Our beautiful gift, Aspyn had to spend 6 days in the NICU at the Chinook Regional Hospital in Lethbridge after she was born. As soon as she entered this magnificent world she was a bright shade of indigo. Although I am a lover of purple, I knew that wasn't the best colour for a newborn. Moments after our eyes briefly met and our hearts interlocked for what will be my eternity, she was whisked away to the NICU - "She just needs some oxygen", I overheard nurse Quinn graciously state, followed by, "but she is so beautiful". Aspyn spent 2 days in an isolette with oxygen pumping to regulate natural levels. Our first interactions were through 2 relatively small holes where my arms could go inside to touch her. Her body, so tiny, so warm, so fresh, so perfect. Watching her breath, sleep, grow from behind a plastic wall was difficult for my heart but I knew it was the best place for her. Every 3 hours I could take her out, hold her in my arms and feed her, all while holding an oxygen tube next to her nose. I became very good at learning to do the work of 4 arms with only 2. After 2 days, our little Warrior had learned to regulate her oxygen levels and she could now live in an open isolette. My heart was bursting with joy to see her growth! On day 3, our little angel was struggling with her feeds. Her muscle tone in her mouth and overall fatigue - all in relation to the Trisomy 21 (Down Syndrome) was causing her to be a messy eater (not keeping much in her mouth) and fall asleep during feedings. At this point a Nasalgastro tube was placed up her nose and into her tummy. Milk was poured into a syringe and attached to the tube where gravity would allow it to flow through the tube and into her tummy. This would ensure that Aspyn was still getting all the nutrients she needed every 3 hours. This is called 'garvage' feeding.
Barry and I were back and forth to and from the hospital every 3 hours to feed our little angel. Between brief moments of Marleigh smooches, a quick bite to eat or a coffee run, we were EXHAUSTED and what I refer to as "running on pure love". Marleigh had not met Apsyn yet as there is a Measles epidemic here in Lethbridge so no children under 18 are allowed in several areas of the hospital including the NICU. (Vaccinate your kids people!!!!)
After 5 days and no real improvement with oral feeding, I was saddened to think that Aspyn might be in the NICU for a while longer. Barry continued to remind me that this was the best place for her and in my heart I knew that too. Wet met with her pediatrician Dr. Levin (most amazing woman....truly) and we were informed that because she is doing so well with her garvage feedings and we are doing so well managing them as well, there is no real reason Aspyn needed to stay in the NICU any longer. I burst into tears as the thought of bringing her home seemed so far off and now was our reality.
That evening we were moved from the NICU up to Pediatrics and I stayed over night with Aspyn. I set my alarm for every 3 hours, garvage fed, changed diapers, etc. just like I would at home to ensure I felt comfortable leaving the hospital. The next day Barry and I were further educated on garvage feeding and inserting/removing the NG tube as we would have to do it at home. 2pm, November 16th we were discharged from the hospital and on our way home!!
The nurses of the NICU, Quinn, Melanie, Stacey, Dawn, Crystal, and dozens more who may be nameless, will always be our Earth Angels. From the depth of our souls, thank you for taking such excellent care of our hearts during a challenging time. Our experience will forever be one of love and compassion. Thank you!
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