He did warn us of keeping the other kids away from him due to illness this time of year...which I think is just kind of impossible. Yes, I know all four of my other kids attend school outside of the home and probably bring in more germs than are at Walmart...but how do you tell a new big brother or sister that they can't hold, cuddle, or kiss their baby brother? What's that's saying to them?! We do have the kids wash their hands before they touch him, but we're generally not going to tell them to stay away from him.
He did have to get another heel prick to check his levels because he's a bit jaundice. That was sad...the heel prick didn't bother him so much as the squeezing of the foot to get the blood drips. Ugh, you'd think they'd come up with a better way to do that by now! His levels came back at 14.2 (the high norm is 12), but again, the Dr. wasn't concerned enough to send home a blanket with him or anything.
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| Big sister got to go with us to the apt. |
He had his 2 week apt. yesterday. I'm sick (ear infection, cough, sore throat), so Lincoln took him by himself (thus the lack of pictures). He was up to 7 lbs. 1 oz...not where the Dr. would like to see him, but nothing too alarming. I'm considering feeding him 1-2 formula bottles a day, just to try to bulk him up a little bit. Any thoughts on that fellow mommies?
He is also still a bit jaundice , but again, nothing to worry about...the Dr. said if we would feed him formula for 2 days that should clear up, so I'm thinking that the formula to bulk him up might help clear that up as well...but I'm not going to go exclusively formula...
His chord and Plastibell are both off, and the Dr. was happy with the way both those areas looked! Yay!
I think today might be the day for his first real bath!!
8 comments:
First of all, I love Dr. McEnaney, but his advice for keeping your newborn healthy is a bit impossible and is not all that effective. We followed all his guidelines and all we ended up with was a sad llittle boy and 10 days in the hospital for RSV.
As far as nursing, jaundice and weight loss goes, you really need to trust in the system God gave us to feed our babies. BF babies generally tend to have more jaundice than formula fed babies. The more dirty diapers spike has, the quicker he will get over it. Frequent nursing and skin to skin contact is helpful. McEnaney
had me nurse skin to skin in front of a sunny window.
The more frequently you nurse or pump the more your supply will increase. So if you switch to formula, make sure you pump frequently during those days.
Our doc said nursing helped jaundice...weird how different ones say different things! But if your doc isn't worried about it, just do what you feel is best!
Sorry you're sick!
You can add a scoop of formula to breast milk to boost the calories!
Our doc said nursing helps jaundice, too.
I think you should consider your goal:
1) Is it to bulk him up and get him making dirty diapers regularly? And ease your mind that he is a healthy weight? Than feed him 4 oz formula a day.
2) Is your goal to BF exclusively and do that for as long as possible? Formula will interfere, if only for a short time. Than feed him with breastmilk.
I think if you consider your goals you can make a choice that makes your heart feel at peace.
Good luck!
Ashley, I think you should consider your goals.
If your goal is to
1) make sure he has gained enough weight, is making dirty diapers, and is just getting enough calories, you will feel peaceful if you give him 4 oz formula.
2) maintain breastfeeding relationship and make sure he gets the good stuff for as long as possible and your breast health is safe, don't formula feed.
We had to feed Elsa 6 total formula bottles to help her gain weight when she was dehydrated at 4 days. I didn't like it. But now I can barely remember it.
So sorry you are sick :(
And remember that mommy knows best and whatever you choose to do don't second guess yourself! You are a great mommy and have successfully nursed 2 other children.
Let me know if you need anything, really!
And I agree - impossible to keep that other kiddos away... let him build up that immune system.
(Pam's advice of nursing skin to skin in the sun sounds like a good start ;o)
hehe you still call him Spike? :)
I hope you feel better soon and that he doesn't catch it… and that his jaundice clears up soon. :) I'm sure he will be fine whatever you choose!
We Love Dr. McEnaney so much! I had to give formula for the first couple days because of the loss of weight and jaundice. We came home from the hospital on the blanket and they are no fun. I didn't give a bottle for the formula because I was worried about nipple confusion. The lactation nurse suggested using a syringe and placing it in the side of his mouth while breastfeeding. I took both my husband and I to master this but it worked for us. We would give one ounce per side. This still allowed me to get my breastfeeding in and his weight up. I agree with Nel you know what is best for you and your baby. I have been thinking about you and the new little one. Hope that everyone is adjusting well and that things are slowing down for you to enjoy this time.
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