When I was pregnant with Elsie my due date was January 6, 2010. In preemie world, this means today is Elsie's "adjusted or corrected" birth date. Today she is 40 weeks, full term. This means for milestones (such has holding her head up) we use her adjusted age. Not her 12 week chronological age.
We went to our first pediatrician visit yesterday. He advised that we treat Elsie as a newborn. Bascially, if she is eating, sleeping, crying, pooping, and peeing that is good. She is doing these things. The only thing I've noticed thus far is she has her days and nights mixed up.
Next week we go to the Retinologist for a follow up of her eye exams. Like a lot of preemies, Elsie has a mild case of Retinopathy of Prematurity. The blood vessels in her retina are continuing to grow normally and the Retinologist expects that they will grow and correct themselves. You may or may not know that the eyes are one of the last things to develop in the womb. Full term babies can even have problems with their eyes.
Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) will come to our home in two weeks to do an inital visit to determine if Elsie is developing as she should. The occupational therapist in the NICU determined that she is acting a little younger than her 39-40 weeks. So ECI will come out to determine if she is continuing to develop, and do an assessment to identify if any additional therapy is needed.
You thought we were done with the doctors, right? At least now we don't have to drive to the hospital. I am really enjoyng being able to care for Elsie in our home. She has such a sweet disposition thus far. She really only cries if she is dirty or hungry.
Love y'all,
Ellen
So glad to hear everything's going well at home! Austin has his days and nights confused and it was terrible. The only advice that I have is to try to keep Elsie awake as much as you can during the day. Open the blinds, turn on lights, etc. to let her know it's day time. Newborns are supposed to sleep a lot during the day, but getting her used to daytime stuff will help with her confusion.
ReplyDeleteI want to hold her!
ReplyDeleteEllen, we are so happy to hear you are home! congratulations and you have it right: ENJOY her!!! She won't be little for long. I promise you that.
ReplyDelete