Tuesday, June 19, 2007

Off CPAP

Posted Jun 19, 2007 2:36pm

Elizabeth is now almost 2lbs and 5oz! She is growing, but not as fast as they would like, so her milk has been fortified to 27 calories and she is now getting 21cc at each feed. We are also starting to breastfeed once a day. The first try was more of an introduction; Elizabeth didn’t do much and went to sleep. Last night, try two, she actually latched and nursed for a little bit. The nurses and I were amazed not expecting her to do much. Her nurse checked her tummy and Elizabeth took 1cc! This is a very small amount, but we are so happy that she was able to get any at all.

This leads me to the next topic. Many people ask how big Elizabeth has to be to go home. There is no minimum weight, she has to be able to take all her food by mouth, so either by breast or bottle and be free of events. One of her doctors told me that Elizabeth should be home in about six weeks. This was the first time any doctor had said she was going home, it was huge for me. There are still lots of hurdles to cross. There are a number of eye exams and a possible laser eye surgery, hearing tests, feedings, oxygen weaning, and all the development issues later. There is about a 1 in 4 chance she will come home on oxygen support.

Today Elizabeth is officially is off her CPAP and on nasal cannula all the time. Unless she gets tired will stay off CPAP, I have been told that babies get tired and go back to CPAP for a little while. Since Elizabeth has proven everyone wrong (never going back on the vent and having no real issues with her feedings) I think that we have seen the last of the CPAP machine. Elizabeth has a possible hernia that is being watched, this is something that isn’t unusual for preemies who have been on a course like Elizabeth. Hernias usually result in surgery, either right before discharge or a few months latter.

Please continue praying for our tiny little girl. She is an amazing little baby and her continued improvement and beating all the odds can only be the work of God. All of these prayers are being heard. Thank you for all the love, prayers, and support.

No comments: