Tube Feeding a Little Doeling

Maybe it was all the training we had with our 4 preemie babies, but tube feeding this little doeling has been a breeze.  I just wish we didn't have to do it. I wish she was big and healthy like her sister.

She is progressing just like our "real" kids did when they were preemies. First it is the entire meal through a tube. After a few days, there will be some interest in taking a bottle - but only a little - so the rest of the meal is fed through a tube. Then, finally, the baby is strong enough to take a bottle for the entire meal.  Once that happens, there is no looking back - they eat like mad and grow like weeds.

The only thing that is a little bothersome is inserting the tube down her throat and into her belly.  It doesn't seem to bother her at all - just me.  I can't imagine what that feels like - having a tube in your throat. I would think you would have a constant gagging/choking feeling. Yuck! This little doeling just takes it all in stride. No problems. Just insert tube, feed, remove tube, sleep.

Today, she finally took a bottle for the entire meal. Yeah! She is much stronger now. She spends her days playing in the yard with the kids and her nights warm in our garden tub in our master bathroom.  She has quite a set-up. A room for royalty. Her bed is lined with soft towels and she has a heater in the bathroom to keep the room at a comfy 80 degrees. She gets "breakfast in bed" at 3am. What a charmed life!!

We just need to pick a name for her.