Day 7

By Wednesday we had figured out the NICU, settled into a routine, and started to catch up on some sleep. I took care of bills in the morning and we packed up to see Naomi. She was doing well and was the last stop for the doctor on the previous day. We learned that this is a good thing since the doctor prioritizes who she sees based on their condition. Naomi's lungs were starting to look better. Earlier we were told that she had hyaline membrane disease (HMD).

HMD is common in preemies and the result of under developed lungs. Since Ana was diagnosed as having HELLP syndrome at 6:30 AM and Naomi was delivered at 2:02 PM, there wasn't enough time for steroids to help Naomi's lungs develop. She received two doses of surfactant within the first 48 hours, which, if I remember correctly, helps Naomi get a jump start on creating her own surfactant. Basically, the surfactant reduces surface tension which helps Naomi's air sacs in her lungs stay open.

We were also told that Naomi has a heart murmur and the most likely cause is patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). This is also common in preemies of Naomi's gestational age. In a normal birth, hormones released later in pregnancy tell the PDA it is time to close. Since Naomi was whisked away rear end first, I don't think the hormones showed up in time. They are monitoring her closely and so far they think everything is going well and they are waiting to see if the hole will close on it's own before ordering an echo.

Grandma and Grandpa Menk also stopped by to say hello to Naomi. Grandma Menk has rapidly surpassed Grandpa Menk when it comes to figuring out social media. She now has her own twitter account to get even more updates on Naomi.

Around 6 PM that evening, Naomi decided a CPAP wasn't for her. She'd grab and pull and pretty soon the CPAP alarm would sound. She did this a couple of times before the doctors orders finally arrived. Naomi was being switched to a nasal cannula! When we arrived in the room after dinner with the g-parents, Naomi was sleeping peacefully enjoying her new breathing machine.

Dad also taught her how to make bubbles after a whopping 3 mL of milk.

And every once in awhile, she gives us a smile when she hears our voice.