just wanted to announce...(update #82, 110)

[♥ms.pacman♥]

that my precious DD is here! :love-retry: she was born on Tuesday March 8 at 09:54am...6 lbs 0.5 oz, 18.75 inches long. she was due April 11 but decided to come early, at 35 weeks. she is currently in the NICU due to a few episodes of apnea (apparently common in preemies) but hopefully within a week or so she'll be ok and we should get to bring her home.

anyway, it's an interesting birth story (i apologize if this is only semi-coherent, i've had like a grand total of 3 hours sleep in the last few days) . i had been having painful contractions since ~34 weeks and was trying to just take it easy but as you can imagine that is next to impossible with an active 14month old. On Monday I called my OB and moved my 35 week appt up to that day since I was having a lot of frequent painful contractions and just wanted to get checked out. I was 2cm dilated and 80% effaced and the doc just told me to take things easy for the next week or two (no heavy lifting etc). Well, DH took the rest of the day off just to take care of DS that day so I didn't have to do much. But I guess that was not enough..later that evening the contractions just got worse and worse, and finally at around 2am I realized they were 4 minutes apart (!) and were getting to the point where I could barely walk. I called my OB office and they told me to come to the hospital to get checked out.

Anyway, then the fun began...since it was so early of course we had NOTHING ready (no hospital bag, nada). DH literally just threw random stuff in a suitcase. I called our sitter and another friend who had offered to help watch DS when I went into labor, but I couldn't get a hold of either of them, so at 3am we were off to the hospital with DS and our UppaBaby Vista, crossing our fingers he would fall back asleep quickly in it (he didn't, and was awake for the next 3 hours, of course :)). As soon as I got admitted they examined me and said I was 4cm dilated so at that point I figured it was the real thing. At the hospital DS was totally awake, fussing in the stroller and in the frenzy of everything we realized we forgot to pack DS some socks or shoes (doh!!), so we couldn't even let him walk around the room. So for the first few hours my DH was out walking DS around the hospital in the Vista trying to get him to sleep (which of course, was the last thing he wanted to do). While I, in between contractions i was on my phone/iPod trying to see if anyone nearby was awake to come watch DS. Our closest family (DH's parents) live 5 hours away, and they left as soon as we told them we were going to the hospital, but they ended up hitting major traffic on the way and it took them a lot longer to get here. Since i had no idea how long the labor would be, and I figure things are usually much faster 2nd time around, i was totally panicking about DH having to miss the birth and having to give birth alone (i don't think DS would have been allowed in the room once I was supposed to start pushing).

Anyway, around 6am my DS finally fell asleep in the Vista, and we put him in a corner of the room so DH was able to be next to me. I was examined again and was 6cm dilated. i got my epidural which helped things but in an hour or so the pain seemed to come back and I was feeling a lot of pressure. Around 7am we finally were able to reach our sitter and she came by the hospital to be with DS. Around 9am my ILs finally arrived. Shortly around that time i started feeling tons of pressure down there and I kept telling my DH to get a doctor to come check on me, maybe its time for me to push. DH (who is a never-question-authority type) kept telling me to just be patient and wait. Well at some point i felt such strong pressure & pain that i reached down there and i felt something huge coming out of me ...it was her head!! :eek: I screamed for DH, he saw it and and was like OMG, her head is already out and is moving around. DH ran out of the room so fast, and in like two seconds there were like a dozen nurses & doctors in the room, yelling here and there, it felt like a Grey's Anatomy episode, lol. A nurse came and gently pulled my DD out in like 2 seconds, and there she was out, crying and screaming, no pushing whatsover..she literally crawled out on her own...I guess she really wanted to make an early debut! :) Anyway, to my surprise my DD was able to latch on and nurse immediately, and at first evaluation wasn't required to go NICU. After a few days in the regular nursery though she started having a few episodes where she would stop breathing momentarily (but would resume once stimulated). It started happening a lot after feedings, and they think it might be reflux related but aren't sure...we just hope she grows out of it and can come home with us soon.

Anyway, am so thankful for everyone on the BBB for all the support and advice in this pregnancy and everything. I'm sure I'll be asking for advice soon on other things, like raising 2 under 2 (eek)... :) :dizzy:

[kedss]

congratulations! Welcome Isabel!

[tmahanes]

Yay!!! Congrats!

Sent from my Ally using Tapatalk

[g-mama]

Congratulations to you and your family! Welcome, Isabel!

