Here it was, my big moment. I walked in the NICU carrying my daughter's car seat. I saw the looks of admiration/jealousy on the faces of other NICU parents. We all knew what this meant. Our time left in the NICU was running out, my girl would be coming home soon.
So what is this car seat test all about anyway? Basically, the baby sits in the car seat for an hour and half while on monitors and the nurses watch and records what happens. Car seats were not designed for premature babies. A lot of these babies have had some level of respiratory needs. The car seat test is designed to make sure that they are ready to go in a car seat and not go into respiratory distress.
My girl passed with flying colours!
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Life in the NICU - the Sibling Factor
The NICU is a place of rest and healing. There is soft lighting and not a lot of noise. The nurses try to create a place resembling life in the womb to allow these little ones to grow.
My daughter has 2 noisy big brothers (ages 2 and 5) - what were we going to do with them. The first 2 weeks we were in the NICU we were quite blessed. My mom was here to help out. I could go up to the hospital and not worry about my boys, she had it all under control. Of course this couldn't last forever. She had responsibilities back home and had to go eventually. So how did I cope with balancing my daughters needs and my boys?
First - I took them both up for individual visits at the hospital so that they would know what was going on. I explained everything I could in language they would understand. I also let them know that yes, she would be leaving the hospital eventually and living with us (very important for my 2 year old who has been the family baby until now). I also packed a backpack full of activities for them. Colour Wonder colouring books, hot wheels cars, stickers and paper. Anything that would keep them quiet and busy while I tended to my daughters' needs.
Then we got ready to all go up together. I knew that the space we would be in was small for 2 busy boys. Before we even left for the hospital we talked about my expectations of them. They needed to stay quiet (for both their sister and the other babies), they needed to stick like glue to me (no running around and being foolish) and they needed to get along with each other, listening to me.
So we did it. We all went up. And the plan worked. I had both of them there at least once a day over the past week and a half. We always reviewed the hospital rules on the way there, and they amazed me by following through so well. I'm so proud of them! It can be done, you just have to figure out a way to do it.
My daughter has 2 noisy big brothers (ages 2 and 5) - what were we going to do with them. The first 2 weeks we were in the NICU we were quite blessed. My mom was here to help out. I could go up to the hospital and not worry about my boys, she had it all under control. Of course this couldn't last forever. She had responsibilities back home and had to go eventually. So how did I cope with balancing my daughters needs and my boys?
First - I took them both up for individual visits at the hospital so that they would know what was going on. I explained everything I could in language they would understand. I also let them know that yes, she would be leaving the hospital eventually and living with us (very important for my 2 year old who has been the family baby until now). I also packed a backpack full of activities for them. Colour Wonder colouring books, hot wheels cars, stickers and paper. Anything that would keep them quiet and busy while I tended to my daughters' needs.
Then we got ready to all go up together. I knew that the space we would be in was small for 2 busy boys. Before we even left for the hospital we talked about my expectations of them. They needed to stay quiet (for both their sister and the other babies), they needed to stick like glue to me (no running around and being foolish) and they needed to get along with each other, listening to me.
So we did it. We all went up. And the plan worked. I had both of them there at least once a day over the past week and a half. We always reviewed the hospital rules on the way there, and they amazed me by following through so well. I'm so proud of them! It can be done, you just have to figure out a way to do it.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Life in the NICU - the Nurses
I have total and complete respect for the job of an RN. They work ridiculously long shifts in a high demand environment. They are up to date in knowledge of their area of nursing. They also have the people skills needed to present information to their patients (or in my case) parents of patients.
I've seen a lot of nurses in the past few weeks. The NICU we are in staffs 40. I haven't seen all 40, but I've seen a lot of them. As the parent of a patient at the NICU, I would recommend that you do your best to chat with the nurses about what is going on. There isn't a ridiculous question to ask. You need to stay best informed about what is going on. Keeping in the loop with the doctor is also very important. If you have a plan (which you will) you want to make sure it is followed. Be polite, friendly and assertive (a fine balance when you are in an unfamiliar environment I know). If your experience is anything like mine, you will see several nurses (2-3 per day). Some will only be with you once, others you will see several times. They are very good about getting updated about your child. All the nurses conference about the babies at the end of and beginning of shifts to stay in the loop. Yes, it can sometimes be frustrating to see so many different people. They all have something to offer to their job and they all have their own gifts and talents. Just keep in mind that you all have the same goal, making sure that baby is healthy and on the road for home.
While I'm talking about the nurses, let me say that I could not do what they do. A lot of these ladies (I say ladies purely because the NICU staff at the hospital we are at are all women) work 12 hour shifts. 12 hours is a long, long time, especially if you are working the 12 hour nights. Some of these women do 2 days (12 hours each), have a one day turnaround and then do 2 nights (12 hours each). I don't know how they do it. They also can have times where everything is slow going and scheduled and then all of a sudden a new baby is being admitted (or several) and everything flips into high gear. Think about it this way. You know how needy a time it is just taking care of one newborn. Now imagine looking after 2 or 3 at a time. All of these babies are on monitors. Some need oxygen. All need feeding of some kind. Some are on medications. Some are in isolettes, others are in bassinettes. And then there are parents who are in and out. There are reports and paperwork to be filled out. Measurements and vitals to take. Always keeping track of each baby. And you aren't always with the same babies. You may have a couple days in a row with one baby, but the next shift you are with a completely different child. I admire their work, I really do. I've found the nurses I've seen to be extremely helpful and kind. Professional and friendly. They are both encouraging and realistic. They make this experience one that I know I can keep on keeping on with. My hat's off to them.
