Since the last post we've seen some changes. Baker doesn't have the bottle feeding down perfectly. Sometimes he does great and sometimes he doesn't do so great. There was some concern that he could be aspirating milk into his lungs. He saw a speech therapist that ordered a swallow study. This is where they drink barium while being x-rayed. We were warned that he would probably be going home on oxygen and a G tube or OG tube. So either we would have to learn how to insert a feeding tube and feed him through it or he would have a tube surgically implanted in his stomach so that he could eat through that.
He did really good with the swallow test and found that he's swallowing just fine, so now they think that it's just a disorganization thing (a product of his prematurity). He's probably also getting tired too easy, so now he's on a mix of bottle feeds under certain conditions and tube feeds.
We got apnea monitor training today, and some CPR training as well. For the first few months after he gets discharged he will have to be hooked up to a monitor that monitors his heart rate and his breathing. If his heart rate drops too low or he doesn't take a breath for 20 seconds then we get a loud ear piercing alarm that is sure to wake up our neighbors as well as us… (think smoke alarm on steroids…) If anything this will allow us to sleep with the knowledge that if he does stop breathing we'll wake up to remind him. He went all day today without any Oxygen which was very exciting. We've been down this road before, so I'm cautiously optimistic.
3 comments:
Thank you again, Scott and Teresa, for taking time to keep us all so well connected with Baker. Love all 'round from Aunt Jo.
This must be such an exciting time for you guys, and a bit scary. As I said early on, God picked some pretty special parents to guide little Baker's way. You two have been so supportive and involved in Baker's care. You inspire me to be a better parent to my own kids. Lots of love and prayers go out to you as you make this next transition.
-Summer
Absolute proof of what a real little fighter you have there. That dimple in his chin reminded me of tough guy actor Kirk Douglas! ;-) I am in total awe of your little boy. You both must be so very proud of him.
Debra
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