On Demand Feeding

The stress levels have built over the last several days as everyone tries to figure out the best feeding method for Ella. Today everything sort of came to a head and the doctors have decided to put her on an 'on demand' schedule for the next 48 hours, whereby Ella shows us when she is ready to eat and how much. This 48-hour trial period is very important to see if our little girl is actually a big girl who can continue to gain weight without a feeding tube. To help with this trial, mom will be spending the next 48 hrs with Ella to make sure there is consistency and availability for ad hoc feedings.

Over the weekend we will be finishing up the last of her discharge requirements involving the car seat tests and ensuring the seat is properly installed in the car. The car seat test itself is standard for preemies leaving the hospital to make sure they can sit at a 45-degree angle for a certain length of time while maintaining their vitals.

'IF' the 48-hr feeding challenge goes well there is a chance Ella could be home as early as Monday night. We are cautiously optimistic. Certainly want to get through at least 24 hrs before we start celebrating.