After 3 days in the NICU, we finally have Lucas back home and doing great. His first pediatrician appt included a bilirubin test that showed high enough levels that the doctor basically said to go straight to the hospital, don't even go home first. They put him on phototherapy (kinda like a baby tanning bed!) and an IV to rehydrate him. Unfortunately, all the stress from the multiple tests/blood draws and the stress from Laith and I being worried about him resulted in massive feeding difficulties. I basically had a lactation consultant with me during every feeding and we also had a speech therapist help us with bottle feedings. Eventually, Lucas started gaining some weight back (he had
lost 1 pound between his birth and when he was admitted to the hospital at 2 days old) and started eating again. Now he's eating like a champ and seems to be more alert. We've got one more bilirubin check on Thursday and we're keeping our fingers crossed that it will be at an acceptible level. Laith and I are exhausted from all that being in the NICU entails, and have really appreciated all of you who have called with your words of support and also everyone who has brought over meals for us. Thank you!
After 3 days in the NICU, we finally have Lucas back home and doing great. His first pediatrician appt included a bilirubin test that showed high enough levels that the doctor basically said to go straight to the hospital, don't even go home first. They put him on phototherapy (kinda like a baby tanning bed!) and an IV to rehydrate him. Unfortunately, all the stress from the multiple tests/blood draws and the stress from Laith and I being worried about him resulted in massive feeding difficulties. I basically had a lactation consultant with me during every feeding and we also had a speech therapist help us with bottle feedings. Eventually, Lucas started gaining some weight back (he had 
lost 1 pound between his birth and when he was admitted to the hospital at 2 days old) and started eating again. Now he's eating like a champ and seems to be more alert. We've got one more bilirubin check on Thursday and we're keeping our fingers crossed that it will be at an acceptible level. Laith and I are exhausted from all that being in the NICU entails, and have really appreciated all of you who have called with your words of support and also everyone who has brought over meals for us. Thank you!
1 comment:
He looks like a tiny tycoon at some kind of spa....
so glad he is home and feeding well!
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