August 3, 2007

First of all, let me answer some questions from another preemie mom:

We are doing breastmilk (mothermilk) with an addition of the 22 calorie formula (currently Similac Neosure) to increase the calories to 27 vs. the 20 that is normal for breastmilk and normal formula. This is a formula given to us by the NICU, we just add the powder (no water) to the breastmilk. We are also giving him grapeseed oil (the nutritionist said whatever we use to cook with and that is what I use) which when we get up to the 6 mL a day will be an extra 48 calories per day. I add this to a few bottles a day. I have plenty of stored milk, however, Josh doesn't seem to like the frozen stuff and sometimes won't drink it at all! So much for all that work I did to get a good supply here! I have also had a supply problem... where I had plenty of time to pump when he was in the NICU, there is just so much time between feedings to pump. I have started taking some herbal supplements that the visiting nurse suggested, Blessed Thistle and Fenugreek. There is also a Tea called Mother's Milk Tea that has the same herbs in it and that is easier than taking the pills. It has worked to get my supply up, but it is nowhere near what it was before he came home.

We went to the pediatrician today and he weighed in at 6 lbs 9.4 oz. Slow gain still, but at least he is gaining. I asked him if the enlarged liver could be pressing on his belly and making it so that he can't take in a large volume and feels full and he agreed that yes, this could be part of the problem. There are times that he eats really well and then there are times that he "snacks".. eats 30 mL every hour or so. He is still getting the same amount of calories, just not all at once. Just takes so much time to feed him every hour! All in all he is doing well. The doctor feels that I am pretty much on top of things with the nurse (Mary is wonderful) and that we should continue what we are doing. The ideal weight gain is 1 oz a day, but as long as he is gaining, they will take whatever they get! I have also read that as long as they are happy and content between feedings then they are fine and he is definitely that! Smiling and cooing. He is such a cutie!