Bennett is doing pretty well. He's gaining well, and as of tonight, he is 3 lbs 13.5 oz! The fortifier they add to my breastmilk has his feedings up to 30 calories per ounce (the highest they can go), and today they increased his feedings to 34 mls every 3 hours. Unfortunately, he is still quite a bit below the growth curve, but he is slowly creeping back up to it.
I really don't know what to say about his breathing. On the one hand, the CPAP is helping SO much by allowing him to use his energy for growing rather than exerting so much to struggle to breath. His oxygen level is at room air about 75% of the time, but he needs a little bit more during his feedings (that is another issue...). The plan is to keep him on the CPAP until Monday (and barring any negative changes), then to put him back on the cannula. I understand their reasoning for this (as he is 35 weeks tomorrow and needs to start working on his other milestones too), but it makes me nervous and wary. When we hold him, he is on the cannula now, and still requires around 30% O2, which isn't much of an improvement from where things were when they decided to put him back on CPAP. Granted, most of the time when I'm holding him, it is when he is getting a feeding, and that seems to put a lot of stress on him. A new neonatologist comes in service on Monday (they do 3 week service rounds each), so I guess I will discuss this with her then. We've been told such conflicting things by so many different people now, that we aren't really sure what the heck is going on with his lungs. Its so confusing. I need to have a good chat with the doctor to get the solid facts on his diagnosis and prognosis. One nurse will tell us this is perfectly normal and not to worry and another tells us that he has significant lung disease and very likely could require oxygen for up to 6 months!!!! You can imagine our frustration (and worry...).
So, it looks like our dear boy is developing reflux. We cannot be too surprised by it, since its extremely common in preemies. But its a dreaded diagnosis none the less. He is becoming less and less tolerant during his feedings, having more desats and bradys. We try to keep him upright or on his belly during his feedings, which helps, but I can still hear him gagging on the reflux, and when he's not being held, he literally writhes and thrashes about in pain. Its difficult to watch :( They are kind of waiting to see if its just reflux associated with the strain of such large feedings on such a small baby or if its true reflux which needs medication. They don't rush to medicate it for numerous reasons. But, as I said above, the reflux does affect his breathing, oxygen saturation and heart rate. Oh what fun this is...
Anyway, I know why you all come here - PICTURES!! These were taken yesterday. See him modeling the clothes his Lola bought him??
Thanks as always!
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