Kymani NICU Update 6/23/2017: Photos, Progress, & Daily Activities

by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff

All Images  6/23/2017 © Lyn Lomasi & Richard Rowell; All Rights Reserved

How's our little Kymani doing in the NICU? Find out what she's up to with the photos, info, and slideshows below.

Kymani was fast asleep when we walked into her room this morning. She's always so cozy and cuddly. Our little fighter gained 50 grams again last night. Yay! Keep going so we can bring you home as soon as possible.

More Kangaroo Care And Its Importance

Kangaroo care has still been extremely important for Kymani, as it helps regulate her body temperature, among many other physical and emotional benefits.

During kangaroo care, it's important that her skin touches mine and that she is tucked inside any clothing, much like a kangaroo pouch.

This puts her near my chest so that she can hear my heartbeat, but also stimulates important medical responses from both Kymani and myself.

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It has been scientifically proven that a baby needs to be near their mother as often as possible, especially in the moments and days directly following birth. Kangaroo care can also be done by daddy. It is just prioritized with the mother, due to the neurological and other responses. Though, there are some benefits to daddy doing kangaroo care and simply being with the baby, as well.

We like to take turns as much as possible, being mindful of the health benefits, as well as what Kymani seems to want and need,  and trying to follow a pattern that is in line with that.

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Here are some photos of Kymani sleeping peacefully after having a diaper change, temperature, feeding, and kangaroo care. She really needs the kangaroo care right now for the temperature regulation, as well as the regulation of her heartbeat and breathing. It's been evident from her monitoring that those things are better when she is getting held, especially when kangaroo care is involved.

Nova's Getting More Used To Being Here

In the beginning, it was a struggle keeping Nova in the hospital room and keeping her busy and happy. She has been getting more used to "strangers" (aka nurses and other medical staff) coming in and out. Nova also likes to play and is finally learning that Kymani cannot join in the play yet.

She likes interacting with Kymani and sitting in our laps peacefully and gently touching and talking to her sister. She has also started talking to and playing with the staff, rather than hiding or crying when they come in, which is very good. Here's  a fun slideshow of all Nova.

Kymani Likes Interacting With Daddy

Here's a fun slideshow of Rich holding Kymani and talking to her. You can see how she pays attention to him. She really enjoys it when we talk to her and hold her.

Kymani's Goals And Progress

Kymani's goals still remain the same. Eat and grow, eat and grow, eat and grow! So, please continue to send us healthy, positive thoughts toward Kymani's growth and her progress on breastfeeding. She latches on every day, but is currently only able to suckle for a few seconds or so. This is actually more than most preemie babies do at her stage. So, she is already ahead, but we of course hope she keeps progressing so we can bring her home.

Keep an eye on the blog for more of Kymani's journeys!