Balancing Our New Life Schedule

As we think about the ways our life has changed in the past week or so it is truly amazing.  We are beginning to develop somewhat of a routine.  Although, it does change depending on what Ainsley needs.  The basic parts of our day are:

• Holding Ainsley (Kangaroo Care)
• Pumping breast milk
• Eating ourselves
• Sleeping

Holding Ainsley
We hope to get to hold her at least once a day depending on how she is doing.  As Brandon mentioned in a previous post Kangaroo Care is very important and really helps Ainsley in a variety of ways.  This is an incredibly special time for both of us.  It is so relaxing to hold her, it is really special to know that something we enjoy so much is also really helping her.  What a gift!

Pumping
I pump at least every two to three hours, 24 hours a day - most of the time every two hours, so that always has to be figured into what we are doing.  The nurses recommend skipping one pumping at night so that I can get one about five hour stretch of sleep.  Breast milk is the best thing for Ainsley especially as she is developing.  It feels great to be able to provide that for her.

Eating & Sleeping Ourselves
Along with holding Ainsley and pumping we like to be around when the doctors/nnps do rounds (around 10am) so we can hear updates and the plan for her care.  So, we work to plan eating and sleeping around those things. 

As you can see our life has changed and we wouldn't have it any other way.  It is challenging and rewarding at the same time.