Big Day

Today was a big day. Luke graduated from his temperature controlled isolette into an open bassinet. He maintained his temperature well last night and the entire day today. We don't have to wear gloves anymore when we touch or hold him...it is amazing to finally get to feel his baby, soft skin without the barrier of that glove. Dr. Nijar wrote an order for Luke to be introduced to the bottle once per shift...this is called "nippling". We were there tonight for his first try at nippling & he made us proud! He took 5 mL over the course of about 10 minutes. We felt like this was a great start and the nurses agreed!! The goal will be for him to eventually take 30 mL in 30 minutes. He demonstrated a good suck, swallow, breathe pattern without a decrease in oxygen saturation and no choking or gagging. As a speech therapist in the hospital setting I deal a lot with swallowing...a month ago when I was working on swallowing with my geriatric patients I never imagined I would have to help my baby learn this skill.

Give me 5 Dad that was hard work!