[chottumommy]

Congratulations and she looks absolutely perfect! Hope you catch some sleep and the baby is home soon.

[Green22]

Amazing! Congrats!

[twowhat?]

Wow, awesome birth story. Congratulation!!

[SnuggleBuggles]

She is precious!! Congratulations!!

She really was insistent on coming out on her terms!

Beth

[billysmommy]

She is absolutely gorgeous!!!! Congratulations :)

[trales]

Congrats, so cute.

[ladysoapmaker]

Congrats!

Jen

[DietCokeLover]

What an amazing story! Congratulations on the birth of your precious baby girl.

[Uno-Mom]

Now there's an amazing birth story!

Congratulations!!!

[WatchingThemGrow]

Ummm...shouldn't this be cross-posted in the stroller forum since the Vista played a part, lol? Congrats on the newest pacbaby!

[infomama]

Congratulations!!! She's beautiful!

[golightly1118]

Congrats-that's such happy news :)

[MMMommy]

Big congrats!

[KpbS]

Congratulations! Welcome little Isabel :)

[Nechums]

wow. congrats! i think you've just inspired me to get my just-in-case bag ready.

[MamaMolly]

Oh, Mama! Oh be still my heart! That is one perfect, beautiful babe! You did an amazing job.

(and a big DOH for your DH. Everybody knows that the lady in labor is the Person In Charge. ;).)

[crl]

Congratulations and hope you can bring her home soon!

Catherine

[bigpassport]

Aww...she's beautiful. Hope she's home soon, and that you can get some rest before then!

[TwinFoxes]

Welcome Isabel! Sorry about the NICU stay OP, I know it's hard, but it sounds like it will be a short one at least.

[kozachka]

Congratulations! What a birth story!

[Tammy]

Wow! Congratulations!!:bighand:

[blue]

:yay: Congratulations! Welcome to the world Pac-Baby Girl :cheerleader1:.... I hope you are able to bring your DD home soon!

[rin]

Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :cheerleader1: Welcome to the world, beautiful girl!

[peanut520]

congrats!!! i hope she gets to go home soon

[jgenie]

Congratulations - she's beautiful!!! :bighand:

[elephantmeg]

she is such a cutie! Welcome baby girl!

[lkarp]

She's beautiful! Congratulations!

[sste]

Welcome Baby Pacman II!!

[smiles33]

Congratulations!

[citymama]

You are amazing, mama - what a birth story! I love that she swam out on her own - clearly she is a girl who knows her mind! She picked int'l women's day too! She's a beauty, and how cool for your DS to one day be able to say he was with you thru your labor. Congratulations! I hope her apnea resolves itself completely and she's back home with you soon.

[Tondi G]

OH Congrats and welcome to the world Isabel! Hope she is out of the NICU and at home with her family asap!!!! She's beautiful!

[NancyJ_redo]

What a great birth story, thanks for sharing! And welcome to the world little eager baby Pacman :bighand:

[goldenpig]

Congrats & welcome little Miss Pacman! :yay:

[LexyLou]

Wow! What a story! Congratulations!

[Beth24]

What a beautiful baby! I hope she gets to come home soon...funny coincidence, my DD was due April 8 and was born March 6th...she was just ready at 35 and a half weeks. We always say that she came into the world on her own terms and continues to live that way.

[hopeful_mama]

Congratulations, she's so precious! Good wishes that she's released from the NICU soon!

[fumofu]

Isabel is so cute!!! Congratulations to you and your growing family!

[MontrealMum]

Congratulations, Mama, she's gorgeous!!! :bighand:

[Sweetum]

congratulations! Welcome, Isabel!!

[salsah]

Congratulations and welcome to baby Isabel!

[elektra]

Congratulations!

[Kitten007]

Wow!! Congrats mama! Here's hoping she comes home very very soon!

[JoyNChrist]

Oh my goodness, she looks like a baby doll! How gorgeous!

Congratulations to all of you! Hope your NICU stay is over super fast!

[FTMLuc]

Congratulations! She is beautiful!

[plusbellelavie]

She is gorgeous! Congratulations to you and your family!

Hope she is out of the NICU very fast!

[elizabethkott]

Congratulations!
Welcome to the world, sweet, beautiful baby!!!

