12/17 - Got Milk?!

Our big new of the day is that Leo is back on breast milk. His surgeon made the official decision and today he started taking 10ML through his new feeding tube. It increases 5ML every 3 hours until it builds up to 60ML per feed or 2 ounces.  This may not seem like big news, but it is to me because I spend about 3 hours per day pumping plus washing the parts and freezing milk. I'm glad the little guy can at least use it. 

They tried to have him make some improvements in oxygen support today, but he was not able to tolerate lower support. We are all okay with this because we still thought he would be back on the vent at this point.  They are also weaning his pain meds slowly so he is pretty out of it. I got to hold him once today :).

Here is a picture of his G-Tube. After he is healed up all gauze and clear tape will come off.  The tube coming out of the button is removable and will only be in place when he is eating. There is a balloon under his skin that holds the button and internal tube in place and hopefully prevents them from coming out. Above the tube is a clear plastic plug that closes the button when the external tube is removed. Babies with g-tubes can still be active and enjoy things like tummy time.

 

Because of his cranial nerve issues, Leo has trouble closing his left eye.  However, today he went right ahead and closed it several times :).

 

 

Leo also had some alert periods today......well as alert as you can be on that many drugs!