We also had an appointment with the neonatologist. Dr. Desai was very, very encouraging and helpful. Their job is to make sure that the whole treatment plan of the different specialties is working together well, and to assess Athan's progress as a whole. She said overall, he seems to be doing well, but had 2 areas of concern:
1 - His weight gain is a bit on the slow side. They like babies to gain between 20 and 30 grams a day, and he is gaining about 18.5 g/day (he weighs about 8lb 8oz today). For an otherwise healthy baby, this would be an acceptable rate. However, Athan's heart is taking extra calories since it has to work harder, and he also is just recovering from so much sickness and trauma. So the dietitian came in to see us, and for two feedings a day I will pump and mix a little formula in with the breast milk to up his caloric intake. (I suggested that since he'll have to take those feedings in a bottle, that it be the 3 a.m. feeding so Ryan can do it! :).
2 - His muscle tone is still low. The gave us instructions on how to contact a state-funded program called First Steps, which will basically get Athan started on some in-home physical therapy. It's quite a process to get started, so we'll be updating on that as we go.
2 comments:
Continuing to ask God to open the Flood Gates of Heaven on you guys.
Psalm 97: 1-6
Our pastor's wife in Indiana is a director for First Steps in Indiana, and she has nothing but positive things to say about the organization. I hope the Kentucky version will prove to be as helpful. Blessings over you all!
Erin
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