Posted by Shelly S. on August 09, 1998 at 08:57:24:
In Reply to: slow weight gain (long, sorry) posted by Alexmom on August 08, 1998 at 00:53:48:
Hi!
I know just how you are feeling! It sucks to hear "be patient", but unfortunately, oftentimes in the "NICU Rollercoaster Ride", it's ALL you can do.
My trips were 25 weekers, all two pounds and under. Benjamin was the smallest (1-9) and is still having trouble gaining weight. He spent nine weeks on the vent, partly due to small size (he tried to come off twice but ended up back on because he was too weak and small to keep breathing.) He even gained so slow in the NICU that the neo. put him on "activity restrictions". He was only allowed to come out of his isolette two times a day for 20 minutes each, and this was when he was within a couple weeks of his due date! He ended up spending 120 days in the NICU and came home 3 weeks after his due date. (His bigger brother came home one week before the due date.)
Ben is a BPD'er, which makes weight gain even more difficult, unfortunately. And he has always been very active. Now he is 9 1/2 months actual/6 corrected, and is still having weight gain problems. He is 13-4 and only gains ~3 ounces a week average. (not much) BUT, he is very happy, active, contented, healthy (except still having 02 at home), and attempts to do MUCH more than his weight should allow!
My point is, take heart!! You are walking the LONGEST walk of your life now, and you have only just begun. No one knows why some babies grow faster than others, but no one knows why some Moms have to have preemies, either. :)
Hang in there!
Shelly S., Mom to 25 week trips Tyler (2-0 now 17+ pounds) and Benjamin (1-9 now 13-4), and Angel Joshua 10/21/97-10/27/97.