I guess the "big" news for now is that Bennett is up to full feeds on breast milk!!! He gets 25 mls every three hours. Once he "proves" he can handle the feeds and taking his caffeine down his OG tube, the PICC line (IV) will come out. They aren't in a hurry to pull it yet though b/c he's still so young/tiny, and its still working, so why mess with it? They said inevitably they pull the line and then end up needing it again. I know Bennett would be happier without it though.
He's really starting to chub up too! Last night he weighed in at a hefty 3 lbs 6 oz!! He's gaining about an ounce a day right now, which is really really good! He is 15.5 inches long, up from 14.5 at birth. He's really doing superbly! They said they will probably start adding calories via breast milk enhancement (I guess that means formula?) probably next week so he will get the same amount of liquid, but more calories per ounce (24 calories v. 20 calories) to help him gain faster. This is normal practice with preemies, but it still kind of "upsets" me b/c I think its important to preserve the pristine gut. Digesting anything other than breastmilk can cause a breakdown in the protective lining of the stomach and subject infants to more risk of infection. I guess the benefits outweigh that though, or else they wouldn't do it. I guess I should still ask someone about it though.
He still is having periods where he's needing some extra oxygen, but not very much. The docs and nurses all assure me this is very normal behavior for a baby his age. So I'm not worrying about it for now.
I have to share the precious pictures! Carter bought this tiny little piglet beanie for Bennett as a present. Well, piglet has been put to good use! When Bennett gets upset, he grabs onto his CPAP and pulls, and he is STRONG, he pulls the thing straight out! He likes to hold on tight to things when he is upset, so the nurses put piglet in his hand and it worked perfectly!!!
And Uncle Arne came to visit Bennett for the first time on Saturday after my Father-in-law's retirement party and got this amazing picture!!
Carter was passed out in Ace's arms. I just love this picture!
5 comments:
Ok I LOVE that last pic!!! GREAT SHOT! And way to go Bennett on gaining so much weight! Now that Piglet is a huge hit with Bennett, what you could do is take a pic with Bennett and Piglet in the same position on the same day each week... then we can see week by week comparisons of Bennett's growth! Just a fun thought. :o) Love you all!!!!!!
BTW the first comment is deleted because it was a repeat of what I had originally said... I hit "publish" twice by accident. :)
your boy is so amazing already! awww, 15.5"? he's doing so well! yay B!!!
I like Mel's idea ;)
What a little angel you have there -- so tiny -- but so strong!! I'm so glad you got to spend Mama's Day with both of your little boys -- my love to all of you!!!
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