We learned a bit of new information, though.
There might be small amounts of bleeding happening in her brain. The doctor said it wasn't very much and it's quite common in preemies. It's technically called an Intraventricular Hemorrhage (IVH). There is no test that can accurately predict what a preemie will be like as a child, so only time and growth will show the impacts to her brain. That's why having a preemie is such a huge risk.
We're going to remain positive.
Another important note the doctor told us today was regarding a murmur in her heart. Essentially it could be a hole in either her heart or a valve. They will likely give her medication to help close it off, or she might simply be able to outgrow it. It happens. Or there's always surgery in the future but the doctor didn't mention anything like that yet.
One day at a time.
Kiera got to hold her again for the third day in a row. You can tell that both mom and daughter enjoy their time together. It's amazing to see them like that.
Being away from her was hard. Now we're checking up on her constantly. We're trying to get to know her nurses better too but there are a lot of them. It seems like there is a new one every second day. There is no consistency. They are all very nice, though.
She's using her breast pump every 3-4 hours and then storing the milk in plastic syringes. They chill in the fridge until we're ready to go back to the hospital with them. All those good antibodies will go a long way for Belle.
Kiera and I are heading back to see her a bit later tonight.
Hi there
ReplyDeleteWe're thinking about you (almost) all the time. The first thing Arnold is doing every day after he's just open his eyes is go to your blog. He's checking Arabella's Odyssey even before checking the weather or news. So feel important & famous :)
What I want to say is that I'm so proud of Kiera. Being a Mum of a premature baby is much harder to run lactation because their body is not ready to breastfeeding. Maintenance of lactation requires from Mum of premature babies to have a strong will and a lot of perseverance.... and also a lot of positive thinking. We, moms of preemies besides of stress and pain like every pregnant woman (labor and delivery) have an enormous stress connected with uncertain health condition of our little sweet heart staying in an incubator... Separated by distance, connected by heart.
Stay positive. Don't give up.
As always - wish you all the best.
Ps. A Daddies Poem
(I've changed it a bit)
(...)
The doctors they tell you, prepare for the worst
Your world tears apart your dreams are immersed
She is far to small, she has a battle ahead
You search for some hope in the eyes of the Ped
(...)
Your life is the monitor you watch every beat
You watch every breath, you don't leave your seat
You don't leave her side she is your blood and your life
You would give your left arm and so would your wife.
A fathers pain is hard yet it only seems token
Compared to a Mums who lays battered and broken
Her dream has been robbed and so has her pearl
Her only lifes wish is to hold her new girl.
As night starts to deepen you to start to reflect
Your start to question what to expect
You try to reason you try to make sense
You feel joy yet your pain is intense.
The longest night in history draws to a close
The day that stood still the day where time froze
The smallest human you have ever seen
So tough, so hard, courage unseen.
Hours become days and days become weeks
Weeks become months, with falls and peaks
The road is long the journey is hard
The climb is tough your mind is scarred.
But your family and friends are there, your not alone
You soldier on regardless as NICU becomes your home
Those brillant doctors and staff are there on your ride
With those Angels of MERCY there at your side.
How can one so little be so tough and brave?
And defy all the odds that once looked so grave?
A heart the size of the MCG in a body built so small
He took on every challenge and answered every call...
(...)
Sean Simpson 2007 (National Premmie Foundation)