Since Tuesday, we've been going to the doctor every day for weight and color checks and bilirubin blood draws. Today's visit was an awful waste of time - check out my rant on that over at my 0 to Mom blog.
Here's a look at her progress:
Tuesday ~ Bilirubin - 19.2, Weight - 6 pounds, 8 ouncesSince Tuesday, we've been spending 24/7 in our living room, since that's where we have her crib set up with the two phototherapy machines. Her daddy's been camped out on one of the recliners, and I've staked claim to one of the couches. With feedings every 2 hours (3 at the most, if she's difficult to wake up), it's not worth even trying to sleep in the bedroom.
Wednesday ~ Bilirubin - 17.6, Weight - 6 pounds, 13 ounces
Thursday ~ Bilirubin - 16.2, Weight - 6 pounds, 15 ounces
Friday ~ Bilirubin - 15.3, Weight - 6 pounds, 14 ounces (yes, a loss)
Saturday ~ Bilirubin - 12.9, Weight - 7 pounds, 1 ounce
Target ~ Bilirubin - 11, Weight - 7 pounds, 7 ounces
Since Thursday, we've also been treating Bunny for thrush. Because, really, two medical issues weren't enough. Fortunately, she's been very good about getting her medicine - we have to swab 1 CC on the inside of her cheeks and squirt another 1 CC onto her tongue and down her throat.
Since Tuesday, we've had a complete lack of cuddle time with baby. Since she has to be under her lights anytime she's not feeding...her Daddy is totally missing out...I at least get to hold her for feedings. Daddy taking most of the diaper changes just isn't the same as him getting to actually bond with her.
Since Tuesday, I've realized how truly blessed I am to have a strong marriage and a strong husband...with so much going on beyond normal new baby stuff, I could never manage without him.
Since Tuesday, I've also realized how lucky I am that I've long since gotten used to sleeping in shorter spurts and for far less than 8 hours per day. If I was the type who needed 8 straight hours of sleep, I'd probably be ready to jump by now. But since I've had sleep issues for years, I think I'm coping better than I would have otherwise. What an odd thing to be thankful for!
We're very hopeful for this coming week. We're hoping that by Monday, we'll be down to our doctor's target bilirubin level and back up to baby's birth weight. Those accomplishments will get us released from the phototherapy, the strict feeding schedule, and the daily doctor visits. Maybe we can then start working our way to our own routines with baby!
I've been a terrible blog friend over the past week - I promise that I'll be around to visit everyone soon and see what ya'll are up to. Thanks for your understanding through this difficult week.
Love,
~FM~
4 comments:
You and your family and are in my thoughts and prayers!! Keep us posted when you can, I will be thinking of you.
I know it is stressful, trust me.....I remember it all from Zachary like it was yesterday when I hear this. she will get better, jaundice and thrush are very common, all of mine had both.
Hugs love.
I'm sorry things haven't been easier in these first days :( I hope everything starts to get settled soon -- that her bilirubin levels continue to go down and her weight continues to go up.
Lots of positive thoughts and prayers for you guys that things settle down and you get some really good snuggle time in soon!
Post a Comment