I am thrilled to announce that Brody's bilirubin level was only 6.9 at his appointment yesterday. Since it was well below 11 we are able to be D-O-N-E with the bili blanket. I cannot wait for the Apria Healthcare representative to pick it up!
Last night Brody slept in his crib for the first time and I actually got to swaddle him. He slept so much better and so did I!
When I got home from the appointment I immediately changed him into a sweet little gown and left it on him until it was dirty. That was so fun to have a clothed little boy! I also held him a ton and both the girls held him today. I feel like we have our normal baby back and could not be more excited.
Thank you so much for all the prayers and calls. We feel very loved!
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Friday, October 26, 2007
Brody's Circumcision
Brody was circumcised this morning and didn't cry during the whole procedure - the nurse told the doctor he was a really good baby - then he started wailing as they walked him down the hall to us because he was hungry! He is a little trooper.
His bilirubin level was 13 today so we do have to continue with the bili blanket. We're trying to decide if we want to go back on Monday or wait for his 2 week on Wednesday. We'd love to be done with the phototherapy all together but don't want to go prematurely, either. We'll see what happens.
Marsha Mays stayed with the girls while we went to the doctor. They played dress-up and watched a Christmas Dora video. They are loving all of the fun activities and visitors they've had during the last few weeks. They both want to hold Brody all the time, which is why I would love to be done with the bili blanket. It's all in God's hands, though, and ultimately this is not that big of a deal!
His bilirubin level was 13 today so we do have to continue with the bili blanket. We're trying to decide if we want to go back on Monday or wait for his 2 week on Wednesday. We'd love to be done with the phototherapy all together but don't want to go prematurely, either. We'll see what happens.
Marsha Mays stayed with the girls while we went to the doctor. They played dress-up and watched a Christmas Dora video. They are loving all of the fun activities and visitors they've had during the last few weeks. They both want to hold Brody all the time, which is why I would love to be done with the bili blanket. It's all in God's hands, though, and ultimately this is not that big of a deal!
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Bilirubin is Coming Down
My mom and I took Brody back to Dr. Chea today for another bilirubin check. It registered 17 on the Children's Medical Center machine (she it would probably be 16 on the GHS machine).
Dr. Chea also explained why babies have neonatal jaundice. When they are in the womb they need lots of red blood cells to pull oxygen from the placenta. Once they are born and start pulling oxygen on their own, the body starts to kill the red blood cells. These dead red blood cells are called bilirubin and they sometimes overload the liver, causing jaundice. The UV light helps the liver break down the bilirubin faster. That's why with low bilirubin levels, sunlight is enough, but with higher ones, the phototherapy is necessary.
Brody will be circumcised on Friday at 11:45 and afterwards they'll check his bilirubin levels again. We're hoping for an 11, so we can send that bili blanket back!
Dr. Chea also explained why babies have neonatal jaundice. When they are in the womb they need lots of red blood cells to pull oxygen from the placenta. Once they are born and start pulling oxygen on their own, the body starts to kill the red blood cells. These dead red blood cells are called bilirubin and they sometimes overload the liver, causing jaundice. The UV light helps the liver break down the bilirubin faster. That's why with low bilirubin levels, sunlight is enough, but with higher ones, the phototherapy is necessary.
Brody will be circumcised on Friday at 11:45 and afterwards they'll check his bilirubin levels again. We're hoping for an 11, so we can send that bili blanket back!
Monday, October 22, 2007
Thank you, Jesus, for 17
Dr. Chea just called and the bilirubin level came down and registered a 17! I think God wanted to show off a little bit with this situation!
Dr. Chea said I could continue breastfeeding and using the bili blanket and she will check him again tomorrow. Thank you so much, Lord!
Dr. Chea said I could continue breastfeeding and using the bili blanket and she will check him again tomorrow. Thank you so much, Lord!
Can a woman forget her baby who nurses at her breast?
Can she withhold compassion from the child she has borne?
Even if mothers were to forget, I could never forget you!
Can she withhold compassion from the child she has borne?
Even if mothers were to forget, I could never forget you!
Isaiah 49:15 NET Bible
5 Days Old
Brody is 5 days old today and we are praising God for him over and over. He is a cute little bundle and I just want to hold him all the time! His first few days of life have not been super easy, but the first two weeks with both the girls were hard, too, so I was prepared for it.
