Jame is not having a good day today.
Some days you can tell that his little body is working harder to do everything, over all he is just fussy.
His color is not great as well. It is so hard to watch him go through this, as a mommy I just want to make him feel better but I can't.
Thank you for all your love and support you have shown our family already. We are blessed to be surrounded by so many amazing people!!
Tuesday 29 November 2011
Wednesday 23 November 2011
James like to share!!!
James has learned how to share already!!
We have a lot of extra breast milk in this household. We have a stockpile in our freezer, and my moms since we ran our of room in ours.
When we had two freezers full of milk I knew I needed to get rid of some of it, but throwing it out seemed like such a waste of such a precious resource. I know of a few babies who are allergic to formula and breast milk was their only option and I wondered what happened to these babies when their mom's couldn't breast feed for whatever reason?
My research brought me to an organization called Human Milk for Human Babies. I connected with my local chapter on Facebook and was then put in touch with local moms and babies looking for milk.
So far I have donated over 300 oz to 2 different babies! I have a small stockpile on hand if something happens and I need it for James, and I am cycling it through, once I double up the stock pile I pass off the milk to one of the families.
If you are like James and I and have some extra breast milk in your freezer, or know someone who does, you might want to consider donating it.
Here are some of the FAQs from The Human Milk for Human Babies Facebook Page
We have a lot of extra breast milk in this household. We have a stockpile in our freezer, and my moms since we ran our of room in ours.
When we had two freezers full of milk I knew I needed to get rid of some of it, but throwing it out seemed like such a waste of such a precious resource. I know of a few babies who are allergic to formula and breast milk was their only option and I wondered what happened to these babies when their mom's couldn't breast feed for whatever reason?
My research brought me to an organization called Human Milk for Human Babies. I connected with my local chapter on Facebook and was then put in touch with local moms and babies looking for milk.
So far I have donated over 300 oz to 2 different babies! I have a small stockpile on hand if something happens and I need it for James, and I am cycling it through, once I double up the stock pile I pass off the milk to one of the families.
If you are like James and I and have some extra breast milk in your freezer, or know someone who does, you might want to consider donating it.
Here are some of the FAQs from The Human Milk for Human Babies Facebook Page
Q: What is the mission of Human Milk 4 Human Babies Global Network?
A: The mission of Human Milk 4 Human Babies Global Network is to promote the nourishment of babies and children around the world with human milk. We are dedicated to fostering community between local families who have chosen to share breastmilk.
Q: What is informed choice?
A: Informed choice is a choice made by competent individuals, free from coercion, that takes into account sufficient information to make a decision. This information should include the benefits and risks of a course of action, as well as taking into account what alternatives are available, and an individual's intuitive feelings on the subject.
Q: How does it work?
A:
* Find your community page on Facebook.
* Post on the Discussion Tab if you would like to donate or receive breast milk.
* Talk to other mothers on the Wall and check for reminders posted there.
* If you see a post from someone who is a potential match for you, contact them directly via private message or on the discussion board. Here are some guidelines for safe social networking.
***It is in the spirit of informed choice that milk sharing on these pages will occur, and all people posting here will take complete responsibility for the outcome of milk sharing.***
Q: What does HM4HB Global NOT do?
A:
* Support or approve of the selling of breastmilk on our network.
* Provide medical advice or clinical care.
* Screen donors or recipients.
* Provide contracts or questionnaires.
* Decide who should receive breastmilk.
* Collect, store or distribute breastmilk.
* Receive money, payment, donations or funding of any kind.
* Reimburse volunteers/supporters.
* Act as mediators or advisors if difficulties or misunderstandings occur between parties.
* Accept liability for the outcomes associated with sharing breastmilk.
* Expect mothers to try to increase their supply in order to donate or receive milk.
Q: What may be expected of me as a donor and/or recipient?
A: Expectations will vary depending on the family shared with and the donor. You can work out the details together until you are satisfied. Openness and honesty is expected, as well as full disclosure, on the part of all parties involved. The principles of informed choice are of utmost importance in the context of peer-to-peer milk sharing.
Q: What if I am unable to reach an agreement with my donor/recipient or I don’t feel comfortable receiving/giving milk?
A: If the recipient does not feel comfortable with their donor, or vice versa, (s)he is under no obligation to participate in milk sharing with that person. Please post on your HM4HB Global chapter to find a more suitable arrangement. HM4HB Global is not responsible for the outcome of any milk sharing arrangements.
Q: What can I do to provide to my baby the safest possible breastmilk?
A: Full disclosure reduces risk. Suggested points of discussion can include medications, alcohol and drug use. In many countries, testing for infectious diseases is done during routine prenatal/antenatal care. You may be able to consult a health care provider to obtain further testing if desired. Some diseases to consider are HIV, hepatitis B and C, syphilis, HTLV, as well as cytomegalovirus (CMV) and tuberculosis. You can ask for copies of those test results.
If you cannot get a complete picture of the health of your donor, one option is to look into at-home pasteurization.
Q: Is it possible to pasteurize breastmilk at home? What pathogens are destroyed by this process?
