27 weeks

Today Jensen is 27 weeks gestation and one of the 'old kids on the block' around here. He has had a quiet couple of days as he has been behaving himself and all the other new babies need much more attention than he. This doesn't mean he's not getting the attention he needs, just that the doctors aren't too worried about him at the moment.

Jensen had a platelet transfusion this evening which went well and was about to have a change of respiration tube as we said goodnight. The tube has a leak, which means he's not getting the whole amount the machine is giving him. This is because he has grown out of this tube and requires one that is half a millimetre bigger. It's hard to explain and understand but he is getting enough, although the right amount will help him progress quicker onto the CPAP machine.

His oxygen has been great today and down around 24. Regular air is 21 so not far off.... Yesterday he was up to 40 and 60 at times so he has had that nicely under control today.

Jensen received his Zaky hand today. It has been used to cradle his little legs and stop them from flailing around the place and also to keep his massive nappy in place. It looks so enormous next to him, but it seems to comfort him nicely.

I had a chat with the lactation consultant today regarding my milk envy. Not that I'm spying, but I can't help but notice other mums pumping for less time and getting double what I do. I've come to the conclusion that their babies are much bigger than mine, so my body is giving me what I need to feed my little fella. I am going to try and get a bit more sleep when I can and drink some more water and see if that improves things. Our bodies are wonderful mechanisms. As my baby was born prematurely, my body produces milk of a higher concentration. It knows my baby needs more nourishment than others born full term, so provides that within my milk accordingly.

Speaking of other mums, this place is not really a place to strike up random conversations. I know I've avoided them at times as I don't want people to know my business some days. Other days it's good to talk to those going through similar experiences. It's just when others are telling their stories, often of their babies being born at 33 weeks plus and being under weight...only weighing 1.6kgs, and knowing the question "what about your baby" is coming. When I answer with born at 23 weeks weighing 633grams, the imminent expression on their face arrives and I can see them thinking themselves lucky, putting their situation into perspective with ours and giving me a 'poor you' expression. I don't enjoy this. I don't want people to feel sorry for us or show pity through their facial expressions and body language. We are all dealing with a situation that is less than ideal, unplanned, and unexpected. We will all get through this and be stronger and wiser for it. I don't want their pity to lessen my hope and create worry, as I believe deep within my heart Jensen will be just fine and will grow up to be a happy, healthy and mighty strong little boy, and baby step by baby step (or preemie step) he will be home where he belongs with his mummy and daddy.

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