Continuing feeding troubles

We apologize for the long time since our last post. Loki has had some improvements, and some problems.

The big problem continues to be feeding. This is not entirely bad news: He is eating (or is it drinking?) mostly via the breast. However, it does not seem to be enough, and it is a struggle to feed him, with much crying etc. He has not gained weight - and perhaps lost some - in the two weeks since we (actually Mom) have been pushing breast feeding strongly. In some ways, his feeding has become even more difficult. For example, he has developed a strong gag reflex, making bottle feeding a challenge. He is also not peeing enough, and barely pooping at all.

The good news from this - that Loki mainly breastfeeds - means that Mom is pumping only twice per day. This is down from seven times at the peak! Strangely, we are now throwing away some frozen milk. It is only good for four months, and Loki is just not using that much from the bottle.

We are beginning to believe that there is a significant physical contribution to Loki's feeding problems. You may recall that his feedings went from "not good" to "quite bad" after his final surgery on April 1. Of course, that surgery involved work with his intestines. We wanted to allow some time to recovery, but his eating has not improved. Loki and Mom will go to the pediatrician tomorrow, and ask for a referral to a gastro-intestinal (GI) specialist.

Loki is now visited weekly by three developmental specialists: a special start nurse, an early interventionist (EI) (which used to be Mom's job), and an occupational therapist (OT). Perhaps Mom can explain their specializations better than I can. I believe the EI looks at a wide range of developmental characteristics, and the OT focuses on Loki's abilities to do what he needs to do, such as each.

Today the EI noticed that Loki did not respond well to certain sounds. His hearing has been tested before, and it is clear that he can hear. Perhaps he is having an issue with processing certain sounds?

Despite Loki's lack of eating and growth, his behavior and abilities continue to develop. He now rolls over from his tummy to his back quite easily. He grabs at, and pulls, toys and other objects that are in front of him.

Mom's mom - Oma Heleen - extended her stay. She was scheduled to leave around now, but will stay until the 17th. This is great. She offers company for Mom during the day while I am at work, and does much cooking and other things around the house, which really helps me out.

We have some photos and video, but I need to offer a bottle to the little man and sleep myself. We'll get them posted soon.