Day 5 of Life - June 23rd
When a baby is delivered preterm, we count each day as if they are still in the womb. These days are added to their gestational age at birth. Sha is now 26+4 weeks gestational age! Every day is an important milestone passed!
No real news about Little Shabooblah...which is the best possible news! When he was born, the doctors started him on antibiotics (Ampicillin and Gentamicin). This is standard procedure for babies in the NICU. Any little infection can be a serious problem for these fragile infants, so as a precaution, all babies are started on antibiotics upon admission. A blood culture is also started on admission, which is basically a test for the growth of bacteria in a patient's blood sample. If the blood culture does not grow any bacteria within a 48-hour time frame, the antibiotics are usually discontinued.
On a blood test yesterday, Sha's white blood cell count was a little low. This could be a result of an infection, however the doctors agree that it is likely due to the blood transfusion and the repeated samples. So, the docs have stopped Sha's antibiotics...another good sign. So far, Sha just keeps passing test after test!
If Sha is passing tests, then I guess you could say that Ma is failing them! She called me this morning, with my daily update, to say, "They have me on enough blood pressure medication for a horse!". Her nurse today is much less strict and has given back her walking and shower priviledges. The nurse even gave her permission to come upstairs (to our office) to use a computer to apply for a birth certificate for Sha. She also completed some of the government paperwork and is in good spirits.
Pumping continues to improve... All of her milk is currently being frozen, as Sha's little tummy cannot handle anything that heavy yet, and will be used when he's ready. This is Ma's loving contribution to her son's health and development and she is so proud and happy that it is going well.
Pa is apparently driving around the city trying to find a wireless internet connection. He bought a new computer game last night (in an attempt to entertain himself for just awhile longer), but he has to register it online before he can play. (Stupid computer game people!!!) The hospital has wireless connections, but they are incripted and password protected...hopefully, Pa will find one soon!
I have passed along all of your loving comments. The new family is grateful for all of your support. Please keep up the good work!
No real news about Little Shabooblah...which is the best possible news! When he was born, the doctors started him on antibiotics (Ampicillin and Gentamicin). This is standard procedure for babies in the NICU. Any little infection can be a serious problem for these fragile infants, so as a precaution, all babies are started on antibiotics upon admission. A blood culture is also started on admission, which is basically a test for the growth of bacteria in a patient's blood sample. If the blood culture does not grow any bacteria within a 48-hour time frame, the antibiotics are usually discontinued.
On a blood test yesterday, Sha's white blood cell count was a little low. This could be a result of an infection, however the doctors agree that it is likely due to the blood transfusion and the repeated samples. So, the docs have stopped Sha's antibiotics...another good sign. So far, Sha just keeps passing test after test!
If Sha is passing tests, then I guess you could say that Ma is failing them! She called me this morning, with my daily update, to say, "They have me on enough blood pressure medication for a horse!". Her nurse today is much less strict and has given back her walking and shower priviledges. The nurse even gave her permission to come upstairs (to our office) to use a computer to apply for a birth certificate for Sha. She also completed some of the government paperwork and is in good spirits.
Pumping continues to improve... All of her milk is currently being frozen, as Sha's little tummy cannot handle anything that heavy yet, and will be used when he's ready. This is Ma's loving contribution to her son's health and development and she is so proud and happy that it is going well.
Pa is apparently driving around the city trying to find a wireless internet connection. He bought a new computer game last night (in an attempt to entertain himself for just awhile longer), but he has to register it online before he can play. (Stupid computer game people!!!) The hospital has wireless connections, but they are incripted and password protected...hopefully, Pa will find one soon!
I have passed along all of your loving comments. The new family is grateful for all of your support. Please keep up the good work!
posted by Like duh! @ 9:59 a.m.
1 Comments:
At 12:03 p.m.,
Anonymous said…
What an awesome experience to once again see and be able to touch little Sha. Grandpa mcf didn't touch him (this time), I think he thought his big paws would somehow hurt him!! But that will sonn change as this little man continues to be a marvel to all. We will wait a day now before we go see him again, can't wait!!
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