A big thanks to everybody for sending! (see the request)

This post describes how the condition of our baby girl improved during her first week. I’m doing this by memory, so there probably are some inaccuracies.

Attached, you’ll also find a series of pictures on what she looked like each day.

Also, there’s a small healing story about her here.

Day 0:
- born 18:59, lungs & nose vacuumed clean from dirty water, 7pts Apgar), poor oxygen saturation in blood (60-80%), given extra oxygen using mask, rushed away for more careful monitoring
- very sensitive to touch, constant crying, will not eat
- seems to relax with a 5-10min QT session, oxygen saturation at 100%
- breathing pauses occasionally, oxygen levels drop, resumes breathing when given extra oxygen
- later, put to sleep with a painkiller by a nurse
- very low Natrium levels in blood
- on IV for sugar and Natrium (Na++)

Day 1:
- less sensitive, pauses in breathing continue, identified as seizures; epilepsy medication started, no seizures afterwards
- oxygen saturation
- will not eat, IV replaced with a nose-to-stomach catheter
- very drowsy due to medication
- Na++ levels on the rise
- starts eating some of her milk (the rest through catheter)


Day 2:
- EEG indicates exceptions in brain waves => MRI needed; moved to intensive care => lots of other tests (~100+) as well
- eats about half of her milk herself
- drowsy

Day 3:
- MRI indicates alterations in the brain,
- other tests
- eats all of her milk herself, catheter removed
- Na++ levels ok
- starts pooping by herself, no “gym movements” by the nurse necessary

Day 4:
- appetite increased a lot, eats by herself
- no seizures since the start of the medication; medication continued
- moved out of intensive care
- less drowsy, but otherwise very calm; does not really cry at all, at least when we are around;
- “communicates” by moans, grunts, and opening her mouth when hungry like a baby bird

Day 5:
- starts flashing big “grins” every now and then (saw ~10 times
- wakes up also for “socialising”, not just for food
- does not really cry

Day 6:
- drowsiness gone, stays awake for prolonged periods socialising
- takes a small part of her milk by breast-feeding

We’ll see how we go from here.

With Love & Gratitude,

SeaLion

=====added 22.6.2006=====
Her story continues here.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: SeaLion,