Kangaroo Time!

Monday, September 8, 2008

We had kangaroo care with our girls yesterday! It brought us both to tears. There is NOTHING like holding your baby against your skin. They loved it. Neither of them had any desaturations. Emma had a couple B's, which is when the heart rate drops, but we are told that is okay. We had them both out for about 2 hours and alternated holding each one. The nurse yesterday says we should be doing this at least twice a day. Once they get their IV's removed, which may be today for Emma, we will be able to take them out and hold them ourselves!

The benefits of Kangaroo care:
Researchers have found that the close physical contact with the parent can help to stabilize the preterm infant's heartbeat, temperature, and breathing. Preterm infants often have difficulty coordinating their breathing and heart rate. Researchers also have found that mothers who use kangaroo care often have more success with breastfeeding and improve their milk supply. Further, researchers have found that preterm infants who experience kangaroo care have longer periods of sleep, gain more weight, decrease their crying, have longer periods of alertness, and earlier hospital discharge.

Mady was taken off of her CPAP today. We are so proud of her and the strides she is taking to catch up to Emma. She is on a nasal canula like her sister. She is still a little assisted on this and may be for a day or so as she adjusts.

Emma may be moved to the E pod soon which is known as the growing and feeding pod. We are hoping they will wait to move her until Mady can be moved with her as well. At that point they will be reunited and will co-bed! Emma is also maintaining her own body temperature.

I had a little trouble today as I downloaded the photos trying to determine who's who! Now that they are both on nasal canulas, it's all the more difficult! It does seem though that Emma has a little lighter hair than Mady. Mady has 2 birth marks... one on her shoulder and one on her thigh.