Learning to feed wee Keren

Posted by Geraldine

Wee Keren was not strong enough to suck properly, and had to be fed through a wee fine tube, so I was really pleased, when I was able to express my own milk, for Keren’s feeds.

Her feeds were every two hours, and one of the nurses suggested that we could learn to give her the tube feeds. Now, in Antrim Area Hospital, the NG tube (Nasogastric tube) was fed through her mouth, to her stomach, but later, here in the Causeway hospital, when it was due to be changed, it was fed in through her nose, where it remained.

At first, I must admit, I was quite apprehensive about feeding her, but I said I would give it a try, after I had closely watched the nurse doing it several times! I remember Glenn managed a tube feed first, without any problems, and then I too managed to pluck up the courage.

Here is a photo, that Glenn took, of one of Keren’s early feeds…

As we got more confident, we were able to do most of the daytime feeds, and then the night staff kindly took over, so we could get some sleep. The staff really looked after us so well, doing all they could to help. It was nice to be able to lie down, with Keren (and her beeping monitors), within earshot, knowing that she was in good hands.

October 9, 2008 | Filed Under Keren 

Comments

4 Responses to “Learning to feed wee Keren”

  1. Joanna on October 26th, 2008 4:50 pm

    Good to be reading more on this!! Havent been on in a while!

  2. Glenn on October 28th, 2008 12:20 pm

    Welcome back, Joanna!
    Did you have a good time in Romania?

  3. jessica griffin on November 19th, 2008 7:11 pm

    my name is jessica griffin i am 19 years old. my daughter maraya was born on october 20, 2008 weighing 4lbs 4oz also diagnosed with trisomy 18. although i did not learn of her diagnosis untill the day after she was born. when reading your story i feel as if im reading about my own. your every move and thoughts are so simular to my own. she is my first and only child and i am very overwhelmed with the whole thing. i got to take her home 10 days after she was born and just sunday she had an episode and had to be rushed to the hospital where we are now. i am very confused and scared and would really love your thoughts and words of advice. i dont know anyone else that has went through what im going through right now.
    thank you for sharing your story

  4. Geraldine on November 20th, 2008 12:56 am

    Hi Jessica,
    firstly can I say how sorry we are that you are in this situation. I’m sure, like ourselves, it was a big shock for you to learn that your wee daughter had this condition.
    I hope you have got support from family and friends at this time.
    Even though we had Keren for such a short time, we did feel priviledged for the time we had, and so I would say for you to just spend as much time with her as you can and hold her as much as you can. Try not to think too far ahead and just take an hour at a time. Take plenty of photos or even wee videos if possible.
    She must be a wee fighter like Keren was, and I see there was only an ounce difference in their weight,[Keren was 4lb 3oz].
    Jessica, our real source of strength came from God and if you cry unto him for help, he will help you.
    If you prefer to contact us privately, you can do so by using the contact link at the top of the page.
    Please keep in touch.
    Our thoughts and prayers will be with you and wee Maraya.
    Geraldine

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