Re: Holding Matthew

Tom Hannah (TOM@clemson.edu)
Thu, 22 Feb 96 17:10 EST


Yes, it is a wonderful experience!!

I don't mind the personal question.
Yes, she is pumping. Every now and then she gets a full 2oz bottle. Our
doctor has told us the same thing as you said. Her milk has more of the
nutrients that Matthew needs. It is a chore...but it is kinda fun
threatening to put everyone who visits on the pump to see how they
do...   :)

Tom Hannah                           Tom@Clemson.EDU
Information Systems Development
Clemson University
Clemson, South Carolina
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On Thu, 22 Feb 96 16:15:44 EST gbangs@earthlink.net (Gary/Tammy) said:
> 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.