Milk

Today marks 34 weeks gestational age for Brady. This is a big week for her because 34 weeks is generally when babies can start to grasp the concept of suck/swallow/breathe. Yesterday she had her first two bottle feedings – one on each shift. And today she was able to attempt breastfeeding three times. She’s been trying to nuzzle for about 10 days now and has been getting increasingly coordinated at it. We’re pretty excited about everything because eating on her own is the last step before Brady can come home. A preemie eating on its own is the hardest thing for them to do because they’re so small and get worn out so easily and involves using several different skills simultaneously. How quickly a baby picks up on this varies by baby. The nurses have said sometimes a baby will only take a few days to pick things up and other times it will take weeks. We’re praying and super hopeful that she picks things up sooner rather than later.

As of Sunday, Brady is measuring 17″ long and as of last night’s weigh in she’s 4 pounds 7.5 ounces! Our little girl is getting so big – she’s up almost 18 ounces in 3 weeks – and has made huge progress for a preemie.