Off the IV

She loves her binkie.

Ciara is doing well again today weighing in at 1lb 13oz. She is completely off of her IV's and is on only breast milk. They are fortifying my milk to add some calories. She is still intubated but she is not on the ventilator. She is on pressurized CPAP so she is breathing on her own but it gives her a little extra push. She will continue to be on this until Friday. She is going to get her eye examination on Thursday to check the retinas. The doctor says it is very stressful for the baby and it will help to keep her intubated just in case she needs to go back on the vent. It is common in preemies to have the retinas stop growing and get inflamed. If this is the case she will need laser surgery. The doctor does not feel that she is as risk and feels very good about the exam. There is another baby here born at 25 weeks and she did not require the surgery. She will have these eye exams every two weeks until her retinas are mature. Her heart rate is still elevated. They believe it is the caffeine. Some babies do not metabolize it well. They are going to try smaller doses and hopefully get it adjusted for her. She is getting 5cc of breast milk per hour and they are increasing it .5cc every 12 hours until they reach 7 cc and then hold it. She seems to be tolerating the feedings well. Please continue to pray for her.