NICU Update

Blake continues to do well in the NICU. He had jaundice so he was under the lights for 2 days but his blood work looked well this morning so he is off the lights. They are also taking his IV out tonight because he is handling his feedings well and no longer requires additional nutrients from the IV. He is now up to 30 mili-liters which is 1 oz of breast milk every 3 hours. He is still receiving a little bit of oxygen which is called (lo-flow). Hopefully he will be off the oxygen in the next day or so. But overall, he is doing awesome.

It's very hard being a NICU mom because I just want my baby home with me, but I know that he needs to be there and he is receiving great care. All the nurses have been wonderful. Luckily, we only live 15 minutes from the Children's Hospital. I usually spend about 8 hours at the hospital and then head home. I have to remind myself that I just delivered a baby 4 days ago and have been on bed rest for 13 weeks so despite feeling awesome from the delivery I still have to take it easy.

I've actually been getting a lot of sleep (definitely more sleep than most new mom's since Blake is still in the NICU). I'm trying to stay well rested and hydrated since that plays a major roll in milk production.

Pumping is going great and my milk supply started to come in yesterday so I'm hoping that I'll see a big increase in my supply over the next few days. I'm pumping about every 2 hours. So far, I've been able to keep up with his feedings so I'm hoping that they don't have to supplement any formula. I can't wait for the day to come when I can try Blake at the breast. He seems to love his pacifier and has a very good "sucking" reflex for a 34 weeker so I'm hoping that I'm successful in breastfeeding. Being able to pump and give him breast milk is something I'm very passionate about. I know I couldn't keep him inside to a full term baby, but breastfeeding is something that I can do for him so at this point I'm very dedicated to trying to make it work. I know I have my work cut out for me since he is a preemie, but hopefully with a lot of help from the lactation consultants we will both learn and be successful.

I feel so blessed to have him in life, I've waited so long for this day to come that sometimes I still can't believe he is mine. Every time I walk into NICU I have the biggest smile as I walk over and look at him. He's so adorable and precious and such a miracle.

Attached are some recent pictures.