Friday, March 21, 2008

Another trip to the lab...

I get a phone call today from a number I didn't recognize so I let it go to voicemail. I listen to it and it is Benjamin's doctor asking me to call him back on his cell phone. I have come to realize when a doctor calls himself, on his own cell phone, it isn't usually good news. He said he began to get concerned last night and consulted another colleage of his who specializes in "sick babies". He has decided he wants Benajmin to come into the lab today to have more blood drawn. I would rather have a needle stuck in my eye than to have Benjamin have more blood drawn. We go to the lab. I am much pushier this time than last. I let them know I need a hot pack for his foot and I want it to stay on longer than just a few minutes. One prick of the foot...squeeze for 2 hours (not really that long, but it felt like it). Phlebotomist: "That wasn't a good prick, I will have try again." I barely refrain from grabbing a needle and jabbing it in her foot repeatedly. Seriously, you see a little baby come in, at least get the best phlebotomist to draw blood. The second stick was good.
His bilirubin came back slightly elevated over normal, a 7, which is fine, 1-6 is considered in normal range. His other test will come back sometime next week. I posted on www.kellymom.com the issues Benjamin has been having and I received a very encouraging post back. This lady had been having the no weight gain issue and she figured out she had a lot of foremilk (lowfat) and the baby wasn't getting enough hindmilk (high fat, high calorie). So she gave me a few ideas to try. I really feel like this could fix it. So pray, pray, pray for hindmilk consumption.
I am feeling better since the last post. Thanks for the prayers and comments.

4 comments:

Jenny said...

Amy! Poor mommy and Benjamin, isn't it so frustrating. Good to see the doctor is on top of things though. That is encouraging. I was going to call you later since I just sit around searching the internet I had read about the hind milk. Since he does nurse alot but not for long I think hind milk isn't consumed as much as he needs. Glad you have that website to consult with. You are a good investigator! Love ya!

Blair Family said...

This is a great site! I wish I would have found this site when I was nursing. This was our problem too. Hang in there:)

Shelly Collins said...

Sounds like you are figuring things out, hopefully the new info will help. Don't give up! This will just make you stronger. I'll be praying for you and Benjamin.

Shelly Collins said...

hi amy, just wondering how you are doing. any progress on the hindmilk consumption? i'm curious what you are doing different, is it your diet or the way you nurse? do you feel up to coming to grandma's tonight?