By KIM NANCE
Kosciusko Home Care & Hospice, Inc., Business Development Manager
All first time parents look forward to the birth of their baby with great hope and some fear. Fear of whether or not they will know how to take care of their baby or how they will adjust to around-the-clock care for their baby and the related lack of sleep.
For new parents Tyler and Kelly, their reality was even more fearful. Their son Cameron was born at 29 weeks gestation and weighed only 2 pounds, 4 onces. Because of his low birth weight and underdeveloped lungs, Cameron spent eight weeks at Lutheran Hospital, Fort Wayne, in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
During his stay, his parents completed CPR classes and apnea monitor training. Tyler and Kelly shared that it was frightening at first to hold him but the nurses made them feel comfortable and confident.
When Cameron was ready to go home, Kosciusko Home Care & Hospice was contacted for nurse visit services. Home Care Nurse Lindy visits two days a week to check his weight and monitor his health. Gaining ounces is a big accomplishment for a preemie.
Cameron has been gaining one-half ounce each day and now weighs 4 pounds, 14 onces at 2 months. Kelly made the decision to breast feed because breast milk contains many important antibodies that help fight disease and prevent infection. These added benefits are especially important to vulnerable preemies.
Community partner Heartline Pregnancy Center provided the family with a welcome home package which included preemie diapers, parenting guides, nursing pads, and a handmade baby blanket.
Cameron is blessed to have parents and grandparents that adore him and it is a privilege for nurse Lindy and Kosciusko Home Care & Hospice to be a part of his care.
