That picture was taken after a low temperature reading. Normally, the babies aren’t really swaddled. Their isolettes keep them warm and toasty and there are ways to position them s o they feel somewhat contained. So I was slightly concerned at how Max would react to his restricted movement. He made some funny little noises, but was mostly just wide-eyed, taking in the scenery.
Other big news: Maxwell had his PICC line removed today! The PICC line is basically like a long-term IV with multiple ports. Various medicines or nutrients can be given to a baby without having to stick him a million times in a million places. The PICC line is great, but does increase the risk for infection. Therefore, they try to get those lines out as soon as they can. Since Max is taking what is considered a “full feed” (for his weight) through his feeding tube he no longer needs any supplemental nutrients through the PICC. Bye-bye NICU hardware!
We’ve had some questions regarding when Mr. Maxwell can go home. There is no exact weight he must meet, but rather a few “tests” he must pass. The doctors estimate he’ll be ready around his due date of May 11 (but I think he’ll see home in April!).
- Max must be able to maintain his own body temperature (he doesn’t have enough fat to do this yet!). One of the nurses said babies usually start to be able to do this when they weigh about 1800 grams. Max currently weighs 1450 grams.
- Max must take all of his feedings orally (no feeding tube).
- Max must have no “spells” for 5 days (a spell is when he stops breathing for a second or 2 which is extremely common for preemies).
- Max must pass the car seat test: sit in the car seat for one hour with no spells.
- Max must have a pediatrician.
Little Max Feet
Max's hat and blanket
Origami made just for Max
The dog watching over Max
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