Two Tiny Girls

This week, brought two tiny baies into the NICU.

Today was a good day for Alaine, our 2lb 14.5 oz baby, who comes from the Cazale area. She is breathing better, stable on a low dose of caffeine and receiving a puff of air through her nasal cannula to stimulate her to breath. She sucked much better and slept in between her feeds. Yesterday, our Paediatrician ordered some blood tests, to make sure that Alaine doesn't have any bacterial or viral infections. Her mother has delivered 18 babies and all previous babies have died as infants. We want to do everything we can, to ensure that Alaine Survives. On Wednesday afternoon, when I was told that a 2lb baby would be coming from Caazale, I got ready for a critically ill preemie. Instead, we have welcomed a pretty baby, who just needs basic nursing care, and lots of love and patience. It is a pleasure to snuggle her and nurture her.

Sarafina, our low birth weight baby who arrived on Tuesday has not been doing so well. She has been vomiting since the day she arrived and the vomiting has become progressively worse, to the point that Sarafina was mildly dehydrated yesterday. She was on continuous tube feedings for 24 hours and has slowly progressed to two hourly feedings. She seems hungry, but gags when she is feeding and whenever she is handled. We are treating her for reflux. This is a common problem in newborns, especially very tiny ones, who have immature digestive systems. Sarafina is receiving medications and small feeds. We also keep Sarafina as upright as possible, which seems to make her more comfortable. If we don't see an improvement over the weekend, we will try some different treatments and formulas. We hope that Sarafina will feel better soon.