Holding Matthew
Gary/Tammy (gbangs@earthlink.net)
Thu, 22 Feb 96 16:15:44 EST
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I didn't get to hold Taylor until he was 3 weeks old. I remember
tears streaming down my face the whole time.
I am a strong supporter of kangaroo care. Nothing beats skin-to-skin
contact. We did it with Taylor, he was always more quiet, and seemed
to breathe easier laying on my or my husband's chest. They know they
belong there, next to your heart. To this day, it is still Taylor's
favorite position. Whe things overwhelm him all he wants to do is lay
on our chest, his ear to our hearts.
Not to get personal, but is Melinda pumping? I remember how hard it
was for me. I was so proud when I finally go a whole 2 oz.. Just as
I was gloating to my husband about my 'big' accomplishment, another
mother walked by with a bag full of about 8 oz.
There have been studies done, and breastmilk from a preemie-mom
actually contains a higher amount of fat and imunities than that of
full termer. Mother nature is amazing. Pumping is hard, and very
discourageing, but worth it to the kids. Taylor never was able to
actually breast feed, but I pumped for 5 mo. (then I dried up). Plus,
there wasn't alot I could do for him, at least this was something.
I remember feeling so helpless watching other people care for my
child. Other people telling how he was doing each day. I kept
wondering if Taylor even knew who I was, or if I was just another pair
of giant hands to him. That's another reason why kangaroo care is so
important, at least at that moment, I knew he knew me.
Tammy, mom to Taylor and angel Alex, and Travis, wife to mostly 'out
to sea' Gary.