Some of my favorite times of the day are spent snuggling with James. I love when he climbs into my lap and just wants to sit, or when he lays his head on my shoulder and gives me gentle little pats. He’s getting older now and will say, “hug” as he lays his head against me. It just doesn’t get any better than that. I’m so glad he’s a snuggler and likes to be held. I remember the first time I held him, not just in my hands (although that was awesome too), but the first time I Kangaroo’d him.
It was a Friday. James was almost 6 weeks old (39 days to be exact). Andy was back at work a few days a week and I was at the hospital by myself that day. At the time Kangarooing had yet not been discussed for James. At this hospital they typically start doing Kangaroo Care at 30 weeks and James was only 28 weeks. It seems he has a bit of a track record for testing boundaries and pushing the limits. Not sure I’ll be thankful for that the older he gets, but it’s worked out well so far.
James was having a tough day. He had been taken off the oscillator (high frequency ventilator) and placed on a conventional ventilator that Wednesday. He did ok at first, but was really struggling by Friday. His blood gasses weren’t good and they had just about maxed out the settings on the new vent. James could be Kangaroo’d on the conventional vent, but not on the oscillator. His nurse, Genna (who is amazing by the way!), was concerned that James would be back on the oscillator that night, and would be on it for some time. I was absolutely shocked that afternoon when she asked if I wanted to Kangaroo James. I really wanted Andy to be there, but it was either then or wait, possibly weeks, so of course I said yes.
I scrubbed down, sat in the chair, and watched all the commotion as they prepared James to be placed on my chest. Several nurses came to assist Genna. I remember as I watched them and saw how involved this was going to be, I started to panic. I thought something must be very wrong with James if they are going to all this trouble to let me hold him. I wasn’t sure I wanted to know, but I worked up the courage to ask if James was ok. I couldn’t quite get the words out before tears started to fall. Thankfully Genna knew what I was trying to ask, and she assured me he was fine.
Such an amazing feeling to have your baby placed on your skin for the first time.
It was a very coordinated effort as they moved James to my chest. I couldn’t believe how tiny he still was, at six weeks old. When they placed him on my skin it was the most amazing feeling I’ve experienced. They used a mirror so I could see him and watch his face. His eyes were so big at first, but soon he relaxed and slowly fell asleep. Skin to skin contact does amazing things for babies. Somehow they know they belong with us.
Many more days of Kangaroo Care would follow that one, with both Dad and me. And James did not go back on the oscillator that day. Maybe it was a coincidence, but I like to think Kangaroo Care that afternoon had a little something to do with it. I know it helped me get through some tough days in the NICU. And even now if the day isn’t going right, it only takes a little snuggle with James to make it better.
Thankful Daddy was there for the second Kangaroo Care.
Andy’s first time holding his son.
The feeling of James on my skin was always amazing, no matter how many times we Kangaroo’d.
James loved his Kangaroo time with Daddy.
22w6d 
Beautiful!
Brought tears to my eyes, especially when you mentioned your worry over them letting you hold him because something might be really wrong. I kind of got the same impression when I held my James for the first time, he was also about 28 weeks and had just come off the oscillator that day (I never heard any mention of a rule about not being able to hold them until 30 weeks). I never asked when I would be able to hold him because I didn’t think I could handle the answer, just like it took months before I got up the courage to ask when he’d maybe be able to go home.
I feel the same way, there is nothing like a good snuggle to calm our nerves, for both parent and baby.
I think we learn pretty quickly in the NICU not to ask questions about the future. One day at a time, sometimes hour to hour is as far into the future as we go for a long time. Not sure how common a ‘rule’ 30 weeks is, may just be the policy at this particular hospital. And apparently it wasn’t super strict. They did however ask that we only kangaroo once or twice a week after that until he was 30 weeks, then we could do it every day. Hope your James is doing well and you get some good snuggles!
Such a wonderful moment – thank you for sharing! i’m so glad Genna realized the importance of Kangaroo Care for both James and *you*. I remember feeling the same anxiety when I got to hold Jax the first time (he was 2 weeks old, 25 weeks gestation) – I just knew they were letting me hold him because they were not sure he was going to make it. I’m 100% convinced that skin-to-skin saved Jax’s life – that healing touch is what helped him rest deeply and feel secure.
Wow, he must have been so tiny. I completely agree about the importance of skin-to-skin contact. I absolutely believe that’s why he didn’t have to go back on the oscilator. It is incredibly healing for both parent and baby. James loved to be kangarooed by Daddy too. It was some of his most restful times.
Yes – same with my husband, too! It was so cute to see my boys all snuggled up. Both Jax and Steve would conk right out and sleep so soundly!
Reblogged this on 22w6d and commented:
Today is Kangaroo Care Awareness Day (who knew there was such a thing?). Here’s a post from March about Kangarooing James for the first time. Some of my favorite memories from the NICU are of Kangarooing James. Such special times.
My eyes filled up with tears re-reading this. I never grow tired of hearing about James!
You are definitely one of his biggest fans!! 🙂 Thanks for always giving us encouragement.
Most beautiful moments with James!!!! And I’m with you…..your touch made all the difference in the world for him that day! And it always will. Nothing like Mom’s and Dad’s touch! Thanks for sharing with us!
Thanks Debbie! It’s always amazing to me to see how far he has come. Our little fighter!