Today dad changed Loki's diaper for the first time. On the photo below you can see what Loki thinks about dad taking his temperature. Dad did very well under supervision of Amber and the camera (held by Mom). However, somehow the movie is MIA on the computer. We'll upload as soon as it is found. Unfortunately as soon as he was all settled, he pooped again. This time Amber was sweet enough to quickly change the stinky dude.
I don't think we mentioned yet that Loki is on a two liter per minute flow on the nasal cannula and overall on 21% oxygen. This means we are heading in the right direction, slowly but surely and steadily. He is working very hard, this little guy of ours.
Recreational breastfeeding went well early in the morning. I got up at five yesterday to be able to pump and then go in to practice. Loki was pretty awake and very talkative. He made the cutest little sounds; "wuh wuh." As if he was asking "what are you doing here mom? I usually don't see you here so early." Isn't it wonderful to have the freedom to project ones thoughts on such a little being? Soon enough their won't be space for interpretation :-).
The reason I am so adamant about breastfeeding has a lot to do with his very lengthy hospitalization, with it's possible effects on his development of a healthy attachment, as well as the status of his respiratory health. In general children who are more prone to respiratory issues tend to be much better protected when drinking breastmilk for a solid chunk of time (e.g. first year). He will receive my antibodies which will protect him against some of the colds and flus, which basically could protect him from another hospitalization. Although I have a good supply right now, I won't be able to pump as frequently when Loki comes home and needs his attention and care. We will run out of frozen milk quickly if this is the only thing he drinks. Loki was born with 24 weeks and has been hospitalized for approximately four months by the time he will be able to go home. He has not received nearly as much physical contact and comfort as a new baby typically receives. I want him to have a cozy and healthy start at home. As his mom, I feel the need to be able to do this for and with him. There is a lot that has not happened the way one expects when getting pregnant. I am not willing to give up on this one, as according to all staff involved he shows all the signs of being able to do this with good practice. The issues he is having right now are completely typical for a premature baby. Loki needs to practice his sucking skills, his latch-on and his breathing, suck, swallow coordination, well before a typical baby is born. He has shown he can do this, it is just a little hard because he is still working hard on the cannula.
Anywho, I will stop talking about this topic unless something changes and is really worth mentioning. I just wanted to give an explanation as many people share with me their thoughts about this.
Loki sleepy head:
Dad taking his temp:
2 comments:
Lieve mom and dad,
You can share your thoughts and feelings about the breastfeeding as much as you want! It is important to you, and therefore important to me.
Nice surprise for dad after his hard work in his first diaperchange:-) It is so great to see Loki as big in his newborn clothes, remember when I was with you in december? He was in his preemie rompertjes. Now they fit a doll. Unbelievable.
Big hug for all 3, XX
Dear mom,
I want to encourage you on your breastfeeding journey. Yes, it can be incredibly frustrating. But then, Loki is still sooo small. 34 gestational weeks is typically the earliest they are able to do this. Anna took quite a bit longer and I cried a LOT of tears over this. But, alas, it was all worth it, and she nursed for a long time. And yes, it did help her over all of her respiratory issues and hospitalizations. If I can do anything to support you, I will!
Much love.
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