I'm still at the hospital with Baby Max but the good news is he learned how to suck! The bad news is he only has the stamina for about one third a regular feeding. Ever since extubation I have been attempting to feed him every three hours for 20-30 minutes with no luck. Finally yesterday he showed interest. About 10 minutes into a feeding he takes six to eight sucks then about 20 seconds to breath. He does this about 4 times, then coughs like a 65 year old smoker and falls into coma like sleep. I've had consults with a speech therapist and lactation specialists and their advice "keep doing what you're doing..you'll just have to wait." Their main directive is to not force him to eat, as that can cause a "set back".

The doctor will not say when we'll get to go home, only that Max has to be on full feeds before we leave the hospital or we may end up back due to dehydration. We're getting there. It's a slow process and sitting in this room 24 hours a day is turning me into a crazy person but...at least Max is getting better.

I had to add pictures of my small prison to help better relate the claustrophobia I'm starting to feel. Bright blue formica, bad oak cabinets, machines that beep every 15 minutes, and pages for nurses and doctors 4 times every hour could possibly make the most sane person a little coocoo.