It is still a daily struggle to even get in the minimum 15 ounces of milk that Bennett requires. We've only hit the "golden" 20 ounces twice. It is very frustrating for everyone involved. And concerning too, because we are always worried about dehydration and malnourishment. I have a feeling that he is falling behind developmentally as well, but we will find out Monday morning when he has his developmental review. He smiles and "talks" but he doesn't laugh or shriek or hold toys, or even attempt to roll. Babies do things on different time frames, but its another "sign" to be concerned.
To illustrate how much his growth has slowed, at his four month appointment, he was 50th percentile for adjusted age. He is now under the 5th percentile for his adjusted age. He may "seem" big to us, because we've seen him as small as 2.5 lbs, but when you put him next to a 3 month old, he is strikingly smaller. I can't deny that this upsets me greatly. What mother doesn't want to see their child healthy and thriving?
So, his Pediatrician is having us switch from using the preemie formula to fortify his milk to using regular formula (Enfamil Gentlease), in the hopes that if it tastes better and is more gentle on the stomach, he'll voluntarily eat more. The drawback is that the preemie formula is much higher in protein, fat, calcium, carbs...just about everything. Hopefully, he will increase his volume enough that it won't matter.
If that doesn't help, Monday we're going to put him on Prevacid for his reflux. They don't normally prescribe that for babies that are this small, but its definitely stronger than the Pepcid. And if that doesn't work....then it may be time to really start thinking about the gastric feeding tube.
So if you can, please send out some "healthy appetite" vibes to Bennett!
2 comments:
OMG that picture makes you want to give him a big kiss! How adorable is he? I will be praying for Bennett to eat more. I know this is a hard time for all involved. Melissa was a challenging baby with not being able to keep any milk down. We finally had to put her on a meat formula. You are doing all you can to get Bennett's situation under control. He is lucky to have you and Ace. We will definitely keep the prayers coming your way.
I know that Bennett is going to like this new formula or the new med will work- God has a plan in all of this and it is GOING to work out! Even if that means eventually going with the feeding tube. What matters is that we have the medical abilities to help Bennett thrive unlike millions of others. We are so blessed. He is going to get through this! You are doing an amazing job Chantelle!!!
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