3lbs 1oz - You are What You Eat

It's such a wonderful milestone for me mentally to know that Cora is now 3lbs! With the constant balance of medications affecting weight gain, it's been especially critical for Cora to intake as many calories as possible. Even though breast fed babies gain weight slower than those on formula, Cora's weight gain was somewhat slow. My milk was analyzed for caloric content and it was low (16 calories versus target of 20), so then I have increased my calorie intake (hello dairy and stomach discomfort... I may start to break down and just eat meat, at this point?). Additionally the lactation consultant analyzed just my hind milk and it was almost double the expectation (36 calories rather than 20)... The dairy made quick impact. So, I am now bringing in the higher concentration of calories in hind milk and she gained a whopping 1.5 ounces today! I will do as much as I can to keep Cora on breast milk and no formula.

Additionally, we started breast feeding training - "lick and learn." Cora actually caught on quick (even with her nasal cannula still in). She even nursed a little on her first try! The point is to make the process all positive, so it's okay to let her fall asleep at the breast; she is still getting her feeds through the feeding tube. But, she is learning to coordinate breathing, sucking and swallowing - which is challenging, especially when she is only 32 weeks gestationally and has the nasal cannula.

Even though Cora's actual weight is not to the threshold of getting out of the Isolette or "box," she is essentially regulating her own temperature now too, so, the nurses have been putting her in clothes! It's amazing how thrilling it is to watch these baby steps bring her closer and closer to HOME!