Fragile lungs

Yet another fine day spent with this pretty lady. 

Kiera and I both need to be with her daily. Not just mom, and not 'sometimes' dad, but both of us, together. We can't fathom doing it any other way. 

Family is everything, isn't it?

As a passionate father, I'm grateful for the opportunity to take a leave from work. My workplace has me covered, and employment insurance (PCIC benefits) is taking care of our mortgage and expenses in the meantime. The benefits aren't a lot, but we've made it work by cutting back on our spending. 

Why would you want to miss out on any of this, if you didn't have to?

Arabella's been doing well overall, but her breathing hasn't gotten any better since the start of the Lasix (diuretic). It was supposed to clear the extra fluid in her lungs, making it easier for her to breathe (with less pressure and oxygen), but she hasn't made any progress. The staff will take more x-rays of her chest tomorrow to see what's going on.

Likely, it's all due to her chronic lung disease (also known as bronchopulmonary dysplasia, or BPD). 

As her lungs continue to grow bigger, they have fewer air sacs (and less branching of the airways). There's simply less surface area in the lungs to absorb the oxygen that she needs.

Belle's beyond 'full term' at this point, but her lungs are still impaired. They don't function like they should (due to the damage from the ventilator in the past) so they resemble pre-term lungs. 

It's going to be a slow and gradual process of weaning Belle from respiratory aids, and it's quite possible that she'll go home on supplemental oxygen in the future. 

We're okay with that. It's not unusual for these types of situations. 

When Arabella is stressed or really fussy it leads to oxygen desaturation and airway tightening, so mom and dad do their best to reduce her discomfort. It's important to provide attentiveness to children with severe BPD, because parents who provide a nurturing and stimulating environment can improve their baby's chances. 

BPD can even affect her motor and cognitive development, believe it or not, so we definitely take our jobs seriously as parents. This is the most important time in her life. 

It's an emotional load to carry. The trauma of a premature birth, prolonged anxiety from a long and complicated hospitalization, and wondering what the future will bring. That's why it's so crucial for both parents to be here. 

Mom and dad help each other so that they can better help their little one. Gradually we're all healing together.