First Feeds

It's Thursday, March 5th. The boys are doing well, just coasting this week! Jared is still on his nasal canula with minimum oxygen and caffeine. Blake is still doing great with open air.

This week's focus is on feedings! Both boys are at full feeds beginning last night which means 28ml every 3 hours through a gavage feeding tube. One of the nurses told me that we would start recreational breastfeeding in a few days. But to my surprise, when i walked in on Tuesday they said," Want to try now?"
Basically, we are just introducing them to idea of breastfeeding, familiarizing them with the nipple and trying to stimulate them. Full term babies have this capacity but preemies need to be taught the process of latching, sucking and swallowing. It uses a great deal of their energy.

Blake was first up to bat! At first, he looked around. Still groggy from waking up and probably wondering what is this thing 1 inch from my face. He heard my voice and smelled my scent and was able to look at me with open eyes. He did a good job! He latched a few times with a little direction and was even able to take a few sucks. Then he did what he always does which is pass out and sleep peacefully for as long as you are willing to hold him.

Now Jared's turn. This little guy has a lot of fight in him. He was also able to latch and he actually sucked out some milk but then pulled back realizing it was going to be a bit much energy to swallow which he can't quite do on his own. The nurses were impressed with his intuitive decision to stop.

So this is what I've been doing the last couple days. My mom has been coming with me. We take turns cuddling the little guys and watching them make facial expressions, hiccuping, opening their eyes, and just sleeping. We've decided they are identical but Jared is slightly smaller and Blake has a dimple on his right cheek! Check out the pics!

Dave is banned from the NICU because he tried to take the babies home in his back pack. Just kidding... he has the cold that has been going around the Valley - he got it the first day he went back to work.