I've seen a lot of nurses in the past few weeks. The NICU we are in staffs 40. I haven't seen all 40, but I've seen a lot of them. As the parent of a patient at the NICU, I would recommend that you do your best to chat with the nurses about what is going on. There isn't a ridiculous question to ask. You need to stay best informed about what is going on. Keeping in the loop with the doctor is also very important. If you have a plan (which you will) you want to make sure it is followed. Be polite, friendly and assertive (a fine balance when you are in an unfamiliar environment I know). If your experience is anything like mine, you will see several nurses (2-3 per day). Some will only be with you once, others you will see several times. They are very good about getting updated about your child. All the nurses conference about the babies at the end of and beginning of shifts to stay in the loop. Yes, it can sometimes be frustrating to see so many different people. They all have something to offer to their job and they all have their own gifts and talents. Just keep in mind that you all have the same goal, making sure that baby is healthy and on the road for home.
While I'm talking about the nurses, let me say that I could not do what they do. A lot of these ladies (I say ladies purely because the NICU staff at the hospital we are at are all women) work 12 hour shifts. 12 hours is a long, long time, especially if you are working the 12 hour nights. Some of these women do 2 days (12 hours each), have a one day turnaround and then do 2 nights (12 hours each). I don't know how they do it. They also can have times where everything is slow going and scheduled and then all of a sudden a new baby is being admitted (or several) and everything flips into high gear. Think about it this way. You know how needy a time it is just taking care of one newborn. Now imagine looking after 2 or 3 at a time. All of these babies are on monitors. Some need oxygen. All need feeding of some kind. Some are on medications. Some are in isolettes, others are in bassinettes. And then there are parents who are in and out. There are reports and paperwork to be filled out. Measurements and vitals to take. Always keeping track of each baby. And you aren't always with the same babies. You may have a couple days in a row with one baby, but the next shift you are with a completely different child. I admire their work, I really do. I've found the nurses I've seen to be extremely helpful and kind. Professional and friendly. They are both encouraging and realistic. They make this experience one that I know I can keep on keeping on with. My hat's off to them.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Life in the NICU - The Learning Curve
I wasn't prepared for a preemie. My record of giving birth had stood up pretty well, 2 babies, both full term. I really knew very little of what went on in the NICU. I knew there were small babies in there. I know someone who delivered her son at 28 weeks last year and spent 10 weeks traipsing back and forth from home to hospital.
I've learned a lot since then and learning curve is huge.
I first saw my daughter in the NICU the morning after she was born (yes, I did get to see her and hold her for a while before she was admitted in). As she was early, she was having some difficulty with breathing. She spent the first 5 days in an isolette, on and IV. Her first night she had a CPAP mask. When I first saw her inside, I saw lots of wires. Her little arm was splinted up and her breathing looked like a lot of work. I didn't know if I was allowed to touch her, or even how to open up the isolette. The nurse started filling me in with terms and plans that I knew nothing about.
3 weeks later I feel like and expert.
IV I knew already, I'd been hooked up to one of those myself. The IV provided the hydration that she needed. Once she was ready for it, her IV bag was changed from a sugar water formula to a TPN formula that contained more nutrients necessary, until she was ready to start to try to feed.
The CPAP mask helped to give her oxygen and just open up her lungs a little bit more.
The NG tube is a feeding tube, through her nose and into her tummy. It attaches to a syringe where my breastmilk is warmed up and placed in and goes directly down.
Everything in NICU is based on numbers at first. How many CCs is she taking of breastmilk? What is her weight today? How much does she need to eat in order to gain? What was in her diaper? How many diapers is she needing? How long is she sleeping? How long can she sleep before needing to feed again?
I hear other parents in the unit bay discussing all these things. I hear the nurses explaining it to them. And I feel somewhat educated now.
I know how to attach and unattach all those wire leads to weigh her. I know how to use the scale and double check her numbers. I know how to use her feeding tube unassisted. None of it scares me anymore. It's just part of life now.
I've learned a lot since then and learning curve is huge.
I first saw my daughter in the NICU the morning after she was born (yes, I did get to see her and hold her for a while before she was admitted in). As she was early, she was having some difficulty with breathing. She spent the first 5 days in an isolette, on and IV. Her first night she had a CPAP mask. When I first saw her inside, I saw lots of wires. Her little arm was splinted up and her breathing looked like a lot of work. I didn't know if I was allowed to touch her, or even how to open up the isolette. The nurse started filling me in with terms and plans that I knew nothing about.
