If at First You Don't Succeed...Try, Try Again

Unfortunately, they had to stop giving Madeline breast milk today because it looked as though she might be developing an infection. As a precaution, they started a round of antibiotics. Dr. K explained that it can take a few tries before preemies can handle the digestion of milk. It can be stressful on their system and it is just one more thing they are required to do that they aren't supposed to be doing yet. They will try again in the next few days. Both girls are hanging in there on the CPAP. Cadence is no longer under the bilirubin light, at least for now. They will check her bilirubin level in the morning to determine if she needs it or not. We are hoping she will be moved into an isolette soon. The most exciting news is that they removed Cadie's UAC today in anticipation of beginning breast milk tomorrow. We are crossing our fingers that she will be able to handle it. In other news, I never thought I would write something like this with such enthusiasm, but…we have poop! Both girls have now had a bowel movement. This is excellent news because it is not uncommon for preemies to have difficulty in this department, which can lead to serious problems where parts of the bowel can actually die. This means, so far, everything is working. Dr. K remains encouraged by their progress. The neurologist, Dr. Benner, visits every day to measure their heads and monitor any unusual growth. So far, there are no signs that either Cadence or Madeline is suffering from any swelling. Cadie was particularly active today. We were able to see her little eyes and she even sucked on a tiny pacifier for a while. I ache for the day we get to hold them. We found out the EOPC honors a program called "Kangaroo Care," which encourages NICU parents to spend quality time with their infants, holding them skin to skin on their bare chests. Studies have shown a tremendous response in both the babies and parents. We're not sure when we will be able to experience this with the girls, but it is certainly something to look forward to.