Sunday, April 18, 2010

Update

After three very rough days little Delia had a great night last night and with some peace and rest she improved so dramatically that she has been taken off of the ventilator and put back on C-PAP respitory aid. This wonderful news means that although she is still getting some help, she is now breathing on her own and her blood is retaining oxygen. She ate this morning for the first real time since she was born and tonight Susanna may get to hold her. She just came to Earth a little too early. She's not quite out of the woods yet but she is well on her way. We consider ourselves very humbly blessed and fortunate. We are grateful for trained medical professionals who care, friends and family who bring congratulations, kind words, food, prayers, flowers, and more (especially those who watched Van for two days!). I wish we could return to your home the love and strength that you have brought to ours. Thank you.


Here is a simple explanation of her situation from the March of Dimes website (a group and event we will be supporting more actively):

Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS): Babies born before 34 weeks of pregnancy often develop this serious breathing problem. RDS is sometimes called hyaline membrane disease. Babies with RDS lack a chemical mixture called surfactant, which keeps the small air sacs in the lungs from collapsing. Treatment with surfactant helps affected babies breathe more easily.


Babies with RDS also may receive a treatment called C-PAP (continuous positive airway pressure). The air may be delivered through small tubes in the baby's nose, or through a tube that has been inserted into his windpipe. As with surfactant treatment, C-PAP helps keep small air sacs from collapsing. C-PAP helps your baby breathe, but does not breathe for him. The sickest babies may temporarily need the help of a ventilator to breathe for them while their lungs recover.

10 comments:

Sydney said...

I'm so pleased with the news. I'm sending something up for the girls with your parents. Big hug and love to all and I can't wait to meet them.

seven smiles said...

I thought that is what might be going on. Did she get a dose of surfactant? I'm so glad to hear of her improvement. (After a week in the NICU, Brock was on home oxygen for a month. Even with his complications,RDS & bilat. pneumonia, I'm happy to report that he is my healthiest child.) I will keep praying for you all. We were able to a sealing yesterday and put Delia's name in the DC temple.

~best wishes and lots of love

krissiecook said...

I am so glad to hear that Delia is doing well, and that things are improving. I'll keep praying and sending lots of love your way.

Teri said...

Oh Delia how we love you and are so proud of you for getting so much stronger and letting your mom and dad and all those who love you rest a little easier. Rest up and get ready to head home hopefully sometime very soon.

Jennifer said...

Hooray for Delia! Let me know if you guys need anything! Really.

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MARTHA said...

Good news! I'm happy for you.

Anonymous said...

Okay - I'm having a hard time leaving my comments.... At any rate - the girls are beautiful (all 3 of them). Our prayers always include your little family and will say extra for Delia. (How early were they?) Hugs and kisses all around. We love you.

The Fillmore Family said...

thanks for the updates. We will all be watching. I remember when Brock came home with a breathing tube--a little scarey but all is well, and it will be for you too! Love, Joanne and Paul

Jennifer said...

It's great to hear that she is improving. Our prayers are still with all of you.