Chapter Seven: Star
As Constance was admitted so that she could recover, Star was whisked off to the NICU, the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. The doctors and nurses were busily checking her vitals and her reflexes. I was soon decided that she had a common problem preemies had; she didn't quite get the suck-swallow-breathe routine and ended up panting and tiring herself out.
Dr. LeCoeur went to give the news to Constance and Mildred.
"So, this is a normal occurrence in preemies?" Constance asked.
"It is quite common. She just needs to remember to breathe, especially when feeding, so for the next few days, she is to take medication once daily by a dosage syringe through the nipple of a bottle, and when feeding her, I want you to stroke her throat gently with a finger to encourage swallowing, when bottle-feeding, the bottle has to be held perfectly horizontal so that she doesn't aspirate the milk or formula." The doctor told her.
Constance was a new mother so this was very new to her. "What about if she starts panting, what do I do then?"
"Encourage her to breathe and slow down, and hush her gently, placing the tips of your fingers on her chest." The doctor replied.
"Will I get to see her? When can I hold her?" asked Constance. Mildred held her Aunt's hand.
"You may see her today. You may touch her and talk to her. She's being kept in the NICU overnight for observation. You can hold her tomorrow and if all goes well, she'll stay with you in your room until your discharge." Said Dr. LeCoeur.
Constance wasted no time. She moved carefully from the hospital bed to the wheelchair. The nurse brought her to the NICU. Constance scrubbed up and put on a sterile robe and cap. She went inside the unit and was brought straight over to an isolette with her tiny daughter in it.
"Hello, Star. This is your Mummy's voice." Constance said in a soft tone, placing her hand inside the armhole closest to the baby's face. "Can you open your eyes for Mum?" She murmured. Star opened her eyes a crack. "There's my strong girl, opening her eyes for the first time. Mummy loves you very much…princess." Constance said hesitantly. "Hello, my Constance Nightstar." Star's tiny hand reached up and grasped Constance's finger. "Mummy will see you tomorrow." Constance promised, tears coming to her eyes.
When Constance returned to the room, Mildred was waiting for her.
"How is Star?" Mildred asked.
"She looks so tiny…" Constance replied. "But she's perfect."