First Attempt at Breastfeeding

Iyla 

My mom and spent the morning up at the NICU changing diapers, pumping, and holding Iyla. Denver Paige and Nadine are back on bili lights so they needed to stay in their isolets.  We worked on sucking with Iyla and she did well. She loves to hold onto something for comfort - the isolet bedding or a free finger. 

My mom was able to hold one of her first grandchildren this morning. She was very happy to hold Iyla and keep working on her suck.

My mom and Iyla

    I also met with the neonatologist and got a good report. They are increasing their feedings every day and we are going to start cueing breastfeeding. That is, if the girls awake on their own and act like they are hungry, I get to try to breastfeed them once a shift - so twice a day. Simple enough. 

    After getting some rest, my mom running errands, meeting with the contractor and engineer about swing placement and paint colors, we returned to the NICU for the 8pm feeding. I was very excited! We went in birth order because that is how they are fed and the girls tried very hard at their first attempt. Nadine tried for about 10-15 minutes and got about 1-2 successful sucks before she fell asleep. Denver Paige was the most alert and awake I have seen her and she gave it a good try. Iyla also gave it a good try and got one suck. Nadine and Iyla mannerisms and approach to their objective was very similar.  I was very proud of all three girls and I was very tired after my first attempt at breastfeeding and a busy day. The more I spend time with them, I see more of their personalities developing.