Oliver's Book: Ch 4

Yesterday was a really big day for me.  I woke up in the morning and the nurses were taking away one of my machines.  Over the last few days, I have started to breathe a little better, and because of this, I no longer am hooked up to the NIPPV.  This ventilator was primarily used to give me a steady number of breaths per minute, but also added some positive pressure, forcing my lungs to fully expand on my inhale.  Now I breathe with the aid of only a CPAP, which requires me to initiate all of my own breaths.  It isn't always easy for me, but hopefully my lungs will continue to grow stronger.

With the exception of my twice a day "Kangaroo Time", my most favorite part of the day is when Mom and Dad give me what they call "oral care."  Oral care is the application of Momma's breast milk to my lips, gums, and mouth using a standard but sterile q-tip.  This is a really important part of my day, because with the feeding tube going directly to my intestines, I don't get milk into my upper digestive system by any other means.  The milk coats my mouth and esophagus with essential antibodies, and stimulates these important parts of my body so they will be ready for future use.  During my "oral care", I suck on the q-tip, stretch out my arms in contentment, and sometimes cry for more milk.  My mom and dad really love this part of the day.