[sunshine873]

Oh my goodness, she is absolutely beautiful! Here's hoping for a short stay in the NICU. You have a a DD who entered the world with lots of drama (mine did too) just think of what's to come! :)

[WolfpackMom]

What a cutie pie, I love her name! And what an exciting birth story, oh my goodness! Glad everyone is happy and relatively healthy, hope she is out of the NICU soon. Congratulations!!

[malphy]

She is beautiful! God bless!

[jamesmom]

Aww, she's precious. Congrats!!

[MomToOne]

Congrats! Great story :)

[brittone2]

Congratulations!! :cheerleader1:

[wencit]

Congratulations! What a beautiful baby!

[wimama]

Congrats! She is beautiful! Welcome baby Isabel!:bighand:

[alirebco]

Congrats!! Hope she's able to come home very soon.

And we have the same due date so this is freaking me out that my baby will be here any day now!

[BabyMine]

What a great story and welcome baby Isabel. :yay:

[ThreeofUs]

Welcome to the world, baby Isabel! She's so beautiful - and obviously determined.

Congratulations to you and your family. May she come home soon.

[wellyes]

Beautiful!

[SkyrMommy]

Oh my goodness, what a story!!! And welcome to the world beautiful little one! :love5:

[american_mama]

Congratulations! That is a fun birth story - no medical drama, but there could have been, and lots of personal drama. You all handled it wonderfully! Sounds like you have a daughter with a strong constitution and equally strong will!

[momm]

CONGRATULATIONSSSSSSSSSSSs!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Isabel is darling!! Yayyyyy

[bostonsmama]

What a beautiful little peanut you have! Congrats and prayers for her safe homecoming. :)

[jess_g]

congratulations!! She is so adorable.

Jessica.

[wendibird22]

Now that's a story! Congratulations! I hope she is able to go home with you very soon.

[Rarick0]

Congratulations! She's beautiful!

[Multimama]

Congratulations! I love how prominently the Vista features in this birth story. :)

[cucaw30]

Congrats! She is absolutely precious! I had a similar story happen to me with DS2 but he was born at 25 weeks. I was in labor and the nurse was just waiting until 11 pm to give me a dose of magnesium to help his brain develop as quickly as possible. She came in at 11, I felt sick, vomitted, my water broke and DS2's head started coming out. When you have a micro-preemie, you have to deliver in the OR. A bunch of nurses, residents, DRs rushed into the room, threw DH his OR suit and they literally ran as they wheeled me to the OR. I pushed twice and DS2 was born at 11:34pm.

If your DD is anything like DS2, she will have a strong personality.

Hopefully, she will be able to come home soon. The NICU is the best place for her right now.

[alien_host]

Congratulations, she is beautiful!

[ijopint]

Congrats!
Goodluck to your breastfeeding days ahead...!
Welcome Baby !!

[KLD313]

Congratulations! She is beautiful! I loved your story, drama with a happy ending, gotta love that! I hope she can come home soon.

[Kira's Mommy]

Congrats! She is so pretty!

[AnnieW625]

Welcome little Isabel! Congratulations Pac Family!

[lizzywednesday]

Congrats!

I hope your precious DD is home with you and your family soon; it sucks going home from the hospital without your baby.

Lots of hugs from us in NJ to you out in TX!

[arivecchi]

Congratulations! Welcome baby Isabel! We are very happy to have another pacbaby in our midst! :)

[mommylamb]

She is precious!!! Congrats.

[boltfam]

That's quite a birth story! Congratulations, and welcome PacBaby #2!

[babyonway]

Congratulations what a beauty.

[♥ms.pacman♥]

wow thank you everyone for the sweet comments! :love2:

indeed, it was really hard at first when they told us yesterday that DD would have to go to NICU and we couldn't take her home with us. and it tore at my heart to see my tiny DD being hooked up to so many wires. :( but i agree, the NICU is best place for her right now..knowing that since she is still very immature she is prone to episodes of stopping breathing, etc, i would be constantly afraid something would happen if she were just at home with us.

anyway, right now i'm pumping every 3 hours and trying to get my supply up and build up enough of a stash so that she doesn't need formula supplement anymore (even though she nursed from the get-go, since she's so small she's been having some formula at every feeding). luckily she is a really good nurser for the most part. she doesn't seem to like bottles at all..it's a struggle to get her to take one. the NICU nurse had to tubefeed her last night for a few feedings because she didnt want to take a bottle (and I wasn't there to nurse her). I went into the NICU this morning at 3am to visit her and she totally went at the boob like there was no tomorrow! I guess the good thing is that there is no nipple confusion and I will hopefully be able to be EBF eventually. i know it will be really challenging given that she will probably be in the NICU for another week, and so I won't be able to nurse her for most her feedings, but hopefully at least I will be able to get enough breastmilk so she doesn't have to have any formula and she will have less reflux & digestive issues (the poor thing has been given different sensitive formulas but she's still having some issues with spitup and gas etc)

[carolinamama]

Congratulations! What a beautiful baby girl!