Brody's respiratory problem, TTN, resolved itself within 36 hours and I was allowed to try nursing on Thursday night. He did great several times in a row and his Respiratory Rate dropped down to 58 from the high 70's/80's so he was taken off the TTN protocol. Thank you so much for your prayers. God has been showing us how much He loves our little man, too!
Nursing has been a challenge since my milk came in. I'm having problems with overactive letdown again (had the same problem with Sydney). I am pumping, using warm compresses and trying to prep as best I can for him beforehand. Feedings are sometimes taking 2 hours and he's supposed to be eating every 2-1/2 hours so I'm a little sleepy, but Stephen has been so wonderful to change his diaper, get him undressed and ready to eat!
Our concern now is with his jaundice or bilirubin level. It was 10.3 when we were leaving the hospital and Saturday morning it was 17.3. The pediatrician sent home health to deliver a bili blanket that we've had him on during the day when he's not feeding. We were supposed to put him on it overnight, too, but the home health employee told us not to. I wish that hadn't happened, but it is what it is.
Today we had his level checked again and it registered 20. The machines at our pediatrician's office only go up to 20 so we had to go to the hospital lab and they drew his blood to test it on their bilirubin machines. So now we wait. If the levels are too high, we'll have to take him back to the hospital and admit him for more intensive photo therapy treatment. I think he'll end up getting put under a bili light if that happens.
Also, there is a chance I will have to give him some formula because typically it is easier to get the bilirubins down on a formula fed infant than a breastfed baby. That makes no sense to me, but it is what it is, also. I will do whatever is best for Brody, but the idea of not breastfeeding him does make me sad. I've been a little weepy through this whole process, anyway, so it's not a surprise I'd be sad about that, too. I was sad when I had to supplement with formula in the hospital because his blood sugar levels were low and I wasn't producing enough colostrum.
Anyway, we're just waiting to hear what the results are from the bilirubin test. I am choosing to trust God with all this because He is worthy of our trust, He's shown His faithfulness over and over again AND because He loves Brody more than we ever could. Please pray that in our weak moments we will turn to Him for strength. Thank you so much for loving us, too!
Brody's respiratory problem, TTN, resolved itself within 36 hours and I was allowed to try nursing on Thursday night. He did great several times in a row and his Respiratory Rate dropped down to 58 from the high 70's/80's so he was taken off the TTN protocol. Thank you so much for your prayers. God has been showing us how much He loves our little man, too!
Nursing has been a challenge since my milk came in. I'm having problems with overactive letdown again (had the same problem with Sydney). I am pumping, using warm compresses and trying to prep as best I can for him beforehand. Feedings are sometimes taking 2 hours and he's supposed to be eating every 2-1/2 hours so I'm a little sleepy, but Stephen has been so wonderful to change his diaper, get him undressed and ready to eat!
Our concern now is with his jaundice or bilirubin level. It was 10.3 when we were leaving the hospital and Saturday morning it was 17.3. The pediatrician sent home health to deliver a bili blanket that we've had him on during the day when he's not feeding. We were supposed to put him on it overnight, too, but the home health employee told us not to. I wish that hadn't happened, but it is what it is.
Today we had his level checked again and it registered 20. The machines at our pediatrician's office only go up to 20 so we had to go to the hospital lab and they drew his blood to test it on their bilirubin machines. So now we wait. If the levels are too high, we'll have to take him back to the hospital and admit him for more intensive photo therapy treatment. I think he'll end up getting put under a bili light if that happens.
Also, there is a chance I will have to give him some formula because typically it is easier to get the bilirubins down on a formula fed infant than a breastfed baby. That makes no sense to me, but it is what it is, also. I will do whatever is best for Brody, but the idea of not breastfeeding him does make me sad. I've been a little weepy through this whole process, anyway, so it's not a surprise I'd be sad about that, too. I was sad when I had to supplement with formula in the hospital because his blood sugar levels were low and I wasn't producing enough colostrum.
