What a week. Its great to be home and adjusting to our new life. But this week has been quite eventful.
Howie Sick...Howland's Saved by Friends
The first night home Howie came down with something. We didn't want to get Luke sick, so he downed some Nyquil and slept in the spare bedroom. Luke didn't have such a good night. He cried a lot and refused to be put down. Niether one of us got much sleep. Taxi, as well meaning as he is, was in the way as he tried to help change diapers and comfort the crying baby. The next morning I made a call for help and a whole task force arrived. My house was cleaned from top to bottom, errands were run, our freezer was stocked, I got a nap and Luke was taken care of.
Luke Loses Too Much Weight
A nurse was sent out to make a home visit, weigh Luke and help us with any breastfeeding issues. Its normal to lose weight after birth but should be less then 10% of their body weight. Luke had lost 11% and likely would lose more as we wait for my milk to come in. I also noticed a change in his ability to breastfeed. The nurse thought this change was because he didn't have the energy he needed. So we have had to supplement breastfeeding with formula. When its time to feed, we put 15cc's of formula into a syringe with a tiny tube attached. That tube is then inserted into Luke's mouth. He thinks he's breastfeeding but he is getting nurishment from another source. Immediately after getting his first feeding, he finally slept soundly. Later he continued to fuss, not sleep well, a had to be held.
Yay for 30cc's
Luke had his first check up with Dr. Lee. All is well, but he has not gained any weight even with the formula supplement. She suggested we double his supplement and we should see a change in his behavior. After his first 30cc feeding, he was out. This was quite a relief from the "I'm still hungry!" screams from before. I told Howie, "This is how it is supposed to be...imagine how he'd be on a full feeding."
Howie Sick...Howland's Saved by Friends
The first night home Howie came down with something. We didn't want to get Luke sick, so he downed some Nyquil and slept in the spare bedroom. Luke didn't have such a good night. He cried a lot and refused to be put down. Niether one of us got much sleep. Taxi, as well meaning as he is, was in the way as he tried to help change diapers and comfort the crying baby. The next morning I made a call for help and a whole task force arrived. My house was cleaned from top to bottom, errands were run, our freezer was stocked, I got a nap and Luke was taken care of.
Luke Loses Too Much Weight
A nurse was sent out to make a home visit, weigh Luke and help us with any breastfeeding issues. Its normal to lose weight after birth but should be less then 10% of their body weight. Luke had lost 11% and likely would lose more as we wait for my milk to come in. I also noticed a change in his ability to breastfeed. The nurse thought this change was because he didn't have the energy he needed. So we have had to supplement breastfeeding with formula. When its time to feed, we put 15cc's of formula into a syringe with a tiny tube attached. That tube is then inserted into Luke's mouth. He thinks he's breastfeeding but he is getting nurishment from another source. Immediately after getting his first feeding, he finally slept soundly. Later he continued to fuss, not sleep well, a had to be held.
Yay for 30cc's
Luke had his first check up with Dr. Lee. All is well, but he has not gained any weight even with the formula supplement. She suggested we double his supplement and we should see a change in his behavior. After his first 30cc feeding, he was out. This was quite a relief from the "I'm still hungry!" screams from before. I told Howie, "This is how it is supposed to be...imagine how he'd be on a full feeding."
Your doing great Kim.. Those first weeks of figuring it all out is soo hard, and especially if Howie is feeling sick.. Mak.. was also fed with the feeding tube do to breastfeeding issues. It was a a LIFE SAVER.. and it was great cause Terry could help out too.. I am so proud of you though.. He is about as darl'n as anything I have ever seen.. Let us know when its a good time to visit.. We don't want to overwhelm you! Hugs to you all.. The Stinson's
ReplyDeleteI'm glad that you're all getting the hang of things. If you ever want us to bring Tubbs over - we will! Just let me know!
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