It's hard to believe but Austin is 7 weeks old today. We are definitely wearing down a bit with the constant visits to the hospital and emotional strain, but the end appears to be near. We had a care conference this morning with one of the neonatoligists, our case manager, the dietitian, and the social worker to discuss his progress and the game plan for getting him home. Austin is making great progress with his feeds and even managed to finish his first full feed from a bottle two nights ago. Given his progress, the decision was made to switch to on-demand feedings from his current every 3 hour schedule. This means he'll be fed when he wakes up and his ready to eat and will only get what he takes from a bottle. He will not be gavage fed whatever he doesn't finish. The goal is for Austin to take a minimum of 350 mL's in a 24-hour period. This is obviously a huge stepping stone to get to discharge.
If his on-demand feedings go well for a few days Austin might get to come home later next week!!!! Jamie and I will be rooming-in with Austin at the hospital Sunday/Monday. This gives us the opportunity to do all of his care and feedings for a full day with limited help from the nurses.
If he is able to come home next week he will continue to be on oxygen for a while longer. We''ll have an oxygen tank and monitor to deal with, but we'll take it. We are more than ready to have him home so we can get on with life and enjoy our son.
Here's to a weekend full of empty bottles (milk bottles that is)!
GO HUSKIES!
That is such exciting news for you! We did that and got used to the apnea monitor. It's really not that bad once you get home and get used to it. You just need a place in your main living area for him to nap and hang out etc so you dont' have to unplug and replug the thing in a bunch of times throughout the day. I seriously unplug it and drag the bag with the monitor in ti around the house with my foot... I'm dead serious. It fits nicely in teh bottom basket of my strollers too. I can't wait to hear how your overnight stay goes! I know all too well the anticipation of on-demand feeding etc. But it sounds like his "light" is coming on with the feeding. I would still love to chat about Pierre Robin with you guys. We have our appt with the cranial facial surgeon on Wed. Prayers are still coming your way!
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