It's been hard being at home and away from Elliott. Right now, it's only practical to go once a day for a few hours. As soon as I got home, exhaustion hit and trying to pump every few hours is really trying. Healing from the c-section is steady and I try to be brave and take less pain meds but then it creeps up.
Elliott is now in the lowest setting of the nasal cannula and is on room air. Because this lung muscles are still immature, they're leaving the cannula to help his muscles. He has been on/off phototherapy which is to be expected. His biggest issue that he hasn't been able to tolerate consistent feedings but all x-rays, etc. indicate that he may just have an immature bowel system. He lost the usual post-delivery weight and he's slowly gaining it back. They hope to restart feedings soon, especially now that I'm getting some colostrum/milk with each pumping session.
He had an umbilical line. They removed it and replaced it with a PICC line. We've been able to kangaroo care him at least once per day since Wednesday. at first he's fussy then settles down. It's amazing, it really is. I go through phases of crying, since all I want to do is see and hold him.
I'm going to go grocery shopping since DH didn't really do any of that while I was gone, then pump and go see my little boy. As always, thanks for all of your support.
(Sorry, deleted the other pics bc of the weirdo drama; when the password protected subgroup is created, E will be back! )
Baby Elliott (technically) due 6.13.2015 but born via c-section on 4.12.2015 at 31w1d after 31d of hospital arrest (think house arrest) for monitoring.
So glad he's doing well. Speaking as a C-section mom, take your pain meds. You have so much going on that there's no reason to be in extra pain during this crazy, difficult time.
DS only had two weeks in the NICU and was basically as healthy as he could have been in that time, and even then it was exhausting. So I feel ya momma. I wish you all the strength to get through what you need to coming up. Take it one day at a time, and don't over exert yourself either, baby needs you to be healthy just as much as you need him to be!
GL with everything and glad to hear an update from you!
Post by mrskblack11 on Apr 18, 2015 15:49:47 GMT -5
Hang in there momma! My cousin's baby was in NICU for months and I know how hard it was from them to be away from the hospital. Sending T&Ps for Elliot as he continues to mature.
Post by tatersalad on Apr 18, 2015 16:35:17 GMT -5
I haven't experienced it myself but I know from friends how hard a NICU stay can be. Don't be too hard on yourself or afraid to take your pain meds. Baby Elliot looks wonderful and sounds like he is progressing well. Keeping thoughts and prayers with you guys and looking forward to more good updates in the future!
He is precious! So glad you're getting some skin to skin cuddle time with him. I'm sure it's really hard being away from him. Hang in there, mama! You're doing all that you can and it sounds like he's getting stronger every day!
Post by leenziepops on Apr 18, 2015 17:47:42 GMT -5
So sorry you have to be away from him. I cannot imagine how painful that would be. Both of you are busy healing and getting stronger. Elliott is gorgeous. Keep growing little Elliott!
He is such a sweetheart and so beautiful. It sounds to me like you're a great mom already - make sure to take care of yourself too during this time. I've never experienced having a baby in NICU, so I can only imagine the difficulty in leaving him at the hospital and not having him in your arms all the time. I'm so glad to hear that he is progressing! You all continue to be in my thoughts and prayers!
Post by billyhorrible on Apr 19, 2015 19:13:36 GMT -5
He must be doing well if he's on room air and doing skin to skin! I just saw my cousin's girlfriend, her sister had a preemie a month ago and is just doing skin to skin this week. Keep up the good work, I know it must be exhausting.
What a wonderful update santoki77. Elliott looks wonderful, and it sounds like hes progressing right on track. I love that you're getting kangaroo time, makes me melt. Hang in there. Hopefully he'll be home with you sooner than you think.
I'm so sorry that you have to be away from Elliot while he's still in the hospital getting the care he needs. Try to stay strong and get lots of rest, you've got this. ((hugs))
Congrats on your little miracle, mama. Sending so many warm prayers/thoughts that he continues to grow big and strong. Wishing you a quick recovery too. I agree with previous posters - pain meds are your friend! C-sections are still major surgery!!
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