Our 3 little miracles

Lucas – 4lbs, 10oz

Matthew – 3lbs, 15oz

Kacey – 3lbs, 14oz

*Daniel*

Miranda got to meet and touch Lucas and Kacey for the first time today!

Today we were able to meet Dr Hall on his rounds and he told me that all the babies are looking good and went through each one  with me. Lucas weight has been increasing without any problem with the exception of Tuesday when they cut his feedings. He was debating on removing Lucas from the incubator tonight or possibly tomorrow because the temperature of the incubator is very close to room temperature and he could now be ready to see if his body can regulate temperature on its own. His feeding amount was increased to 45ml each feeding and he is still receiving the majority through his feeding tube. He is still learning to feed from breast and bottle and seems to be taking in about 10-15ml each feeding before he can no longer continue…great progress considering he is only 34 weeks! Next is his apnea which I only learned today that he was having.

Dr Hall explained to me that there are two main types of Apnea they see in premature babies…one being a result of reflux (Spit up) and the other being “central” (Brain related). when he showed me the screens for all three, he explained that reflux is a natural reaction by the body when milk leaves the baby’s stomach,  up the esophagus , and can become trapped there or in the baby’s mouth. The reaction causes the chest to tighten thereby slowing the heart rate abruptly and then slowing the respiratory system next causing the oxygen level to fall. The effect continues until the baby either corrects the situation alone or the nurse does by clearing the airway. This is something most babies have and learn to compensate for naturally. The “Central” Apnea is centered in the section of the brain that controls breathing. This is recognized by the breathing either becoming rhythmic or dropping steadily to a stop first causing the heart rate and Oxygen level to drop in response. Central Apnea is what they are concerned with and what will likely be the determining factor on when the babies are allowed to come home.

Lucas charts appeared to show mostly minor reflux apnea but did also show at least one central in the last 24 hrs. Kacey did not show any and according to her charts, has not had Apnea of any kind since the 13th. Matthew on the other hand showed over half a dozen episodes in the last 24hrs including several Central Apnea’s where Dr Hall showed me specifically how what he was talking about and how he knew which one it was. I asked how it would ultimately affect him progressing and he told me it wouldn’t necessarily effect him moving into a crib but could affect him coming home. He explained in order for the Apnea to be considered gone, he cannot have any episodes for five consecutive days which he also said can take some time to happen as most will get to three or four days and then have an episode and the clock starts over again. I personally am very ok with that  because right now, I’m always watching the monitor when feeding him to try and head off an episode.

Lucas

Matthew

Kacey