As you can see- Madeline had a busy morning! Tummy time with mom- then sleeping on dad! The physical therapist gave us a thick packet of exercises to do with her so we started that today...
No news on Createnine and BUN levels because they decided to start doing a renal panel every other day- we guess because it takes a lot of blood to get a renal panel and since it is not changing much day to day they don't want to bother her.
Not much has changed today except they are trying to wean her more off her BP medicine ..the one that goes in the broviac tube which is in her chest. So far her numbers are just OK- she is still getting 2 other BP meds orally.
She has been increased to 75cc's every 3 hrs and last night she took two, 70 cc bottle fulls. This morning she took 60cc at one feeding and 63 cc at the next.
They are starting to talk about fortifying her breast milk which we are not too into. This is the same dilemma Adalee and her parents are into. Although Adalee's parents have done much more research than us. They want her to have more fats and carbohydrates potentially- however the fortifier formula again has corn syrup solids in it which we are not into as well after just speaking with Adalee's father apparently babies who take this have a better chance of growing harmful bacteria in their intestinal wall and other complications- this is very nerve wracking for us and we want to make the best decision for our baby but an informed decision. The reason they want to fortify her milk is because they need her to gain weight and they believe increasing her caloric intake will help that. I would like to find out if there are other alternatives that I can offer Madeline before taking this route- However time is short for if she does not gain weight she will have to go back on dialysis- not something we want to do either.... If anyone has any info on this or can refer us to someone who may have answers please let us know. I am going to touch base with Adalee's mom on this as well as keep researching.
Please keep prayers up for Madeline, Adalee and Everett- Pray for guidance in the decision about the formula/pray we would find answers about alternatives and also please pray for me as I have been having trouble producing breast milk- i have tried to eat/drink more and have eaten oatmeal every day with no success. I am only getting about 40cc's every 2 hrs which is not enough for her all day/night. I was doing quite well before but something has changed i don't know if it is the new diet or what but i am not producing enough. I am looking for brewers yeast to make these 'milk making cookies' if anyone has some i can use? It is very frustrating and I hope I can produce more soon.
Thanks everyone!
If it were my baby...I would be adding some fresh high-quality oils to the milk instead of formula powder. This happened to a family member awhile ago (about two years ago, their baby had a chromosomal disorder and needed help gaining weight) and I researched it then. I would start with this link and add the extra oils to the appropriate amount of breastmilk. The doctors would NOT like that though. http://www.westonaprice.org/childrens-health/recipes-for-homemade-baby-formula Another alternative is to seek formula powder made by the Enfamil company instead of Similac, it may not have corn syrup in it (I have heard it is better) or an organic formula powder -- at least it wouldn't be GMO.
ReplyDeleteAs far as increasing milk supply, fenugreek, mother's milk tea, and lots of extra fats. Coconut oil is especially beneficial. I felt like I had much more milk, and better quality (fattier) milk when I focused on eating a lot of healthy fats, mostly saturated. No, you will not gain weight or have high cholesterol or other problems from it, I have eaten this way for two years and am healthier than ever. If all else fails, you can ask for a prescription for reglan. There is also the possibility of breastmilk banks or donations if you need it.
Let me know if you want to talk further about this, I have successfully breastfed three newborns over 3.5 years, through pregnancies, pumping, low supply, etc. and also focus heavily on nutrition (as you may know from my blog) so I could help!
I have had problems with my milk supply, and have been taking this supplement for a couple weeks with GREAT success. Before taking this, i would only get 2-3oz every 4 hours (NOT enough for my 4 month old) and now I'm getting somewhere between 5-6oz every 3 hours. So, a HUGE increase in milk. Here's the link.... Praying for you all. http://www.amazon.com/Special-Blend-Motherlove-Vegetarian-Capsules/dp/B0029WXZG8/ref=pd_rhf_p_t_4
ReplyDeleteyou can eat higher fat- dairy products....organic whole milk, eggs, butter cheese, etc. that will help your milk quality. Stick up for what you believe it, its YOUR baby and if you want her to not have formula, thats YOUR informed decision....if she gains weight a little slower than they'd like FINE...there's nothing wrong with that!
ReplyDeletePraying a lot and hoping you can make the right decision! Madeline will benefit more of being breastfed than being given supplements in my mind. Stress is very much the cause for this reduction and the Lord knows it has been hard on you. I think the three previous ladies had very good advices! Hang in there!
ReplyDeleteI breastfeed for over three years and the benefits were too good to pass!
Take care,