Over 5 lbs. & Discharge Requirements
Posted on December 12, 2007
It’s been incredible to watch Toby grow and put on weight over the last 10 days. Today he weighed in at 5 pounds, 2.2 ounces and is now 17.25 inches long. Compare all of that to when he was born 2 months ago at 2 pounds, 1.8 ounces and 14.5 inches long. God sure is incredible (and so is everyone’s prayers!)
The doctor has also changed his feedings from every 3 hours to every 4. In addition, to make sure Toby gets enough calories, he now received 60 mL (2 ounces) of Mommy’s milk at every bottle feeding.
Toby also seems to have “grown” out of his apnea – at least he hasn’t had an episode since November 27th. The doctors have also discontinued his caffeine as of December 4th. The caffeine was used since he was born to prevent the apnea all preemies suffer from.
I’m sure a lot of you are wondering when Toby will come home. Discharge requirements have changed a lot and the 5 pound rule is no longer used. Here is what the doctor’s look for before Toby can come home:
- Be able to keep his body temperature normal in an open crib.
- Be on complete breast and/or bottle feeds, taking in an adequate number of calories.
- Be gaining weight on all breast or bottle feeds.
- Not have any apneas (pauses in breathing) causing slow heart rate (bradycardia) or change in color for 7 days.
- No oxygen supplement for at least 5 days (but some infants who will need oxygen for a long time are sent home with it).
It would be great to have him home for Christmas, but we’re not rushing things. We want Toby to be healthy when the big day comes so we’ll just be ready when he is!
Aawwww! He is growing so fast!!! before you know it he will be home. I know you two can’t wait to have him there!
15.12.2007 13:47
Colleen, I cannot believe how much Toby and Annalisa look alike in that pic of you and him together. They could be twins!
27.12.2007 12:16