[lizzywednesday]

wow thank you everyone for the sweet comments! :love2:

indeed, it was really hard at first when they told us yesterday that DD would have to go to NICU and we couldn't take her home with us. and it tore at my heart to see my tiny DD being hooked up to so many wires. :( but i agree, the NICU is best place for her right now..knowing that since she is still very immature she is prone to episodes of stopping breathing, etc, i would be constantly afraid something would happen if she were just at home with us.

anyway, right now i'm pumping every 3 hours and trying to get my supply up and build up enough of a stash so that she doesn't need formula supplement anymore (even though she nursed from the get-go, since she's so small she's been having some formula at every feeding). luckily she is a really good nurser for the most part. she doesn't seem to like bottles at all..it's a struggle to get her to take one. the NICU nurse had to tubefeed her last night for a few feedings because she didnt want to take a bottle (and I wasn't there to nurse her). I went into the NICU this morning at 3am to visit her and she totally went at the boob like there was no tomorrow! I guess the good thing is that there is no nipple confusion and I will hopefully be able to be EBF eventually.

You will be able to EBF. I managed! (It was a struggle for me for a number of reasons.)

My DD was bottle-fed (I EP-ed 'til she was discharged) because she was hooked to an umbilical line (plus O2 tubes, IV blood thinners, monitors, etc. - I looked at the photos the other day; it's crazy how she's grown!) until we brought her home.

In our case, the narrow-nipple bottles (Dr. Brown's; sterile single-use nipples that screw onto collection containers & formula 5oz bottles, etc.) caused her to clamp down on my breast when she nursed. However, it seems like your DD is a step ahead of mine with latching and feeding fine whenever you're there.

Keep up the good work! Pumping sucks, but it's worth it in the end.

[sste]

Ms. Pacman, that is an EXCELLENT sign that she took to the breast right off - - it is a very good prognosticator.

Are you pumping with a hospital grade pump? Or a medela? IME, if you use a very good pump, very frequently, you can get your supply up OVER what it would have been with baby alone. So, don't let that be a worry. If you are having troubles just add a five minute pumping session in between your 3-4 hours sessions to "stimulate" - - probably much won't come out. Also, do not panic if your milk is delayed coming in. It WILL come so long as you keep pumping/nursing.

And enjoy the Pac-ette!!

[Bens Momma]

CONGRATS :cheerleader1::cheerleader1: She is beautiful! Sending lots of P&PTs that she'll be ready to go home with you soon! And keep up the good work with the pumping, I know it makes for a demanding schedule but it'll be worth it in the end!

[crl]

That is so great that she breastfeeds so well! Continued prayers for your whole family.

Catherine

[BabyBearsMom]

Congratulations! :cheerleader1: She is so beautiful.

[AnnieW625]

YAY! When we started DD2 on bottles at a few weeks old (DH wanted to feed her once a night) we tried Dr. Browns and while DD2 would still latch fine she clamped down hard and it was weird until she realized she was back on my breast. No issues with the Medela nipples which go straight on to the storage bottles.

[KrisM]

Congratulations!!

[veronica]

Congratulations.

[fedoragirl]

Congratulations!

[sunshine873]

FYI - it is VERY rare that preemies have nipple confusion. I don't know why, but I heard it over & over again from the Drs & nurses in the NICU. & my DD went back & forth between boob & bottle because half of her feedings had to have additives in them.

Anyway, keep your supply up and there shouldn't be any problem being able to breastfeed her when you can. You're doing all the right stuff! :bighand:

[MamaMolly]

Hey, I don't know if anyone has mentioned it, but have you considered the Angel Care monitor? Lula was a 36 weeker, and had I known these were available then I'd have felt better having one. Just a thought as people start asking you how they can help, you could suggest a practical gift. :)

[c&j04]

Congratulations! She is beautiful.

[daisymommy]

OH MY GOSH!!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!
I can't believe she's here! :cheerleader1:

[MZS V]

Congrats! She is adorable, and what a birth story!

