Oral stimulation

My first day out of the hospital started out not so great. We had a lot of things we wanted to do before Jack has to go back to work and I am on my own and not supposed to drive. By the time we actually got to the hospital to see baby Elijah, it was late in the afternoon. My sister met us there and came with me while I pumped.

So it completely made my day to see a neat little row of stitches instead of a gaping hole. The nurse said he is also on a lower dose of all pain medications and blood pressure medication, completely off the sedative (versed), and had his catheter and central line removed.

Even better, she introduced me to "oral stimulation." She got out a pacifier and then told me that lots of parents get a little nervous when they see it, but that since our baby hasn't had any practice sucking, part of his treatment is to help him move his mouth muscles more to get him ready for feeding later. She let me use my finger instead of a pacifier, and so I got to massage his gums and mouth and encourage him to suck.

Best of all, since they're letting him wake up more so he can practice breathing and moving on his own, Elijah moved his arms and legs and opened his eyes. My sister is sure it's because he recognized my voice. I hope so. He definitely was more active when I was talking to the nurse about how his day (and mine) had gone. He even held my finger.

I'm in love.

Added by Jack: More graphics pics here. This time his chest is closed.