A: There is a simple, low-tech form of flash pasteurization, called "flash-heating," that can be done on stove-top at home. Research indicates it can destroy a number of pathogens while retaining the greatest amount of beneficial properties of breastmilk when compared with other types of pasteurization. This process can be done by the recipient just prior to feeding the baby. See this straight-forward explanation for a "how-to" on Flash-heating.
Q: How (and for how long) can milk be stored?
A: Expressed milk can be stored in various breastmilk containers following the manufacturers' instructions. Noting the date on the container will make sure it is consumed within a safe time frame. Storage times will vary based on where it is stored. This link gives information on storage.
Q: What can I do to reduce the risk of contamination?
A: Whether you are using hand expression, a pump, or wet nursing, your hands and supplies should be clean and dry, and your breasts should also be clean and free of sores or blisters. Your pump manual will have information about how to properly use and clean your pump. For more information on hand expression technique, see this video. Also, this page may also be useful.
Q: My baby is healthy, can I still ask for donor milk?
A: Absolutely. There does not need to be a medical reason for your baby to have breastmilk. Human milk is for human babies and children. The Global network does not prioritize recipients, but simply offers an online space where families can connect and make informed milk sharing choices. You can ask for milk for your child at any time and for any reason, regardless of age.
Q: My baby is 4 months old, can I receive milk from a donor whose baby is 12 months old?
A: As babies grow and mature, their nutritional needs also change. It is therefore ideal for donor breastmilk to either come from a mother whose baby is around the same age or from a mother who pumped when her baby was around that same age. However, as per the World Health Organization's guidelines, in most circumstances human milk is preferable to milk substitutes, even when there is a difference in age.
Q: Do I have to use a bottle to feed my baby donor milk?
A: No, many mothers use an at-the-breast supplementer to feed their babies. This device includes a container attached to a small feeding tube that is either taped to the breast or placed inside the baby's mouth while the baby is latched onto the breast. This allows the baby to receive the donor milk while still stimulating mother's breast and taking in any milk she is making. While this device can be purchased, you can also make your own. Some families use a small cup, a dental syringe, a spoon or other methods.
A: The mission of Human Milk 4 Human Babies Global Network is to promote the nourishment of babies and children around the world with human milk. We are dedicated to fostering community between local families who have chosen to share breastmilk.
Q: What is informed choice?
A: Informed choice is a choice made by competent individuals, free from coercion, that takes into account sufficient information to make a decision. This information should include the benefits and risks of a course of action, as well as taking into account what alternatives are available, and an individual's intuitive feelings on the subject.
Q: How does it work?
A:
* Find your community page on Facebook.
* Post on the Discussion Tab if you would like to donate or receive breast milk.
* Talk to other mothers on the Wall and check for reminders posted there.
* If you see a post from someone who is a potential match for you, contact them directly via private message or on the discussion board. Here are some guidelines for safe social networking.
***It is in the spirit of informed choice that milk sharing on these pages will occur, and all people posting here will take complete responsibility for the outcome of milk sharing.***
Q: What does HM4HB Global NOT do?
A:
* Support or approve of the selling of breastmilk on our network.
* Provide medical advice or clinical care.
* Screen donors or recipients.
* Provide contracts or questionnaires.
* Decide who should receive breastmilk.
* Collect, store or distribute breastmilk.
* Receive money, payment, donations or funding of any kind.
* Reimburse volunteers/supporters.
* Act as mediators or advisors if difficulties or misunderstandings occur between parties.
* Accept liability for the outcomes associated with sharing breastmilk.
* Expect mothers to try to increase their supply in order to donate or receive milk.
Q: What may be expected of me as a donor and/or recipient?
A: Expectations will vary depending on the family shared with and the donor. You can work out the details together until you are satisfied. Openness and honesty is expected, as well as full disclosure, on the part of all parties involved. The principles of informed choice are of utmost importance in the context of peer-to-peer milk sharing.
Q: What if I am unable to reach an agreement with my donor/recipient or I don’t feel comfortable receiving/giving milk?
A: If the recipient does not feel comfortable with their donor, or vice versa, (s)he is under no obligation to participate in milk sharing with that person. Please post on your HM4HB Global chapter to find a more suitable arrangement. HM4HB Global is not responsible for the outcome of any milk sharing arrangements.
Q: What can I do to provide to my baby the safest possible breastmilk?
A: Full disclosure reduces risk. Suggested points of discussion can include medications, alcohol and drug use. In many countries, testing for infectious diseases is done during routine prenatal/antenatal care. You may be able to consult a health care provider to obtain further testing if desired. Some diseases to consider are HIV, hepatitis B and C, syphilis, HTLV, as well as cytomegalovirus (CMV) and tuberculosis. You can ask for copies of those test results.
If you cannot get a complete picture of the health of your donor, one option is to look into at-home pasteurization.
Q: Is it possible to pasteurize breastmilk at home? What pathogens are destroyed by this process?
