Oliver

While I was in the hospital they looked at Oliver. At that point I was 33 weeks. My amniotic fluid looked good. His kidneys are now normal bilaterally (Praise Jesus!) and he is about 5 pounds.
We were able to talk extensively to the neonatalogist and my friend who works the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) about what to expect if Ollie comes early. Prior to 36 weeks they worry about three things. First is breathing, often little ones don't remember to breathe or need help maintaining oxygen saturation so we can expect some sort of breathing apparatus like a nasal cannula or oxygen tent. Second they have a hard time keeping body temperature so lots of skin to skin contact or in a warmer. Third, feeding is often uncoordinated & takes lots of practice. He will probably be fed through an IV or nasal gastric tube... then slowly start practicing breastfeeding.
If he delivers prior to 36 weeks he will most likely spend that remaining gestation period in the NICU. Everyday I can keep him inside me will save us a day of NICU.
I really can't imagine having my baby & not taking him home... it would be really hard & then to try to juggle my other children & home life while spending as much time with Oliver as possible... it would be hard.
However, selfishly, I have to admit I am so over being pregnant. The contractions are down right annoying & sometimes painful, they continue night & day so sleep is worse than ever. And I am just so ready to go through labor & start my life as a new mother again. All the waiting & anticipation is tiring....