I don't post often, but just wanted to chime in with positive vibes for EBF. My DD was in the the NICU (for the first week) and got pacis, formula, and bottles. I pumped like crazy, and went to nurse her as much as I could during that time.

Once home, I was able to wean her off of the formula slowly, and train her to suck by putting my index finger upturned on the roof of her mouth. I had to use a nipple shield for awhile, too. But we weaned off that too, and she ended up nursing like a champ for two years!

Also, we used the AngelCare monitor a PP mentioned, and that along with a Respisense monitor totally saved my sanity.

HTH, and best wishes to the Pac-family!

[dec756]

OMG..cutest baby girl ever and funny story to boot. congrats on #2 momma bear!

[maylips]

That photo makes me want another baby - she is PRECIOUS. Absolutely beautiful.

Congrats!

[jenfromnj]

What an adorable little bundle! Lots of P&PT for a quick NICU stay and lots of continued BFing success!

[bubbaray]

Congratulations!

[mctlaw]

Congratulationd and I hope she comes home soon!

[lmh2402]

congratulations! she is simply beautiful :heartbeat:

[liamsmom]

Congratulations! She's beautiful. I'm glad everything worked out ok and hope your DD gets to come home soon. :heartbeat:

[StantonHyde]

What a sweet pea!! I love that she sort of delivered herself!!!! Good luck with the feeding. I think you will be fine--sounds like she loves the boob!

[Melbel]

Congratulations on your sweet baby girl. She is just beautiful and what a birth story! That will teach your DH to believe you! Sending prayers and positive thoughts for a smooth speedy transition from NICU home, resolution of reflux symptoms and successful EBF!

[HonoluluMom]

What a cutie!

[HannaAddict]

She is beautiful. Congratulations. I hope your hubby is duly chastened!

ETA: That is great she was able to nurse. My "term baby" as they called him, went into the NICU a couple of days after delivery while we were still admitted. He was there about three weeks for low blood sugar of unknown origin (just skinny when born and nursing was hard at first and he didn't have reserves to rely on). I was a Holstein with the hospital grade pump. They discharged us but we were able to stay at the hospital for no charge for a few more days in rooms for NICU patients. We had rented what was supposed to be a Medela hospital grade pump, but it was some other brand when delivered. It made a ton of noise but I could get nothing from it, I was almost hysterical that something was going wrong with me since I had no supply issues and had a stash when we checked out. It was the pump. I walked across the hospital to the NICU BFing station and pumped fine there and made the trek every three hours. My little one was using the little hospital storage bottles with the one time use nipples they attach and we were both learning to BF. A nipple cover worked wonders for both of us and he weaned off of that at about five weeks and EBF until two and a half years. When we checked out and went home without baby, we borrowed a friend's Medela Pump in Style since they weren't readily available OTC and it was the weekend (the hospital now sells them or I can get one delivered overnight with groceries from Amazon now!). It worked well if not as fast as hospital grade. I would definitely think about renting a Medela Lactina or whatever they call the hospital grade pump for a week or two. I didn't use formula by itself, but they did add some concentrated formula to BM for added calories.

Good luck and it sounds like things will be smooth sailing soon!

[Corie]

Congratulations!!!

[♥ms.pacman♥]

thanks again everyone for your kind words & advice!

Anyway, so far my DD Is still doing okay...still having occasional episodes of apnea & bradychardia (maybe one every few hours). she had an IV put in for antibiotics in case of infection, plus also a nasal cannula for some oxygen. poor thing is hooked up to so many tubes & wires. The doctors said that before she can go home she will have to go for 5 days without having any A & B episodes, so it looks like we will be here for a week or so, at least. So far we have been able to visit her every 6 hours, for every other feeding. It's been tough (i've been getting no sleep!) but DH & I consider ourselves lucky that we live so close to the hospital (10-15 minutes) so we can visit her so often. I've been pumping every 3 hours since DD was born trying to build up a supply & stash so she can be weaned off formula. She is still able to nurse VERY well when she has the energy..though sometimes she is just too tired. Progress is that my milk is finally starting to come in and for past couple feedings my DD has had breastmilk only (she nurses some if she can, then the rest via feeding tube...right now bottles seem to be too much for her). I think it's making a huge difference, she looks a lot better in terms of appearance and seems to be having less issues with spitting up/gas and fussiness.

some of you mentioned breastpumps...actually just this afternoon I rented a hospital-grade pump (Medela Symphony) for the next couple weeks. It's the same type of pump they have in the NICU for moms to use and the same type I was using when i was in the hospital. I do have a Medela Pump In Style Advanced that I used for my DS and I started using that at home after I was discharged. However I noticed that it didn't seem to be as efficient as the hospital-grade kind..I didn't seem to be able to get as much milk.

anyway, thanks again for all the support & advice, it means so much!!

