So, want to blow your mind (okay, probably just mine but still...)? If Finn hadn't been born when he was, the new adjusted due date was today! They said they would deliver him at 34 weeks because the risk of infection would be higher than the risk of him being born early and Finn is 34 weeks gestational age today. I could have been stuck in The Garden this whole time instead of getting to know my son (Becky and I could have kept each other busy!). Crazy. Just a weird, random thought.
The lactation consultant stopped by today just as I was starting to feed Finn. She was GREAT! She showed me exactly how to hold him and the tricks that get him to latch onto the whole breast and not just the nipple. AND he actually sucked and swallowed my milk! She calculated it was only a few minutes total, but he did it! He still got a full feeding through his tube. Eventually they will reduce the tube feeding as he gets more from me. I am so happy that he is figuring it out and really likes it (he didn't let go when we tried to pull him away...ouch!). She also kept reminding me that not only is Finn a preemie, but he is only 34 weeks. Babies born after 34 weeks still have problem with this, so that is very encouraging. She will stop by next week to check in to see how we are doing.
The even better news is that she said I'm producing more milk than I need to. Which means I get to reduce the number of times I pump in a day (eventually). First I need to chart each time I pump and how much I get. Then I can slowly adjust the time between and see how it affects my milk. She said that eventually I should be able to pump only 4 or 5 times a day! I thought I was going to cry when I heard that.
And for the record, Finn was switched over to a big boy crib last night (just before we got there). It is so great to see him in a regular bed and we can touch him whenever we want (and take pictures that don't glare off the isolette walls). One step closer to home! I took pictures, but haven't had time to upload them yet.
1 comment:
Happy could've been your birthday, Finn! :)
I bet our excitement for you, Jim and Finn can barely touch on the excitement you all are feeling!
I'm so proud of Finn being such a great eater (Beth had problems with Teddy latching properly). Oh, and the not wanting to release...I don't know what hurt more, Quinn still sucking as I tried to pull her off or my finger as I tried to break the suction...it sounds to be a similar situation with Finn. Advice: take your time with that part; I got anxious and started bleeding! Talk about ouch!!!
And pumping...yay! Especially since you have enough milk to last a long long time. It was probably easier advice from the consultant too seeing as Finn doesn't seem to have problems feeding!
I'm so excited for you all. We can't wait to meet Finn! Someday...we'll be back someday!! Have they told you a date that he could possibly be home by??
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