Kangaroo Care

We were not able to hold Cash or Colin until they were three days old.  They needed to be stable and had to have their umbilical cord IVs removed before we could hold them.  We are still waiting to hold Grace.

Preemies are very sensitive to touch and the nurses explained that patting or stroking the babies' skin is uncomfortable for them.  Initially, we were only able to lay our hands on the babies' heads or hold their feet.

I was so excited when the nurses said Cash and Colin were ready to be held!  The nurses let you choose whether you want to hold the baby wrapped in a blanket or do "kangaroo care" with the baby.  When doing kangaroo care, the baby lays against your chest, skin-to-skin.  The March of Dimes has provided the NICU with handheld mirrors so that you can look at the baby's face while he is laying on you.  Having a mirror handy also helps you make sure the baby hasn't smushed his nose into your chest or pulled out a tube.

Our smallest baby, Cash, was ready to be held first.  We loved watching him wring his little hands!  

Cash's first kangaroo care (3 days old)

I was able to hold Colin for the first time on the same afternoon that I held Cash.  Colin waited very patiently for his turn!

Colin's first kangaroo care (3 days old)

Colin was wide awake when it was time for him to go back into his bed.

The following day, Jon held Cash for the first time.  Cash slept soundly the whole time!

Cash (4 days old) and Daddy 

Jon said Colin was much more wiggly than Cash when it was Colin's turn to hang out with Daddy.  Colin even got the hiccups while Jon was holding him!

Colin (5 days old) and Daddy

The lights are really low in the NICU, so it's difficult to get very clear pictures right now.  

We are so appreciative of all of your prayers, encouragement, and support!  Happy Fourth of July from the Williams!