An Update On Some Of Our NICU Babies

Yesterday, the day nurse did not come in for work; apparently there was civil unrest in Carrefour and she didn't think that it was safe to travel. I didn't here about that until 11am. The NICU nannies were very frazzled from trying to keep up with so many tiny babies.

Two of them are preemies. Both need tube feedings, and have trouble keeping their temperatures up, especially during recent the cold snap we have been experiencing in the mountians.

Donley came to us less than two weeks ago from Cazale. He has had problems with vomiting and he has not been gaining weight. Changing his formula and altering the frequency and volume of his feeds did not male a difference, but he has done very well since we started giving him medication for the vomiting on Friday. We dress him in several layers of clothing, wrap him in blankets and keep a hat on him. That way, he stays warm and happy.

Luc is our second premature baby. He arrived last week and was doing very well until yesterday, when he became hypothermic and had to be moved him into an incubator. It looks as though he has a stomach upset - he began vomiting last night. Although he was very dehydrated when I saw him this morning, he was all ready tolerating smaller, more frequent of milk. I have just checked in on Luc; he hasn't had any further vomiting today and he looks much better. Premature babies can became very sick, very quickly and so we will continue to monitor this boy closely.

Jerrensia is four months old and she is a very cute baby but also very demanding. She is a favourite among the nannies, which is actually a wonderful thing; Jerrensia has severe club feet and there is a lot of prejudice towards disabled people in Haiti. Many children who are born with deformities end up in orphanages - they are either given up or abandoned by parents who are barely making ends meet, and do not think that they can cope with the long term demands of caring for and providing for a disabled child. I am glad that Jerrensia is so loved by our Haitian staff.

Clercineau is another child, who has a special place in all of our hearts. Today, we celebrated another milestone; Clercineau has now crossed the 7lb mark, weighing in at 7lb 3oz! His personality is definitely coming out. He is quick to smile and he is a real copycat. When we nod, he nods, when we kiss him, he puckers his lips, leans forward and kisses us back.

He has some strong ideas about what is and is not good for him.Being constantly held, or at least entertained, apparently, is good for him, taking medicine, apparently, is not! Thankfully, two year old 'M' is a great help when Clercineau's medication times come round. 'M' has a special way with fragile infants. Clercineau, who is usually so intimidated by bigger babies, seems to understand that 'M' knows how to be gentle. And when 'M' claps and cheers for him, we have no trouble getting Clercineau to take his medicines.