For Braylin's Sake!

We have been HOME for one whole week.
Braylin is 9 weeks old.
Gestational age 39 weeks

It's hard to believe.

Sometimes I sit and stare at Braylin

and STILL can't believe that she's mine.

 

We've already been to her first pediatrician appointment during the first week home and Braylin did so well. She didn't cry one time! She's continued to gain weight and we have increased her feeds slightly. GOOD JOB BRAYLIN!

FIRST WELLNESS CHECK

JUST BEING A MOM!

We go back to the doctor soon for a weight check and THEN return the following week for Braylin's first round of vaccinations--- I will be investing in some water proof mascara before then.

My mom came for the first week home and helped me to establish a routine. Now I have a daily routine for waking up, eating times, bath time, bed time, and taking care of myself in the middle. Mom helped so much with washing our clothes, dishes, organizing Braylin's clothes/drawers. She took care of Braylin so I could catch up on lost sleep. She even cooked for us! What would we do without mommas? My mom is PRETTY SPECIAL! But now that she has gone back home, reality has really set-in. I HAVE A BABY THAT I'M RESPONSIBLE FOR!

And I love it.

Braylin and I are getting along just fine... except for a couple of nights that she was really ugly to me. She's apologized for those nights and we have already moved on. ha! It is such a blessing that I'm able to stay home with my angel. My sole job is to take care of her. Best job in the world.  I stare at her and memorize each little God-created-stitch on her body. Sometimes we sing and sometimes we talk about her big brother in heaven (We know he watches over us!). ALL that we do together is a gift. Every bit of our journey has been worth this little girl being in my arms.

IMPORTANT NOTE TO FAMILY AND FRIENDS
FOR BRAYLIN'S SAKE

As much as we want to share our new angel with the whole world, we have been advised by our doctors to keep visitors to a minimum at this time. Before Braylin was discharged from NICU,  the first and last thing we were told is to KEEP HER IN THE HOUSE and away from people for several months during RSV season. What you may think is a common cold or even allergies can be deadly to a preemie like Braylin.

We cannot afford for germs to be brought into our home.

So as a very "follow the rules" type of mother that has been through so much--

visitors are discouraged right now.

Family and close friends,  you will be washing your hands thouroughly upon arriving at our door.

Every room has a bottle of hand sanitizer and we have plenty of soap.
Call me crazy,
but this Momma is boss,
and these are the rules. No exceptions!

(and a reminder to close family: flu and whooping cough shots have been strongly advised--
do it for Braylin's health. )

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SERIOUSNESS OF RSV:

What is RSV?

RSV is MORE THAN A COLD! RSV stands for respiratory syncytial virus. This is a very common virus, one that virtually all children contract by the time they are two years old. The virus causes a lung infection that can make some babies and young children very sick. RSV is the leading cause of pneumonia and bronchiolitis in babies and is the most frequent cause of lower respiratory tract infections in children. According to a study published in the Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal in July 2002, RSV is the leading cause of hospitalization of infants under the age of one. In addition, RSV is thought to play a major role in the development of childhood asthma.In high-risk pediatric patients, RSV lower respiratory tract infections can lead to hospitalization, ICU admission, mechanical ventilation and possibly death.* Premature babies and infants with chronic lung conditions are at increased risk for complications from serious RSV disease.


Is RSV serious?

In most adults and children RSV results in a simple cold. However, premature babies and toddlers or those with lung problems can become gravely ill. During RSV season up to 125,000 infants and young children will be admitted to the hospital as a result of RSV infection. Sadly, about 2% of these children may die from complications associated with it


How is RSV contracted?



It is very, very easy to contract RSV. It is spread by physical contact (such as shaking hands with an infected person) or by air droplets (caused by an infected person sneezing or coughing). RSV can also live for up to 6 hours on surfaces, such as doorknobs, telephones, faucet handles, counters or used tissues, burp cloths. RSV infections are very common in areas where people are crowded together (either in living together or even taking mass transportation) and in day-care centers. In homes where there are multiple children, RSV can spread very rapidly from child to child. Older brothers and sisters may bring the virus home from school or friends' homes.


Can RSV infection be prevented?



To help protect your baby, there are simple steps that parents and caregivers can take:






Have family members and caregivers wash their hands with warm water and soap, especially before touching your children. If you have other children, have them wash their hands frequently, especially after returning from school or daycare. (See more about proper hand washing.)


Avoid being around the baby if you have a cold or fever


Avoid exposing the baby to other children with cold symptoms. Anyone with a cold or fever should avoid being around your children.


Keep the baby away from crowds and avoid close contact with others. To help explain te risks of RSV and how to help protect your at-risk infant(s), download our Letter to Family Members and Friends. (PDF)


It is critical that you never allow smoke around your children.


Wash bedding and toys often.


Don't share personal items such as pacifiers, eating utensiles, toothbruches, etc, with other children.