9-20-06 Quick Update on Burke's Progress



Well, we're slowly getting back on track with the eating and growing. Burke weighs 7# 13oz now! Burke started eating by mouth on Monday and has progressively been able to tolerate more each day. He is now eating 20cc of breastmilk every 3 hours then is on continuous feeding of milk through his new G-tube at night. He continues to receive some of his nutrition via IV until he can tolerate his full feeding into his stomach. Everything is still in the healing process so we're going pretty slow with things and find his balance. He is currently free from infection and no longer needing antibiotics. We continue to care for the wound on his abdomen that was a result of the perferation of his original G-tube...the wound is deep and yucky looking but healing well. Aside from feeding stuff, Burke has managed to sucessfully pull out every tube possible (IV's, PIC lines, G-tubes)...we think he's trying to tell us something like "hey guys, I don't need this stuff anymore...leave me alone and let me go home!" We continue to have hope that we'll be heading home within then next few weeks...yes, we've said this before but we're really hopefull this time! :)

Another exciting breakthrough is that we've been able to spearhead a new creative research project with feeding Burke high calorie breastmilk through a process called lactoengineering. Burke has some "digestive" issues with fortified breastmilk as the formula they use gives him major gas and blowouts (see July posing called Burke Blow outs)! Now we're using the fat from my breastmilk for fortifying so he can easily digest it without all the discomfort (for him and for dad)! We're super excited to pave the way for other premies and parents who may be in this situation with needing more calories for growth but not wanting to use formula to add them! Go Breastmilk...whoo hoo..it really is all babies need to grow!

Please keep us in our prayers as we push through this next week and plan to go home. Burke specfically needs prayers for his stomach and esophagus to continue to heal properly so he can get all of his nutrition by mouth. Please continue to pray that Burke stays free from infection while in the hospital!

Comments

Anonymous said…
We're still praying!! Burke is sooo cute!! I can't wait to meet him. Hopefully soon!!
10:26 AM
D-Lo said…
That's great news! What a cool idea with the "lactoengineering"
11:08 PM
Anonymous said…
We continue to send our prayers and good thoughts to you and little Burke. We are delighted to hear that things are looking brighter. Your patience is remarkable and your baby is adorable. We love this blog system to keep us informed. Looking forward to the next one. Hi to Grandma Julie.

Love to all,
Great Step grands,
Duncan and Ginny
4:45 PM
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