4 Pounds!

We have a 4 pounder! Afer that scare last weekend he took off and gained weight consistently. Dr D decided that since his tests came back negative for infection, to start him on eating again. It took him less than 48 hours to get back up to full feeding, so the nurse took out his IV last night.  He did great with a bottle yesterday, and we tried nuzzling this morning, but he was too tired to latch on. Dr D wanted to discontinue his reflux medicine unless he starts showing signs of reflux again. He has had some spit ups and drops in heart rate after eating, but I'm not sure if it's bad enough that he will need the medicine again.

As for breathing, they did bump him down to CPAP, and he is doing well. Nurse practitioner B told me that if a baby is still on respiratory support by 36 weeks gestational, they are labeled as having chronic lung disease. He has been on 21% oxygen (room air) since birth and has only needed the support of pressure to keep his airways open, so she does not believe he will have any long term issues, but that label goes to all babies on support after 36 weeks regardless of what type of respiratory support. Some of the nurses have been hinting that it is possible he may go home on oxygen. I'm hoping that he outgrows it, but if not I would rather have him home on oxygen then to stay in the hospital longer.

I feel like I can see an end in sight for our hospital stay. We just need to get him in an open crib, hopefully off respiratory support, and staying awake long enough to eat his full feeds by mouth instead of by feeding tube. Keep it up Cooper!

Don't you just love how precious a sleeping baby looks.