[cairo06]

Congratulations!

[WatchingThemGrow]

Praying things go smoothly for her for the next few days and that you get some needed sleep. I got more milk with my own PISA than the hospital grade pump as well (same ones) so I used it more after the first 2-3 mos.

ETA: All three times I rented a Symphony for use at home. It was supposed to have stronger suction, but the LC said (and I read somewhere) that when you're more "familiar" with a pump and its sounds, your body produces more for it.

[cuca_]

Congratulations!! She is beautiful!!

[jenfromnj]

thanks again everyone for your kind words & advice!

Anyway, so far my DD Is still doing okay...still having occasional episodes of apnea & bradychardia (maybe one every few hours). she had an IV put in for antibiotics in case of infection, plus also a nasal cannula for some oxygen. poor thing is hooked up to so many tubes & wires. The doctors said that before she can go home she will have to go for 5 days without having any A & B episodes, so it looks like we will be here for a week or so, at least. So far we have been able to visit her every 6 hours, for every other feeding. It's been tough (i've been getting no sleep!) but DH & I consider ourselves lucky that we live so close to the hospital (10-15 minutes) so we can visit her so often. I've been pumping every 3 hours since DD was born trying to build up a supply & stash so she can be weaned off formula. She is still able to nurse VERY well when she has the energy..though sometimes she is just too tired. Progress is that my milk is finally starting to come in and for past couple feedings my DD has had breastmilk only (she nurses some if she can, then the rest via feeding tube...right now bottles seem to be too much for her). I think it's making a huge difference, she looks a lot better in terms of appearance and seems to be having less issues with spitting up/gas and fussiness.

some of you mentioned breastpumps...actually just this afternoon I rented a hospital-grade pump (Medela Symphony) for the next couple weeks. It's the same type of pump they have in the NICU for moms to use and the same type I was using when i was in the hospital. I do have a Medela Pump In Style Advanced that I used for my DS and I started using that at home after I was discharged. However I noticed that it didn't seem to be as efficient as the hospital-grade kind..I didn't seem to be able to get as much milk.

anyway, thanks again for all the support & advice, it means so much!!

Glad that she seems to be doing better!

I definitely found that the hospital grade pump was far superior to the one I'd bought for home use (an Ameda)--we ended up renting a hospital grade one, as well, when DS was first born and having nursing issues, and I think it really helped me establish a good supply.

[MoJo]

Welcome, precious little girl! Stay strong and healthy! Praying for you!

[sidmand]

Congratulations! Hope all continues to go well.

[ThreeofUs]

Oh, gosh! So glad everything is going all right.

Ask the NICU folks if you can be there more. Most NICUs let parents "live" there as much as possible.

[tribe pride]

Congrats to you and your family!

[swrc00]

Congrats! She is adorable!

[amandabea]

Congratulations! Sending positive thoughts

[Uno-Mom]

Ms.P - you're a rockstar to be into the pumping swing already. I'm SO impressed. I was committed to BFing but honestly, if I was dealing with everything you have going on, I'd be tempted to give up. Which would be silly of me, since a premie gets so much out of BM!

Anyway, nicely done. My friend who had premie twins used the Symphony long-term and it was her salvation.

[Kitten007]

Sounds like she is getting stronger and I am still sending P&PT that she will be home within the next 2 weeks (or less of course)! Good job with keeping up with the pumping! Thank you for updating on her progress.

[Beth24]

Get as much rest as you can and keep up the good work. You're doing great and your sweet girl will be home before you know it.

[larig]

congrats, and hang in there! enjoy your new baby!

[peanut520]

fingers crossed that it she wil be home shortly.

[cucaw30]

thanks again everyone for your kind words & advice!

