Just a little update from our visit last night (nothing too serious this time!). I was able to take Finn's temperature and change his diaper (which I love doing). No poopy diaper for me this time! But his little umbilical cord had fallen off into his diaper when I changed it! Just a little thing, but something that happens with all babies. Made me feel "normal" for a moment.
Our nurse said that we can do Kangaroo Care, even though he is on the CPAP, which was really good news. We didn't have time last night (I had to get home to pump, of course), but hopefully today or this weekend. So per Jim's request in the previous post (I didn't know we needed a blog to communicate to each other...ha, ha!), below is some more information I got about Kangaroo Care.
Benefits of Kangaroo Care: while your baby rests on your chest (mom or dad), you will see your baby become very calm and relaxed. Your baby may go into a deep slumber. Research has shown these physical and emotional benefits:
-a stable heart rate
-improved dispersion of oxygen throughout the body
-longer period of sleep (during which time the brain matures)
-reduction of purposeless activity which simply burns calories at the expense of the infant's growth and health
-increased likelihood of being discharged from the hospital sooner
-more regular breathing
-prevention of cold stress (which a preemie becomes too cold, he burns up much needed oxygen and calories to stay warm)
-more rapid weight gain
-decreased crying
-earlier physical bonding
-longer periods of alertness
Parents report feeling more positive about their birth experience despite the fact it may have been difficult (MAY have been difficult?!?!), finding ways to actively parent their baby while still in the hospital, increased confidence about handling their baby and feeling in control.
Why Kangaroo Care works: it creates conditions similar to those in the uterus...sound of parent's heartbeat, their voice, gentle movements of their breathing. It provides a "nest" where your baby can be in a flexed position like they were in the uterus. It offers the baby a break from the isolette and a chance to feel safe, loved and secure.
Overall, there are obviously a lot of benefits and no draw backs. Plus, I think it will allow Jim and me to feel like we are DOING something for Finn other than visiting, taking his temperature and pumping. Anything that we can do to help Finn...sign us up!
One little change: Finn was actually 14 inches long at birth, not 15 inches like we originally told people. The doctors at Abbott told us 15 inches, but his chart says 14 inches...so we'll go with that. Regardless, babies Finn's age are supposed to be between 10 - 13 inches, so he is a long boy!
FYI: the "shun" "unshun" from Jim's post is from The Office...my husband hasn't completely lost his mind...yet! Oh, and Jim is referring to the Gopher basketball game last night against Wisconsin (they won in over time)...for those of you who aren't obsessed with the Gophers!
Counters
3 comments:
I forgot to tell you that my aunt is a preemie nurse at Abbott so maybe you have met her? Diane Franson - say hi for me and tell her to take good care of little Finn. :) I've heard such wonderful things about Kangaroo Care. It sounds like your little boy is a fighter and is doing so well. Hugs to you both!
Sounds like you guys are already great parents! Does Finn cry a lot? It's not something you've ever mentioned in any blogs and it was on the list of things it should decrease. And heck, any time you get to hold and be close to Finn, right? Does KC apply for both you and Jim (would Jim participate sometimes too??).
Man, I know how much I cried that first week after I had Q. I felt so sorry that it took almost 14 hours for me to get to hold her and nurse her (no rooms available and I was in post-op yet where they don't allow babies to be 99% of the time). When I finally got to meet her and hold her, I only let them take her away for an hour during bath time each night at midnight!
I can only imagine the crazy intensity you're feeling.
Finn doesn't cry very often and when he does it is one little tiny cry that you can barely hear (Jim it is like a cub's roar compared to a lion's roar). Dads can do Kangaroo Care, too (helps them bond with the baby).
Post a Comment