Anyway, we're just waiting to hear what the results are from the bilirubin test. I am choosing to trust God with all this because He is worthy of our trust, He's shown His faithfulness over and over again AND because He loves Brody more than we ever could. Please pray that in our weak moments we will turn to Him for strength. Thank you so much for loving us, too!
the bili blanket brody by day glow worm by night
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Brody Garrett Fowler
Brody Garrett Fowler
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
5:48 p.m.
8 lbs 13 oz
21 inches
Greenville Memorial Hospital--Room 6417
(864) 455-7000
The Fowlers welcome visitors 9 a.m.-9 p.m. and should be discharged tomorrow. However, one item of prayer is that Brody's breathing goes down from 80 breaths per minute to 60 or less so that HE will be able to go home tomorrow as well--he most likely has something called TTN (I hope I got that right!), and it usually gets better within 24 hours of birth. This is nothing serious, just poses a possibility of needing to be at the hospital a little bit longer.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Almost Ready to Push
At about 5, Sara was more than 9 cm, but not quite to a 10 yet. When I just spoke with her, they were getting everything prepped to begin pushing sometime soon!
5-6 Centimeters
Right after publishing the previous post, I found out that Sara was measuring 5-6 centimeters dilated when she was checked at 3:40 p.m.
Hurry Up and Wait
The last time I talked to Sara was 2:30, and at that time she said she felt like "hurry up and wait" was the theme of today! Her contractions had slowed down quite a bit, so just before we talked they increased her pitocin; and they had not checked her again. I asked for an update the next time they did in fact check her, but I still haven't heard anything---so I guess we're still waiting!
Induction Update!
Sara did get to the hospital this morning shortly after 8:15 but was being "put off" for quite a while...I guess still no beds. She finally got into a labor and delivery room, Room 4, just before noon. Since then, they've been able to move along pretty quickly! She received pitocin at 12:15, her epidural a little before 1:00, and they broke her water at 1:20. She measured 3 cm at the time. I will try to keep updates short and sweet--keep checking back and keep on praying! Soon enough we'll all be able to meet Baby Boy Fowler!
(For those who don't know, updates are in 3rd person because Miranda is posting during labor and delivery, and until the Fowlers have computer access again!)
(For those who don't know, updates are in 3rd person because Miranda is posting during labor and delivery, and until the Fowlers have computer access again!)
Woes of Induction
It's 5:15 am, I'm wide awake and ready to go and the hospital just called. They don't have any BEDS! I have to call them again at 8:15. I have no idea why I cannot drink water now. Maybe I can go back to sleep - Stephen has!
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Car Seats, Seat Belts and an Amnio
Stephen and I met with Dr. Cook today to discuss the amnio again. The thing that helped us make the decision is that not only was he measuring 7 lbs 10 oz at 36 weeks but his head was measuring 39 weeks. We were given the option to wait until he was 38 weeks but were warned that we were likely risking an emergency C-section based on the head measurements. We decided to go ahead with the amnio.
It was not painful at all, though I was shaking while I was waiting for it to happen. It really felt like giving blood, really. When he took the amniotic fluid out, I could feel a change in pressure, and that was weird, but not uncomfortable. After the amnio they put us on the monitor and made sure his heart rate was fine and that I was still feeling him move. It was all fine. Thank you for your prayers!
Dr. Cook checked me before we left and I was dilated 2 cm and the baby's head was "pressing hard" on my cervix. He said I will be an easy induction and that I would probably go into labor this week, either way. Dr. Cook told us to expect to hear the test results either this afternoon or tomorrow around lunchtime. He said if the lungs were "good and mature" we would hear back today.
Stephen went back to work and I went to lunch with my mom. We decided to call the Greer Fire Dept one more time to see if we could get them to install our car seats (three across in the X-Terra - not easy to do!) Praise God the guy who answered the phone is the one who is in charge of car seat installs for the Fire Dept. He told us to come on and he'd help us.
While we were there I got a phone call that his lungs were mature and they want to induce TOMORROW! I felt a range of emotion...my words were "Oh wow". As soon as I got off the phone, the sweet fireman said that our middle car seat was broken!! He was unable to install anything until we got it fixed. So, I took my mom home to stay with Sydney while she napped and drove to the closest Nissan dealership.
