So now that you have your picture fix, time for some serious info.
This morning, I took him to the Pulmonologist. We got some mixed reviews. Overall, he is doing really well. He maintains his oxygen levels well. Its likely that he will be able to come off the oxygen at night too. She said that if there are no apnea episodes on his sleep study report, then we can ditch the apnea monitor too!
Unfortunately, he is not growing at a normal rate. Healthy babies are expected to gain 1/2 to 1 ounce per day at his age. He is just under 1/2 ounce a day per average. Thats troubling considering he is on heavily fortified feedings - the highest calorie they will go! He should be gaining at least on the upper end. We were hoping to wean down the fortifier, but thats not going to happen anytime soon. Its rare that a baby his age is still at 30 calorie feeds. They are ususally down to 22 or 24 by now :( We can't be sure what is causing it, but it is clear he isn't eating enough. He should be eating 20 ounces a day, and I'm lucky to get 15 down him! I just can't get him to eat anymore! Its very very frustrating. So, she Rx'd him a new medicine for his reflux, so hopefully that will help? I'm praying so. She said he's doing ok now, but if he doesn't pick up his growth rate in the next couple of months, she may recommend placing a feeding tube through his abdomen into his stomach. This is unphathomable to me and I seriously doubt I would consent to it. But it bothers me that she even suggested this could be a possibility. He was just under 11 lbs today, and 22 inches. Tiny little puney boy! He's 20.5 weeks, 11 adjusted age tomorrow.
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5 comments:
I know the feeding issues are hard to deal with right now- but I think Bennett is the sweetest baby ever and he looks sooooo healthy! He is going to pull through this. It's just another thing to pray through and get through- you all have pulled through EVERYTHING, and you will get through this too. We're praying about this- keep your head up! We love you!
I feel the same way Melissa does. Bennett is strong and getting ready to come off of his oxygen. He is just doing things in his own time. God will guide him through this. The prayers are continuing for him everyday!
BEAUTIFUL Pictures! We will keep B in our thoughts and prayers--but he looks perfectly pudgy to me! Just keep reminding yourself that Bennett hasn't read the medical books, and he will do things in his own time, in the way that is perfect for him--and no doctor can predict that.
remember that all babies are different and that MOMMY knows baby best, not doctors. I am sure he is doing just fine
You guys are right - I have to trust my gut on this. He IS so happy and seemingly healthy otherwise. Heck, even 11 lbs seems HUGE to me considering at one point he was almost down to 2.5 lbs!!
I really think its his reflux that is making him too uncomfortable to eat more than he is. If this med change doesn't help, I'm going to take him to a GI specialist.
I've also really buckled down on getting him on a schedule. I think his cat-napping and snacking may be a part of the problem. Today, I made sure he went at least 3 hrs in between feedings, and I got him to take 3 oz each time!!!
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