3 weeks later I feel like and expert.
IV I knew already, I'd been hooked up to one of those myself. The IV provided the hydration that she needed. Once she was ready for it, her IV bag was changed from a sugar water formula to a TPN formula that contained more nutrients necessary, until she was ready to start to try to feed.
The CPAP mask helped to give her oxygen and just open up her lungs a little bit more.
The NG tube is a feeding tube, through her nose and into her tummy. It attaches to a syringe where my breastmilk is warmed up and placed in and goes directly down.
Everything in NICU is based on numbers at first. How many CCs is she taking of breastmilk? What is her weight today? How much does she need to eat in order to gain? What was in her diaper? How many diapers is she needing? How long is she sleeping? How long can she sleep before needing to feed again?
I hear other parents in the unit bay discussing all these things. I hear the nurses explaining it to them. And I feel somewhat educated now.
I know how to attach and unattach all those wire leads to weigh her. I know how to use the scale and double check her numbers. I know how to use her feeding tube unassisted. None of it scares me anymore. It's just part of life now.
Life in the NICU - Jealousy vs. Encouragement
The weekend my daughter was admitted to the NICU there were 21 babies in there. It was, by the nurses' own admission a crazy weekend. There are now 10 babies in the NICU. I've seen babies come and I've seen babies go. I know not all of them are in for prematurity. Some come in for dehydration, some for antibiotics, some are babies with sugar issues. My firstborn was one of these in and out babies. He spent one day in NICU purely because he was born with the umbilical cord wrapped around his neck. He was full term.
Of the babies I've seen listed on the board, there are only a few left who were there when my daughter was admitted. The rest are home. I do have a mixture of jealousy and encouragement about this. I'm jealous because I want my daughter home too. I'm encouraged because I can see there is a light at the end of the tunnel. These babies do get home eventually, they just all have their own paths and timelines.
Of the babies I've seen listed on the board, there are only a few left who were there when my daughter was admitted. The rest are home. I do have a mixture of jealousy and encouragement about this. I'm jealous because I want my daughter home too. I'm encouraged because I can see there is a light at the end of the tunnel. These babies do get home eventually, they just all have their own paths and timelines.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Life in the NICU - Day 22
My daughter was born 5 weeks early. She is in the NICU. NICU stands for Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. She's now 3 weeks old and yes, she's still there. I keep reminding myself that technically she should still not even be born yet. Each day I celebrate little milestones that let me know we're one step closer to having her home. I know in my head that you can't rush development. There's nothing I can do, beyond what I'm doing to help her along.
I am glad that if one of my children had to be born prematurely that it was my 3rd and not my first. I remember the first weeks with my first child seemed endless. And I didn't know that it would get any better. With my third, I know that kids grow and develop and change. I know that she'll be eating 100% on her own (without a feeding tube) soon. She is currently at 63% whereas a week ago she was at 7%. Once that happens, she gets to move in with us.
I was thinking today of the things that I haven't gotten to do with her yet. I haven't gotten to cuddle with her just for the sake of cuddling. Most of my time holding her is for the sake of feeding her. I haven't taken her out for a walk in the stoller (though Toronto in February really doesn't lend itself to nice long walks). I haven't gotten to introduce her to anyone outside of the family yet. We haven't been to church or the mall. We haven't gone for a car ride. We haven't laid out on a blanket. We haven't gotten to have a regular routine yet...kinda. We have a routine, it's just not at home. I know we will get to do all of these things and more. I look forward to not hearing my oldest son ask when his 'sis' can come home. She'll just be here.
Today I'm just weary and wondering the 'when' part of the equation. Hopefully this week. We'll see.
I am glad that if one of my children had to be born prematurely that it was my 3rd and not my first. I remember the first weeks with my first child seemed endless. And I didn't know that it would get any better. With my third, I know that kids grow and develop and change. I know that she'll be eating 100% on her own (without a feeding tube) soon. She is currently at 63% whereas a week ago she was at 7%. Once that happens, she gets to move in with us.
I was thinking today of the things that I haven't gotten to do with her yet. I haven't gotten to cuddle with her just for the sake of cuddling. Most of my time holding her is for the sake of feeding her. I haven't taken her out for a walk in the stoller (though Toronto in February really doesn't lend itself to nice long walks). I haven't gotten to introduce her to anyone outside of the family yet. We haven't been to church or the mall. We haven't gone for a car ride. We haven't laid out on a blanket. We haven't gotten to have a regular routine yet...kinda. We have a routine, it's just not at home. I know we will get to do all of these things and more. I look forward to not hearing my oldest son ask when his 'sis' can come home. She'll just be here.
Today I'm just weary and wondering the 'when' part of the equation. Hopefully this week. We'll see.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
We're on our babymoons
Hello Clever Mamas readers. You'll have to excuse our lack of posting this recent while. Jill has been busy with her new baby born in November and Kris has been surprised by her baby coming a month early this January. Kris has been learning a lot about caring for a preemie and all about the NICU. We'll be back from our haitus once life settles down a bit. Take Care.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