The good news is that the seat belt is covered by manufacturer's warranty. The bad news is that he has to order the part and would be in Thursday at the earliest. Since the car seats could not be installed today, I had to go buy two different kinds so that my mom could take the car back to the Fire Dept on Friday (when the sweet fireman is working again) and have them all installed. We will have three different options for car seats. He said if cannot install them three across we will have to have our airbag cut out of the front seat and put one there. Stephen nor I like that option and we are not ready to buy a new car but may have to. Please pray that one of the car seat options will work!
So, I am just getting to the blog because I've been driving around all day. Now I'm going to pack the girls' things so they can go to Gran's with my mom for the night. We have to be at the hospital tomorrow morning at 6 am for induction. Just making the arrangements for the girls was making my head spin today! I am obviously a "spaz" under pressure...but tomorrow will be calmer, and I will get to hold my little boy! Wow, God has been good to us.
It was not painful at all, though I was shaking while I was waiting for it to happen. It really felt like giving blood, really. When he took the amniotic fluid out, I could feel a change in pressure, and that was weird, but not uncomfortable. After the amnio they put us on the monitor and made sure his heart rate was fine and that I was still feeling him move. It was all fine. Thank you for your prayers!
Dr. Cook checked me before we left and I was dilated 2 cm and the baby's head was "pressing hard" on my cervix. He said I will be an easy induction and that I would probably go into labor this week, either way. Dr. Cook told us to expect to hear the test results either this afternoon or tomorrow around lunchtime. He said if the lungs were "good and mature" we would hear back today.
Stephen went back to work and I went to lunch with my mom. We decided to call the Greer Fire Dept one more time to see if we could get them to install our car seats (three across in the X-Terra - not easy to do!) Praise God the guy who answered the phone is the one who is in charge of car seat installs for the Fire Dept. He told us to come on and he'd help us.
While we were there I got a phone call that his lungs were mature and they want to induce TOMORROW! I felt a range of emotion...my words were "Oh wow". As soon as I got off the phone, the sweet fireman said that our middle car seat was broken!! He was unable to install anything until we got it fixed. So, I took my mom home to stay with Sydney while she napped and drove to the closest Nissan dealership.
The good news is that the seat belt is covered by manufacturer's warranty. The bad news is that he has to order the part and would be in Thursday at the earliest. Since the car seats could not be installed today, I had to go buy two different kinds so that my mom could take the car back to the Fire Dept on Friday (when the sweet fireman is working again) and have them all installed. We will have three different options for car seats. He said if cannot install them three across we will have to have our airbag cut out of the front seat and put one there. Stephen nor I like that option and we are not ready to buy a new car but may have to. Please pray that one of the car seat options will work!
So, I am just getting to the blog because I've been driving around all day. Now I'm going to pack the girls' things so they can go to Gran's with my mom for the night. We have to be at the hospital tomorrow morning at 6 am for induction. Just making the arrangements for the girls was making my head spin today! I am obviously a "spaz" under pressure...but tomorrow will be calmer, and I will get to hold my little boy! Wow, God has been good to us.
Monday, October 8, 2007
Sydney - ready to get the PT on
Sydney went #2 on the potty for the first time yesterday and has done it again twice today! Whoo-Hoo! I guess we're potty training now?!?!
Better IS One Day
I was unable to sleep this morning and God brought to mind what I told Him at the Passion Conference in 1999. I remember saying to Him with tears, "If I never have a husband, 2.5 kids, a picket fence and a dog, that's okay, Lord, because for the first time I truly believe YOU are more than enough for me." We sang "Better Is One Day" after I told Him that and I truly meant every word of that song, too.
Better is one day in Your courts than a thousand elsewhere...
Here I am in 2007, with a wonderful husband, 2.5 kids exactly, a dog named Carrie and we actually have a picket fence on the sides of our house. Yet, I still long for that one day in His courts and am as grateful for the family as I am for the strong desire and longing for Jesus that still remains. I hope that I never lose perspective on how great He is, how small I am and how dependent I am on Him for every little thing.
Better is one day in Your courts than a thousand elsewhere...
Here I am in 2007, with a wonderful husband, 2.5 kids exactly, a dog named Carrie and we actually have a picket fence on the sides of our house. Yet, I still long for that one day in His courts and am as grateful for the family as I am for the strong desire and longing for Jesus that still remains. I hope that I never lose perspective on how great He is, how small I am and how dependent I am on Him for every little thing.
