Sunday, November 22, 2009

Apnea and reflux...

So, it looks like Coop has apnea and reflux and that is why he has been de-sating recently. Apnea is a medical term that means a baby has stopped breathing. Most experts define apnea of prematurity as a condition in which premature infants stop breathing for 15 to 20 seconds during sleep. Yesterday they gave him a dose of caffeine to keep him from going into so deep a sleep that he forgets to breath...I jokingly asked the doctor if I should up my caffeine intake too since I'm breastfeeding him...


Preemies have those steps forwards and those steps back...this is just something that has to be solved before he can go home. They do send preemies home with apnea monitors and some even go home on a dose of caffeine but I explained to them that I want this issue resolved prior to discharge. I will be lighting up 911 if he goes limp on me like he did on Friday. Thank God this hospital makes you take a CPR and the heimlich maneuver class before you can take a baby home...not that CPR is whats need in this instance but I do feel prepared for an emergency at home.

Cooper is now 18 inches long!



And, now weighs 4 pounds 12.8 ounces...



I did buy him a musical toy for his bed this week and he really loves it. He just watches the little monkey and frog go back and forth. It's so cute!



8 comments:

  1. Sounds like things are going well, all things considered. Keep up the good work!

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  2. Wow, he is really growing isn't he? I love the toy you got him. What a great idea. My sister has had 2 babies with severe reflux and apnea. They weren't premature, but born addicted to drugs (they were adopted). It's scary, but it's certainly manageable and it did go away after a year or so. Cooper is so string. You are too!

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  3. Look at that hair! Does it have a hint of red to it? So very handsome :)

    So sorry to hear about this latest development. I can't imagine how scary it must be! And don't blame you at all for wanting it resolved prior to discharge. I can't imagine how horrible and stressful NICU must be - but I imagine there's also something comforting about being in such a seemingly "safe" place should you need it.

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  4. He is so adorable! Before his birth you prepared yourself very well by getting all the knowledge about preemies which is great. Soon he will be home.... counting the days with you! Hugs :)

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  5. What a handsome little boy! Praying that everything gets resolved and Cooper can go home soon.

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  6. Jen, he is growing every day. Sending thoughts and prayers your way for the apnea to be resolved soon so can go where he belongs...home. :)

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  7. I hope the apnea and reflux get worked out soon. I love that picture of him looking at his musical toy! So cute!

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  8. I'm sorry Cooper is having those issues, and pray they are resolved soon so he can come home! He is looking so big and so cute and healthy, though, and so much hair!

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