Puke, NPO, Apologies, and Naughty, Naughty Mommy

Well the puke never stopped, even when they stopped dumping food down his nose to his belly. He continued to throw-up through the night and well into the next day. They did hold the horses and we did get to talk to Dr. Aiken. We have had many apologies and the whole 'team' is aware that they over-stepped and we definitely should have been a part of the decision on wether or not to be so aggressive with his feeding. Putting the focus back in the best place helped us remember that he is our son and while we aren't doctors, we do know a thing or two about him :)

One of the fellows helped Sam advocate for getting the feeding tube removed; he is much happier without that! Everyone concurs that this 'plan' was much too aggressive for little Malachi's system and all the tests and x-rays prove it. He is fine, his system is fine, they were just way too eager and aggressive. Ahh, music to our ears. We are very much less is more type people, and parents, and although we do understand, and appreciate very much, the need for medicine and intervention when necessary, sometimes it's just not necessary.

He was NPO for 24 hours and as of rounds this morning they decided to start with 20 mls every 3 hours for 24 hours and go from there. We are back to burping often and for hours and helping him through the discomfort of a tummy that has never been eager to receive food. Funny thing how everyone forgot too easily that his belly has been uncomfortable and he hasn't wanted anything in it for his entire little life. Anyhow, we are taking it slow and he is enjoying his 20 mls. He shows every sign that he's ready for more and wants to eat every 2 hours, but we are on board with the gentle approach and allowing his system to wake back up slowly.

Yesterday he seemed back to his regular self which was such a joy to see. The only thing wrong was that he wanted to eat and couldn't. Dr. Aiken agreed that putting him to 'dry breast' so he could comfort and maybe get a few drops was a good idea. Woo Hoo!

I have a secret. Want to know? Well you see when it takes 20 minutes to pump, 10 or so minutes to wash and sterilize parts, a few minutes to use the restroom, get a quick snack, refill my water, and scrub in to go back into his pod, you see when all those things take that long and you get back to your baby let's say a good hour or so after pumping, well let's just say that 'dry breast' might not have been so 'dry' if you know what I mean.

All I know is he was clearly communicating that he wanted to nurse and it felt like the absolute best thing to do and I have not a single regret, not one. It was so great to see him so comfortable and hear his cute little swallows and see his zonked out milk running out of his mouth coma. It was a beautiful thing. And I'd do it again even if they were all staring right at me telling me I was not allowed, because sometimes a mommy just knows best, sometimes.

And in case you are wondering, he didn't vomit a single drop back up, because he got to suck when he wanted and swallow when he wanted and stop when he wanted and no one was there to dump a bunch down a tube when he decided he was done. Rebel with a fabulous cause, that's me!

Here's to thoughts and prayers on Malachi's behalf and for the doctors to see the best for Malachi as well. Thank you - we really appreciate your help on this journey.