37 week baby!
Dr. MacClenahan called me this afternoon and after talking about my situation with Dr. Cook and Dr. Dubose they want me to have an amnio next Tuesday and then schedule induction for next Thursday, Oct 18th.
I found out the amnio needle is not actually poking the baby, but they will take amniotic fluid and test it for certain proteins that indicate strong lung function. Because I have had some strange sugar issues with this pregnancy, that is necessary because if I did have gestational diabetes my placenta would not work as well - possibly hindering his lung development, also.
I also found out the risk of going PAST next week is that he could be so large that he may get his head out and his shoulders could be stuck in the birth canal. Since I've delivered 2 babies that were over 8 lbs before, they feel good about taking him next week when he'll likely be in the 8 lb range again. So, unless things happen on their own before then, I should be having a baby next Thursday!
I found out the amnio needle is not actually poking the baby, but they will take amniotic fluid and test it for certain proteins that indicate strong lung function. Because I have had some strange sugar issues with this pregnancy, that is necessary because if I did have gestational diabetes my placenta would not work as well - possibly hindering his lung development, also.
I also found out the risk of going PAST next week is that he could be so large that he may get his head out and his shoulders could be stuck in the birth canal. Since I've delivered 2 babies that were over 8 lbs before, they feel good about taking him next week when he'll likely be in the 8 lb range again. So, unless things happen on their own before then, I should be having a baby next Thursday!
Sooner Rather Than Later
I saw the OB today and this is what we know. I am 36 weeks, 50 lbs heavier, we're still having a boy and he has some hair on his head. I was surprised to find out that my belly was measuring big so she ordered a growth scan (ultrasound). He is measuring 7 lbs 8 oz (give or take 1 lb). If he gains a half a pound a week he could be really large if we waited several more weeks.
Dr. MacClenahan gave me papers to schedule induction next Monday, Oct 15th. Not sure what to do, I chose to wait and see Dr. Cook on Tuesday, Oct 16th and see if things may happen on their own. If he wants me to be induced after Tuesday, I'll schedule it, but am concerned about our son coming too early and being in the NICU with underdeveloped lungs. Dr. MacClenahan said they may need to do an Amniocentesis to determine whether or not his lungs are developed enough to induce. I hate the thought of poking our little one with a long needle like that!!
Our preference is that we not have an amnio OR induction and so we are asking God to please allow ONLY what He desires for us. The good news is we'll probably have a baby boy next week sometime!
Dr. MacClenahan gave me papers to schedule induction next Monday, Oct 15th. Not sure what to do, I chose to wait and see Dr. Cook on Tuesday, Oct 16th and see if things may happen on their own. If he wants me to be induced after Tuesday, I'll schedule it, but am concerned about our son coming too early and being in the NICU with underdeveloped lungs. Dr. MacClenahan said they may need to do an Amniocentesis to determine whether or not his lungs are developed enough to induce. I hate the thought of poking our little one with a long needle like that!!
Our preference is that we not have an amnio OR induction and so we are asking God to please allow ONLY what He desires for us. The good news is we'll probably have a baby boy next week sometime!
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Prego Update
Last Saturday, while watching the USC/Mississippi State game I had Braxton Hicks contractions every 15 minutes for 6 hours. The contractions did not stop when I would lie on my left side and drink lots of water. It was quite confusing because I knew it wasn't labor but did not know why they would not stop.
I saw the OB on Monday. I am 35 weeks pregnant, 47 lbs heavier and my blood pressure is apparently really low. The Braxton Hicks contractions are NOT "productive" so I am no more likely to go into labor this week than I was last week!
Tonight after women's ministry I plan on watching the DVR'd USC vs. Kentucky game. That may stir things up a little but I will lie on my left side and drink water WHILE I watch - if I have to! Go Gamecocks!!!
I saw the OB on Monday. I am 35 weeks pregnant, 47 lbs heavier and my blood pressure is apparently really low. The Braxton Hicks contractions are NOT "productive" so I am no more likely to go into labor this week than I was last week!
Tonight after women's ministry I plan on watching the DVR'd USC vs. Kentucky game. That may stir things up a little but I will lie on my left side and drink water WHILE I watch - if I have to! Go Gamecocks!!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)