Anyway, so far my DD Is still doing okay...still having occasional episodes of apnea & bradychardia (maybe one every few hours). she had an IV put in for antibiotics in case of infection, plus also a nasal cannula for some oxygen. poor thing is hooked up to so many tubes & wires. The doctors said that before she can go home she will have to go for 5 days without having any A & B episodes, so it looks like we will be here for a week or so, at least. So far we have been able to visit her every 6 hours, for every other feeding. It's been tough (i've been getting no sleep!) but DH & I consider ourselves lucky that we live so close to the hospital (10-15 minutes) so we can visit her so often. I've been pumping every 3 hours since DD was born trying to build up a supply & stash so she can be weaned off formula. She is still able to nurse VERY well when she has the energy..though sometimes she is just too tired. Progress is that my milk is finally starting to come in and for past couple feedings my DD has had breastmilk only (she nurses some if she can, then the rest via feeding tube...right now bottles seem to be too much for her). I think it's making a huge difference, she looks a lot better in terms of appearance and seems to be having less issues with spitting up/gas and fussiness.

some of you mentioned breastpumps...actually just this afternoon I rented a hospital-grade pump (Medela Symphony) for the next couple weeks. It's the same type of pump they have in the NICU for moms to use and the same type I was using when i was in the hospital. I do have a Medela Pump In Style Advanced that I used for my DS and I started using that at home after I was discharged. However I noticed that it didn't seem to be as efficient as the hospital-grade kind..I didn't seem to be able to get as much milk.

anyway, thanks again for all the support & advice, it means so much!!


Sounds like she is doing amazing! And, you are pumping like a champ! I am a HUGE fan of the symphony! I pumped 7-8x/day for the 14 weeks that DS2 was in the NICU. BF makes a huge difference, especially for preemies. I considered pumping my job during that time. Is the NICU giving you the bags? You should only put a couple of ounces in each bag so they don't have to waste any of your BM.

As a former NICU mom, I'm just curious, what formula are they giving her?

This time is really tough but it will be over before you know it.

[♥ms.pacman♥]

thanks everyone! so far my DD seems to be doing much better, she is getting stronger and has been able to nurse for longer and longer periods of time. for the past few days she has been getting breastmilk exclusively, and i think that is helping.



Sounds like she is doing amazing! And, you are pumping like a champ! I am a HUGE fan of the symphony! I pumped 7-8x/day for the 14 weeks that DS2 was in the NICU. BF makes a huge difference, especially for preemies. I considered pumping my job during that time. Is the NICU giving you the bags? You should only put a couple of ounces in each bag so they don't have to waste any of your BM.

As a former NICU mom, I'm just curious, what formula are they giving her?

This time is really tough but it will be over before you know it.

thanks! and before she was in the NICU they were supplementing with regular Similac, but that gave her terrible gas, spit up etc. then they gave Similac Sensitive, but that didn't seem much better..then when she was transferred to the NICU she was given an AR (added rice) formula to help it stay down...but soon after that my milk started coming in and she was able to be exclusively on breastmilk (they do add a powdered fortifier to it though to add extra calories). i agree, being on just breastmilk makes a HUGE difference, at least for my DD. in the initial days, before she was in the NICU i felt so bad when i saw her spewing so much when she was on formula. she had soo much gas too and was constantly burping/passing gas which made her pretty fussy and tired her out as well which didn't help things.

and yeah, i'm so glad i rented a Symphony. the PISA i have was great for when i had DS (i rarely pumped then) but since DD was born a week ago i have been pumping 8x a day, so having a hospital-grade pump was super-helpful. i have a decent little stash now and am starting to freeze some so it doesn't go bad before it can be used. the NICU gave us a ton of these little 2oz containers called Snappies, that are like those Medela freezer containers, except they are super convenient bc they have the flip caps and they are one-time use only. for every other feeding, she is either given a bottle of BM (1x a day) or i go in to nurse her (3x a day)..plus right after that she gets some fortified BM through the feeding tube. at the other 4 feeding times (in between the nursing or bottle feeds) she is just tube-fed the full amount so she can rest and not expend so much energy trying to eat. today the neonatal NP said that she is getting stronger so soon she can start to bottle feed at the feeding times that i don't nurse her. so hopefully in a few days she will be strong enough to not need a feeding tube

[PAfirsttimemom]

Congrats and best wishes! I love the name Isabel.

[brgnmom]

Congratulations!!

[MamaKath]

Congratulations!!! She is a doll!!!

[Fairy]

Completely late to thsi thread, but Mazel Tov to you!!!!! What a panic, but it sounds like you really kept it together. With DS! :bowdown: