Madeline and Lauren, day 2

Madeline and Lauren continued to improve today. Madeline was moved off the High Frequency Oscillatory Ventilator (720 tiny puffs of air per minute) to a standard ventilator (20 breaths per minute). Madeline has a large Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA), which is an opening in her circulatory system just outside her heart that is causing some of her bloodflow to bypass her lungs and simply be recirculated. This is causing her heart to work harder than it needs to and is impacting her lung function. Generally PDAs resolve themselves, but because hers is so large the neonatologist is evaluating her to determine whether treatment is needed. The first level of treatment would be one of two drugs that help shrink the PDA, and if that does not work, there is a small chance she would need a minor surgery to close it. Lauren was moved into an isolette today and began her first feedings of Mom's colostrum through a feeding tube. She is still being supplemented with intravenous nutrition, but will slowly be weaned off. She has a very cute little cry and is learning how to suck on her pacifier. We appreciate all your thoughts and prayers!