Olivia is doing great on the bubbles still! So proud of her. Her steroid regimen ended on Friday, so on Monday they decided to try her on 7 and she has been doing well. She hasn’t needed much more oxygen support than when she was on bubbles of 8.
I can’t remember if I explained in detail about the bubble/CPAP machine she is on, so here is a little more detail or at least a refresher. The bubble/CPAP provides pressure to her lungs without being on a ventilator, while also still providing oxygen support. So, the lowest she would go on Bubbles/CPAP is a 5. Some babies just go straight to room air after that but some go to high flow oxygen through a cannula. With her lung history, I think that is probably what will happen. She can’t try to bottle feed until she is on a lower amount of oxygen support. If she is on high flow it would need to be 2 liters or less. From the doctor’s notes they are going to take it slow and not lower her bubble settings more than once a week unless she miraculously shows that she doesn’t need the higher settings.
One question we are frequently asked, “When will Olivia be able to come home?” We have wondered that as well, but unfortunately it is difficult to predict the exact date. It depends on her progress. With how things have gone and how Liv takes her time, my guesstimate is February. But we will just have to see.
And just a refresher, the goals she needs to meet in order to go home are:
- 4lbs – DONE!
- Minimum oxygen support
- Bottle Feed
As many of you know, my favorite artist is Taylor Swift. A trend that is popular with fans of hers are friendship bracelets. I thought it would be fun to make Team Olivia bracelets for our primary nurses. I asked each of them what their favorite colors were, created, and delivered them. They all really loved them and a few of them have even told me they wear them when they are at home. So sweet. Here is a photo of a few of them:
Lil’ Liv’s Numbers:
- Age: 87 days
- Gestation: 38 weeks
- Weight: 5lbs and 11oz
Until next time…
The One... 