Little Things in Life

It is amazing how we take for granted the simplest things. Eating for one. For a term baby, sucking is a reflex. For a premature baby, it is learned. The coordination of sucking, swallowing and breathing develop around 34 weeks gestation. When we were in the hospital, I thought breathing was going to be our biggest obstacle to overcome - little did I know it would be eating. For the past 7 weeks, it has been a challenge to get Legare to eat 1-2 ounces a feed (an infant should be eating 3-4 ounces a feed). We have tried breast milk, formula after formula - we are on our 4th and of course it is a specialty formula that you have to order. It is extremely frustrating trying to feed an infant who can not suck very well, and has very bad acid reflux. The pediatrician and GI specialist have been suggesting a tube in his stomach for the past couple of weeks since he is not eating or gaining enough weight. I wanted to give him a little more time before we had to go back to the hospital. So I have an occupational therapist and dietitian come to the house to help him learn how to suck and give any pointers or suggestions. After trying to be patient, getting frustrated, praying and praying, did I say praying!!! - Legare ate 3 ounces back to back today!! I was so excited I wanted to do backflips! I hope we are turning the corner. At our last weigh in on July 30th, he weighed 8 pds. 4 ounces, we go back on Monday. They want him to gain 1/2 -1 ounce a day. Hopefully we are somewhere in that ballpark and have skirted the stomach tube issue.