Cora Update (Almost 13 Weeks and 38 Weeks Gestation)

4lbs 10oz

We are working on "PO Feeding." This remains a difficult hurdle, which is the final hurdle before HOME!!! Can I will it to happen any sooner? NO. Just like I could not will her to stay in the womb longer, I face a common mommy issue of lack of control.

Today, after a week of rest from bottle feeding, the order was for me (and me, specifically) to attempt to give her a bottle. We did not even use a bottle, we used an open nipple and dripped in small amounts of milk to which she willingly sucked, but then had difficulty with the milk itself. We were hoping she would perform better with me offering the bottle, since she is much more comfortable at the breast, but, as the nurse put it, she knew "the tap" was right there. And, she did much better, in the same session at the breast... as nature intended! However, I cannot help but think that if nature was in charge, we would be dealing with a much different story, since we have gained so much from modern medicine.

With appropriate queuing, Cora will be given a bottle once a shift, as the new order stands. I hope, with all my being, that this goes a little better than 2 weeks ago. We are all on Cora's schedule now. I believe if we pay attention to her needs first, that she will get this eating thing quickly. I'm really pleased with my decision to stop working in order to focus on being available for more feedings. She had a phenomenal day yesterday at the breast (today was tough because she had an eye exam... yikes!), and I will be there again tomorrow to offer at least 2 feedings tomorrow, and the next day and the next day, until she can come home and we will eventually get to all feedings... blows my mind to even think. After almost 13 weeks of this, I'm not sure what to expect once she comes home!? All I know is that I cannot wait!!

Some progressions over the week:

• Weened off of hydrocortizone!
• Weened off of caffeine (though, I'm sure she still gets some from mommy's milk! - I have picked-up a coffee addiction at the hospital Starbucks)
• Added Zantac for her acid reflux - sadly, she's been pretty uncomfortable at the end of her feeds, and the reflux does seem to help PO feeding either, so I'm encouraged with this development.
• She has had some massive poops, on her own (ie. without a suppository chip); her MO seems to be to hold it in for a day or two and then have a blow-out. There are two in particular that have the nurses talking... one was larger than one nurse has ever seen - up to her armpits, requiring that she cut the onesie off of her and the other happened while I was kangarooing her.
• Some of my friends have sent the following article (thank you!) http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/02/19/mothers-voice-help-preemies-feed_n_4816490.html
• I have started incorporating singing into our feeding routine, which was already a part of our kangaroo time. Some of our favorites:
• "Cora Leigh" - to the tune of "Mister Lee"
• Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
• Lullaby by Billy Joel
• Killing Me Softly (with Brady's and Desats)

Again, my apologies to our followers. I know it's been a while since my last post. I have to blame it on the poor Blogger Interface on the iPad. I do not want to lug my laptop out for a blog post, but need the laptop for the pictures and videos, etc.