A: There is a simple, low-tech form of flash pasteurization, called "flash-heating," that can be done on stove-top at home. Research indicates it can destroy a number of pathogens while retaining the greatest amount of beneficial properties of breastmilk when compared with other types of pasteurization. This process can be done by the recipient just prior to feeding the baby. See this straight-forward explanation for a "how-to" on Flash-heating.
Q: How (and for how long) can milk be stored?
A: Expressed milk can be stored in various breastmilk containers following the manufacturers' instructions. Noting the date on the container will make sure it is consumed within a safe time frame. Storage times will vary based on where it is stored. This link gives information on storage.
Q: What can I do to reduce the risk of contamination?
A: Whether you are using hand expression, a pump, or wet nursing, your hands and supplies should be clean and dry, and your breasts should also be clean and free of sores or blisters. Your pump manual will have information about how to properly use and clean your pump. For more information on hand expression technique, see this video. Also, this page may also be useful.
Q: My baby is healthy, can I still ask for donor milk?
A: Absolutely. There does not need to be a medical reason for your baby to have breastmilk. Human milk is for human babies and children. The Global network does not prioritize recipients, but simply offers an online space where families can connect and make informed milk sharing choices. You can ask for milk for your child at any time and for any reason, regardless of age.
Q: My baby is 4 months old, can I receive milk from a donor whose baby is 12 months old?
A: As babies grow and mature, their nutritional needs also change. It is therefore ideal for donor breastmilk to either come from a mother whose baby is around the same age or from a mother who pumped when her baby was around that same age. However, as per the World Health Organization's guidelines, in most circumstances human milk is preferable to milk substitutes, even when there is a difference in age.
Q: Do I have to use a bottle to feed my baby donor milk?
A: No, many mothers use an at-the-breast supplementer to feed their babies. This device includes a container attached to a small feeding tube that is either taped to the breast or placed inside the baby's mouth while the baby is latched onto the breast. This allows the baby to receive the donor milk while still stimulating mother's breast and taking in any milk she is making. While this device can be purchased, you can also make your own. Some families use a small cup, a dental syringe, a spoon or other methods.
Tuesday 22 November 2011
Our Pre-op Day
Wow that was a long day!!!
We had to arrive at the hospital at 7:30 a.m. Thank GOD for Tim Hortons in the hospital. Poor James had to be put into an x-ray tube, let me tell you he was not a happy Camper, DH could hear him screaming out in the waiting area. Poor little monkey was stuffed into something like this
Then we headed up to the Cardiac Unit to meet with our Pre-op Nurse. We had to fill out paperwork on James' History. The form we had to fill out is used for all patients from age 0 to age 18. I had a little chuckle when I answered the question "Does your child smoke" and Could you child be Pregnant.
We met with a surgical fellow who explained everything they would be doing. We met the surgeon who went over everything again and answered all the questions that had come up after talking to the fellow.
We then met the anesthesiologist who we LOVED!! But this is where I started to break down. The part of the whole surgery day that scares me the most is having to hand James over to the surgical team. We found out today that from the time we hand him over to the time he is asleep is only going to be 5 - 10 minutes which made me feel so much better!! I was afraid he was going to be awake and without us for longer.
We then found out the Pre-op blood work we did a few weeks ago need to be re-done because it contained blood clots. So back down to the outpatient lab we went.
After the blood work we met back up with the Nurse and took a tour of the unit James is staying on, and went over everything we need to pack, what to expect. They showed us pictures of what James is going to look like with all the tubes and wires.
So now all we have to do is wait and avoid germs for the next 2 weeks.
We had to arrive at the hospital at 7:30 a.m. Thank GOD for Tim Hortons in the hospital. Poor James had to be put into an x-ray tube, let me tell you he was not a happy Camper, DH could hear him screaming out in the waiting area. Poor little monkey was stuffed into something like this
 |
| Image from blowery.org |
Then we headed up to the Cardiac Unit to meet with our Pre-op Nurse. We had to fill out paperwork on James' History. The form we had to fill out is used for all patients from age 0 to age 18. I had a little chuckle when I answered the question "Does your child smoke" and Could you child be Pregnant.
We met with a surgical fellow who explained everything they would be doing. We met the surgeon who went over everything again and answered all the questions that had come up after talking to the fellow.
We then met the anesthesiologist who we LOVED!! But this is where I started to break down. The part of the whole surgery day that scares me the most is having to hand James over to the surgical team. We found out today that from the time we hand him over to the time he is asleep is only going to be 5 - 10 minutes which made me feel so much better!! I was afraid he was going to be awake and without us for longer.
We then found out the Pre-op blood work we did a few weeks ago need to be re-done because it contained blood clots. So back down to the outpatient lab we went.
After the blood work we met back up with the Nurse and took a tour of the unit James is staying on, and went over everything we need to pack, what to expect. They showed us pictures of what James is going to look like with all the tubes and wires.
So now all we have to do is wait and avoid germs for the next 2 weeks.
Monday 21 November 2011
A Jolly Fellow
Today I met a Jolly Fellow called Santa!!
Mommy and Daddy say he is going to bring me presents!!!
Mommy and Daddy say he is going to bring me presents!!!
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