I have been keeping track of how much Liam vomits and he is averaging about 5-6 days a week. It is usually after he gets to the last of the bottle or has finished it. He usually only will spew once a day. He also has a gag reflex and that can start the hurling process. After talking with some other preemie moms I decided to take him to the local Doc and see about putting him on reflux meds. I hate meds! He's a;ready had enough to last a lifetime and he hasn't been on any meds since we left the hospital. If he needs it fine- but I am hoping he outgrows it. Rylie had it bad until she was 5 months old but she outgrew it. And she was never on meds. Of course that was 12 years ago and they didn't do things like that as much as they do today. You know- if you have a symptom lets medicate it... But seriously- if he needs it I am more than happy to give it to him. Fighting to get every little CC in him each day makes me want to put him on meds so he can keep down all of "our" work. But- I am also realistic. I have taken PPI's for YEARS and I still have terrible reflux.
We had friends over last night for dinner and Liam didn't want to eat. I tried to convince him he wanted it but it was a no go. I didn't feel like going through all of my tried and true methods in front of others. I can kiss his feet while he eats, kiss his hands, give him a massage, walk really fast holding him, etc... If I can take his mind off of eating I can usually get him to eat. But sometimes he flat out refises, like last night, and I feel inadequate in the whole process. I am wondering how well he is doing on his weight gain since we aren't getting any more volume in lately. We hit the 16 oz mark per day and can't get past it. Most days I am lucky to get 14 or 15 ounces. I am thinking we may need to increase his calories again. I am praying he will start to love his bottle. I think he also has a terrible sucking pattern. He can't keep his paci in his mouth yet and when he sucks on the bottle he does this wierd thing lately with his toungue. He flicks it out of his mouth and then that helps him gag. Or he curls it under the bottle and pushes it. Obviously he is getting more aware of the fact that he can be in control of that nipple. But when he does suck the bottle he doesn't do it very strongly. I did stick my thumb in his mouth tonight and he used it like a pacifier and I thought he was very strong with it! Maybe it's just the bottle. Where is his God given desire for hunger?? It just passes these micro preemies by but we are in it for the long haul. Sigh....
2 comments:
I'm so sorry I haven't called you back. Jeremy's parents were in town from Thurs through Sun and I just haven't had a chance. I read you blog and felt terrible! I'm going out of town next week- beach trip with my dad, but I'd love to help if I could. Give me a call.
So I was doing nothing today and found a blog of a worship leader in Charlotte who is a new daddy to twins. Three months before they were due. His wife's blog looks pretty similar to yours several months ago. So I thought I would send you the links...
http://www.wadejoye.typepad.com/
http://ferrisjoye.blogspot.com/
Just thought you might find these interesting. Maybe a kindred spirit. Or a chance to share your experience.
Love in Him
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