So today Ellie had only 1 apnea/bradicardia and 1 desat since 11 am when they put the 1 Liter High Flow Nasal Cannula back on (again it's just room air, which is good). But she's obviously proved that she needed it to help her today. Again, they're going to keep an eye on her feedings and her breathing and for signs of infection.
Today the Occupational Therapist (physical therapy) came in and gave Dad the low-down on her plan of action. Mom of course hopes to catch the OT next time she comes to see Ellie. I'll try to do my best to fill in what Ben told me. She taught us how to contain hold Ellie when she gets upset or stressed (which is basically bringing her arms in midline and cradling her - since that's what she would have been like in the womb). She showed some stretches that she'll do with her ankles and will come in to do that. If needed, she'll show us how to do them at home. She also said that babies leg strength develops first (She said Ellie's is pretty good right now) and then the arm strength second (Ellie's isn't as strong yet). She also reviewed with Ben signs of stress -there is one "move" shall we call it - called Stop Sign -where she will stick her arms out in front and they will be stiff movements; others are the lovely arch back and putting her head back; sneezing, coughing and yawning. Ben aske
d how to differ normal "yawns, etc." from signs of stress and Dawn said that you just have to pay attention to what's going on the in room (if it's loud) that could be overstimulating her or other cues - like moving toward the stop sign are also present. She also said to check her Tone (which refers to how active she is or not) - and they will give her something to push her feet against. This kind of simulates what goes on in the womb. They like the boundaries and then kicking against the womb makes their bones develop and grow stronger. (I love this picture because she tends to like to put her foot out of the snuggly)
Ben got to actually hold her tonight which was great because he haven't held her in a couple days. She did well during her feeding in his arms and we didn't have to put her back mid-feeding! Yeah!
Oh, the eye exam results came back "immature" which is what we anticipated. They will do the next test in two weeks. I asked about Ellie crossing her eyes (which she does some times) and they said it was pretty typical - because those muscles are still developing.
She did have some residual at her 8 pm feeding tonight, but again, not enough to hold or subtract her feedings.
Biggest news of the day - Ellie's a growing girl! She weighed in at 4 lbs. 2 oz. tonight - that means she gained 50 grams today! Wahoo! And she'll turn 33 weeks gestation tomorrow!
Dad's getting homework done as we speak! Good job Ben! :) Please continue to pray for our focus with homework - it's been a rough couple days for all of us - Ben's done a good job of taking care of me in this frustrating time with my skin irritations. Please pray for the medicine to work effectively and also that the extended dosage they prescribed me wouldn't affect the breastmilk. Please also pray for rest for us, especially Mommy, as it is much needed!
Good night and God Bless!
Team Gramkow
So today Ellie had only 1 apnea/bradicardia and 1 desat since 11 am when they put the 1 Liter High Flow Nasal Cannula back on (again it's just room air, which is good). But she's obviously proved that she needed it to help her today. Again, they're going to keep an eye on her feedings and her breathing and for signs of infection.
Today the Occupational Therapist (physical therapy) came in and gave Dad the low-down on her plan of action. Mom of course hopes to catch the OT next time she comes to see Ellie. I'll try to do my best to fill in what Ben told me. She taught us how to contain hold Ellie when she gets upset or stressed (which is basically bringing her arms in midline and cradling her - since that's what she would have been like in the womb). She showed some stretches that she'll do with her ankles and will come in to do that. If needed, she'll show us how to do them at home. She also said that babies leg strength develops first (She said Ellie's is pretty good right now) and then the arm strength second (Ellie's isn't as strong yet). She also reviewed with Ben signs of stress -there is one "move" shall we call it - called Stop Sign -where she will stick her arms out in front and they will be stiff movements; others are the lovely arch back and putting her head back; sneezing, coughing and yawning. Ben aske
d how to differ normal "yawns, etc." from signs of stress and Dawn said that you just have to pay attention to what's going on the in room (if it's loud) that could be overstimulating her or other cues - like moving toward the stop sign are also present. She also said to check her Tone (which refers to how active she is or not) - and they will give her something to push her feet against. This kind of simulates what goes on in the womb. They like the boundaries and then kicking against the womb makes their bones develop and grow stronger. (I love this picture because she tends to like to put her foot out of the snuggly)
Ben got to actually hold her tonight which was great because he haven't held her in a couple days. She did well during her feeding in his arms and we didn't have to put her back mid-feeding! Yeah!
Oh, the eye exam results came back "immature" which is what we anticipated. They will do the next test in two weeks. I asked about Ellie crossing her eyes (which she does some times) and they said it was pretty typical - because those muscles are still developing.
She did have some residual at her 8 pm feeding tonight, but again, not enough to hold or subtract her feedings.
Biggest news of the day - Ellie's a growing girl! She weighed in at 4 lbs. 2 oz. tonight - that means she gained 50 grams today! Wahoo! And she'll turn 33 weeks gestation tomorrow!
Dad's getting homework done as we speak! Good job Ben! :) Please continue to pray for our focus with homework - it's been a rough couple days for all of us - Ben's done a good job of taking care of me in this frustrating time with my skin irritations. Please pray for the medicine to work effectively and also that the extended dosage they prescribed me wouldn't affect the breastmilk. Please also pray for rest for us, especially Mommy, as it is much needed!
Good night and God Bless!
Team Gramkow
Good morning team gramkow...how awesome that miss ellie has made it to the 4# marker and a tad over...that is just too incredible!!! she is such a strong little one...i love the daily updates and pictures...we'll just keep praying for all of you and we know that God has a special plan and purpose for each day and each event...bless each of you this very day...lovingly, connie
ReplyDeletewhen I think that she's not even supposed to be here yet and lungs are one of the last to develop, it's okay that she has the cannula...she's not quite ready yet...and thanksgiving is still a while away...God has done and continues to do many miracles. In her they are all hooked together and He knows the order. Be strong, it's still just the beginning...love you guys three...mom
ReplyDeleteWow, interesting meeting with the OT. So great they can help you understand her movements and help her feel acclimated in this cruel world!
ReplyDelete