My son's issues...

[Dieball]

We just had our first chile August 6th.  Pregnancy was completely normal.  About 5 hrs after he was born, the doctors took him from our room so we could get some well deserved rest. Shortly after, a doctor informed us that he was having a slight problem breathing.  It seems that every now and then he "holds" his breath for 3-7 seconds.  Also, he wouldnt take to the breast when trying to nurse.  He doesnt seem to suck.  They tried to use a syringe to feed him, but he wouldnt actually swallow, he just seemed to garggle the formula.

The past couple days have been very hectic.  They have since transferred him to NICU, and have run a gauntlet of tests.  MRI's, EKG's, EEG's, Spinal Taps, Genetic blood tests, Blood sugar tests...... And yet everything still comes back totally normal.  His breathing has gotten considerably better, along with his heartrate.  (115-140 bm) He hasnt had an apnea alarm in 2 days now.  I can feel a slight compression in his mouth, but no suction.  The other thing that i noticed is that his tongue quivers very quickly every so often.  Any ideas/comments/concerns/questions?  Is it just a transitional process thats just taking him a little longer to work out, or is the specialist team missing something?

[Megan73]

That's so rough! I'm sorry you're having such a difficult introduction to motherhood.
I would post your question on the NICU and Preemie parenting thread - you may get more responses.
It sounds like the doctors are still trying to figure out what's wrong. In the meantime, it's really important to keep up your supply so you'll have milk to feed your babe and a good supply when your babe is ready to nurse. The NICU should be able to hook you up with a hospital grade pump. I think the usual advice is to pump every two hours or so. I'd also get in touch with an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant who can advise you on building your supply and alternate ways to feed your babe, for example with a cup or specialized feeding device.

[foreverinbluejeans]

It's important for healthy babies to nurse within the first 30-60 minutes after birth, to stay with mom and have skin contact, to be fed only at the breast, to have nothing put in their mouth, and to not have procedures done to them to get a good start at breastfeeding. If a baby has any health issues it further complicates getting the baby to breastfeed and getting the milk supply to come in. However, everything can seem to go wrong and that doesn't mean you can't breastfeed.

I suggest asking for the hospital pump and insisting on your colostrum being fed to your baby. If your baby can take anything by mouth he can have colostrum. Try to minimize any formula. If your milk hasn't come in then ask for bank milk. If there is no milk bank then donor milk is an option. Human milk is even more important for NICU babies. You can call a local La Leche League Leader or LLLI International. The hospital may have a lactation consultant. I wish you and your baby well.