Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Barrett Day 2

Today was a great day all around: all three of us managed to get some sleep last night, Sue was taken off of the IV, given solid foods, and was up and walking around for the first time since the operation.  

Unfortunately Barrett starting showing signs of jaundice; so we began light treatments in the afternoon, as well as supplementing breast feeding with formula to encourage BMs.  This is a routine we are familiar with as Brayden went through the same thing after birth, so we're not all that fazed by it.

The first light treatment equipment they brought in was a bit different than what we were accustomed to.  It was consisted of a small, light emitting pad that was placed underneath Barrett, and a VERY BRIGHT lamp that shone down on her.  A recipe for disaster quite frankly because:
1. The baby's skin must be exposed, so we weren't able to swaddle her or cover her up at all. 
2. The lamp is so bright the baby's eyes must be protected.  Their solution is a foam sunglasses that wrap around her head, but never stay in place and just made her scream.



Bright light, foam sunglasses, uncovered baby...not so good










Luckily, due to our previous experience with Brayden we were aware of another option.  I described to the nurse the light bed that Brayden used and asked her to bring that to our room instead...Barrett has been sleeping comfortably all evening. 








Tron baby...much better!  











The good news is that Barrett has really taken to breast-feeding; a complete 180 from Brayden.  We are very encouraged thus far!!

Brayden and Nana stopped by again today to say hi, and brought Dad a nice non-hospital breakfast too.  Brayden was slightly more interested in Barrett today...we actually coaxed him to give his little sister a kiss, a moment unfortunately not captured by the cameras.

Hopefully tomorrow will be our last full day here...I imagine Barrett's response to treatment will really be the determining factor in when we can go home.




Brayden at the hospital today, displaying his patented "CHEESE" face












Barrett's nose = Brayden's nose

1 comment:

  1. Wow, she really is a beauty!

    Couldn't help but noticed the trend of B's you've got going there. Should we be prepared for more children in the future???

    ReplyDelete