Upgraded Nuzzling 2/19/13
Melissa
Dr. Alexander is back from vacation and examined Hattie today. He was pleased to see her in her bassinet and said she has a very mature internal thermostat. Dr. A ordered for Hattie to begin nuzzling to my unpumped breast during one feed per day. We've been nuzzling for a few weeks now but it's been to my empty pumped breast. Even though no milk was coming out, Hattie has been associating the act of sucking with eating and feeling full because she's still receiving milk through her feeding tube while she nuzzles. I could immediately tell Hattie was more energetic during this new upgraded form of nuzzling. She never really latched on but she was able to express some milk! She got her full feed through her feeding tube, this time with her first sensation of taste. Breastfeeding can be a long process with preemies and the nurse encouraged me to stay persistent and patient.
Hattie's feeds have increased to 32 cc and our little porker now weighs 1,696 grams, or 3 pounds, 11.5 ounces.
As usual I kangarooed during the day and Chris kangarooed at night. Not a day has gone by since we've been able to kangaroo that we haven't. And almost every day Hattie gets to kangaroo with both of us. We are very proud of this and know it's contributing to her speedy development. Our little girl is pretty amazing!
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.
–Psalm 107:1 (NLT)
