I'm sorry I'm getting behind on my blog. I had no idea how tired I would be...even with the baby still in the hospital. Finally after a very long 10 days in the nursery, Riley was finally discharged yesterday. Riley had a hard time breathing, then became jaundiced, and then feeding had been an issue with him which is normal for bilateral cleft lip and palate babies. We are using a special bottle called a Haberman feeder or special needs feeder. I'm pumping breast milk and using these feeders to bottle feed Riley. I did try to breast feed but he was not able to latch on which I was not surprised about but I figured I would at least give it a shot. Tony and I each had to make sure we could feed him before he could be discharged home. He had a feeding tube in for the majority of the time but got that taken out a few days before discharge to make sure he could eat without it. Feeding continues to be a struggle.....he does good for the first half but the second half we have to help him out by squeezing the nipple to help get the milk out.
It was a very emotinoal experience not being able to take my baby home for the hospital. However, he needed to be there and he was getting very excellent care. It was exhausting going back and forth going to the hospital twice a day for feedings but I praised every minute I got to spend with him as we only got to see him about 2 hours a day. Not to mention trying to recover from childbirth and getting our last minute emergency supplies to get the house ready since we thought we had 3 more weeks. Thankfully, both sets of parents have made it down so now we have help which is good.
Riley did great his first night home. I got up with him at 230 but he did not want to go to sleep which is unusual. He likes to fall asleep while we are feeding him which also has been a challenge. Tony got up with him around 4 am and then he slept until about 8. He had his first pediatrician appointment today who will start the referral process for our team of experts who will be on board to fix Riley up including the plastic surgeon who wants to see Riley asap. I'm looking forward getting the process going but a little nervous. It is a lot of stuff to think about. I'm so thankful I married the man that I did as his support has kept me strong. We have kept our communication open as this is not an easy experience to go through. I will post pictures soon. I need to find the memory card to the camera so I can post some :)
Thanks to all of you for your support and prayers.
I'm glad to see an update and hear you are alive and well, tired, but hanging in there.
ReplyDeleteI admire you Kari for pumping. Not knowing about Rachel's cleft, and the overwhelming emotional mess I was following her birth, I just did not have it in me to pump. I'm proud of you!!!
Your husband sounds as great as mine. You're right, it's a tough thing to go through and it helps when we have husbands that are helpful and strong and supportive. Way to go Tony!! :)
Can't wait to see pictures!!
Congratulations on the birth of sweet Riley, he is beautiful! You guys have already been through so much in these past weeks, what a blessing you are to each other. You will be amazed with your strength when you look back at this time. I know I am when I think about when Abby was a baby, and we didn't have feeding issues since her palate wasn't affected. Way to go with the pumping, Mama! I was emotionally prepared to take that path if necessary, and I applaud all who do. What a gift to give Riley! You Rock Kari! We'll be praying for continued strength and comfort for all three of you . . . take care!
ReplyDeleteAllison
You look beautiful and happy!
ReplyDelete