is not a bad sign at all. The did offer him a bottle a few more times today, but he was too sleepy and they ended up feeding him through a tube to his stomach. He apparently tolerated those feedings well, which is a good sign that his body can digest the milk once it gets inside his tummy :)

After all the good news yesterday, I had started to presume he might be coming home soon, and even started preparing by washing his towels, bed linens and clothes. I started to panic a little this morning at the thought of him coming home this week, especially when trying to imagine how to pull off a Thanksgiving meal with/for Max, Alex, Grandad AND Nicholas. Not to mention the fact that he is still so small and I do not feel prepared to provide him the same level of care he is receiving in the NICU.

Nicholas' nurse today was Karen, and she was/is great. All of the nurses have been wonderful, but for some reason I felt like I could ask her the big question... when did she think he might be coming home? Karen said that although he is doing great, it will likely be a few more weeks. She said that the feeding part of the puzzle will take the longest and he can't come home until he is eating easily and gaining weight. As much as I long to have him home with us, I was quite relieved to hear this prediction.

Now that we are trying to establish breastfeeding, I will be going to visit twice a day, for 2 non-consecutive feedings at 10:30 and 4:30. The commute home after the second feeding is not fun, but it is totally worth it.

How could seeing this little guy not be worth it? :)