I know that many have questions about sweet Maisie. Since I cannot answer them all directly, I will try to put pertinent information here every time I have a few minutes in front of my computer. Please ask any questions you have in the comments or on the Facebook post and I will try to get to them as soon as is possible. Thanks!
So here is the skinny:
We found out about sweet Maisie when she was 4 days old and had only a few minutes to decide whether or not we wanted to move forward. We discussed it and decided to take the next step… and then we waited. It was 2 agonizing days before we knew that the wheels had begun turning and we were invited to fly out to meet her. It was still not a sure thing as there were a few complications in the mix but we simply took a leap of faith.
Additionally, we needed to ensure that Eamonn would be well taken care of while we went back and forth to the hospital. My mom stepped up and offered to fly to meet us and stay until Maisie can go home. (Bless you mom!)
Maisie was born at 31-32 weeks (unsure dates), with some respiratory distress which resolved within a day. By day 2 she was breathing on her own with no assistance. Due to the respiratory distress however, she had been transferred to a hospital with a higher level of NICU care.
Maisie is in NICU (Level 2) in the Shands Hospital in Gainesville, Florida. She is in an isolette right now preserving her energy for growing instead of keeping herself warm. They started her on formula initially and she seemed to tolerate it well for the first couple of days and then it was clear that her little belly was not actually doing as well as hoped. They checked her out (ultrasound) and there were no abdominal abnormalities. The team decided to give her IV nutrition for 7-8 days and let her little belly another week to acclimatize to the outside world before starting food again. We arrived on day 2 of NPO (no nutrition by mouth). That worked in our favor as it allowed us to let everyone know that I wished to offer her breast milk and breastfeed when she was strong enough. Since there are so few adoptive mothers who breastfeed, there were no policies or protocols in place, so it actually took them 4-5 days to discuss it with everyone and figure out what to do in this very unusual situation. The day before Maisie was due to resume feeds, I received a phone call from the resident letting me know that everything was good to go.
Maisie seems to be tolerating the breast milk very well and is even learning to breastfeed. She still has a long way to go before we will be headed back to Santa Cruz but she is working hard at eating and growing. Last night she finally had a bowel movement, so we know that all is moving through her system now. 
Maisie’s next hurdle is to gain enough weight so that she can maintain her temperature and we can transition her out of the isolette and into a crib.
Then it will be to simply grow.
How does an adoptive mother breastfeed? I didn’t know that could even be done. That’s an incredible thing!
oh, she is lovely! I am so happy for all of you!!
Congratulations!! Reading this brings me back….my Keira was born at 33 weeks premature. Little girls tend to do well, and every little step is huge! Good luck on all your adventures to come.
We know all of this all too well, our girls were born at 29 weeks. Call me if you have any questions or just need to chat.
What a wonderful love story!!! She is adorable! Thanks so much for sharing your story. It is so great to see and feel your happiness!! Sending best wishes your way!!
Congratulations!!! I am so happy for all of you! I was just thinking of you and hoping everything was ok after you had to leave town suddenly – what a wonderful surprise!
She is so beautiful! Your milk is medicine and love for this little wonder.
Thank you for the update, it was breath taking. Mainly because it brought me back to my own experience w little miss Monet. So happy Maisie is doing so well and she is taking to breastfeeding. That was our number 1 task to accomplish before being discharged; as well as regulating temperature. It’s a wonderful bonding experience though, no doubt you will treasure every moment with her. BTW – your friend is right, baby girls who are premature are stronger and always do better
So you and Maisie are one step ahead already!
Such a journey – what a strong woman you are… with such a strong man by your side. Your two children have such an incredible life ahead of them… full of love, nurture, support beyond belief and so many stunning adventures and journeys yet to be dreamt.
I am honored to know you KC and am so blessed to be apart of all your lives.
She is such a lucky little girl to receive your breastmilk when she so needs it right now! Brings tears to my eyes.
Such an adorable little girl.
The NICU stages you describe and the similarity of the pictures really hit home. We were just there last november. Morgan was born at 31 weeks and 2 days. It’s really wonderful that you are able to breastfeed. She’s lucky!All the best to Alan. And best of luck to you. The experience must be very intense. It will make the return home a fantastic milestone. Btw, I followed your advice and gave my milk supply away. Thanks!!
Genevieve
So beloved. How can she not thrive? The feeding creates more than a psychic bond. At that early stage, it’s really a question of muscle tone, in terms of being able to expand the lungs against the ambient air pressure of the planet. Glad to know Maisie is a fighter. She will need it.
KC, I can see that you and Alan, Eamon and Maisie are already such a beautiful, true family. I am moved by your journey, your openness and your incredible determination. Love and prayers to you all.