I was discharged from the hospital Monday afternoon. Before we left, I did an hour of kanagroo care with Maggie. She is just so perfectly sweet and snuggly, even at her small size. The time was therapeutic for both of us.
Maggie had another bloody stool before we arrived in the NICU yesterday morning, which the doctors were concerned about. Test results came back fast and it was determined the blood in her stool was from me (ingested during delivery), so she is absolutely healthy and the doctors did resume her feedings. She is still receiving breast milk through a feeding tube and the rest of her essential fats/nutrients through IV until her intestines are matured enough to handle feedings. She is now up to 7 ml per feeding (from 4 ml a day or so ago). She is still receiving almost light theraphy to keep her bilirubin levels down. We called to check on her before bed last night and she was doing just great.
Jeff and I will be visiting her in the NICU this afternoon for some more kangaroo care! We'll keep doing this every day for the next few weeks. Around 35/36 weeks gestation babies develop the proper sucking reflex, so once she starts to learn this, her feedings will increase and we'll get to start nursing. I'm sure that will change our routine to me spending more time at the hospital so I can nurse with her. Once she is able to take all of her feedings by mouth (via bottle or breast), consistently gain and keep on weight, and regulate her body temperature, she'll get to go home.
Bridget
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