CPAP

In the previous couple of posts, I have discussed some of the new vocabulary terms we learned from our experience with having a premature baby. Among these were several acronyms and abbreviations, the first being CPAP, which stands for continuous positive airway pressure. Because Buzzy was born so early, her lungs had not fully developed, and she needed a little help with her breathing. This help came in the form of CPAP, which "delivers pressurized air to the baby’s lungs through small tubes in the baby's nose or through a tube that has been inserted into his windpipe." (Source: "Your Premature Baby: What medical complications are common in premature babies?" March of Dimes website.)

Although we knew that our baby would be premature, we did not know how early or how severe her lack of development would be. One of our biggest concerns was whether or not she would be able to breathe on her own. When she uttered a faint cry at birth, we took it as a good sign. She was trying to breathe. To help keep her breathing, she was given surfactant, which helped to keep her lungs open, and hooked up to a funny-looking contraption called CPAP, which would ease her breathing.

One of Buzzy's first photos featured her on CPAP (note the aviator goggles):

As heartbreaking as it was to see Buzzy hooked up to such a contraption, we felt fortunate that she did not need a ventilator to breathe for her. She was making a valiant effort to do the work on her own and did not remain on CPAP long. She soon graduated to a nasal cannula through which she received oxygen, but again, she did all the work. When we finally went home, she had worked herself off the oxygen entirely.

Months after Buzzy left the hospital, we found ourselves in another hospital, waiting for information on an elderly relative who was in respiratory distress. Anytime a family member, young or old, is in the hospital, the experience can be overwhelming. Doctors spout off medical jargon that the family needs a translator to understand. In that instance, when CPAP was mentioned as a possible treatment, we served as the translators.

Though I am no medical expert, I sometimes find myself drawing from the knowledge I gained from having a premature baby in such surprising ways. Nearly two years after her arrival, I still find myself learning new things. If experience is indeed the best teacher, going through something like this should come with a degree of some kind. Our family has earned it.