Braden has 2 tubes coming out of his belly button. One tube sends liquid nutrients in, much like an umbilical cord. One tube sends waste out. Right now the waste has a light tint to it, which indicates that his bowels are not yet ready for formula. If they were to feed him now, he could get a bowel infection that would require surgery to repair. So we just have to wait until those tubes are both clear...then the weight gainer formula can fatten him up. We pray that he will be on formula soon.
Sometimes preemies can develop a mild acid in their bloodstream. They give preemies donated blood to help reduce the acid and get them back to normal levels. So far Braden has had to receive donated blood twice. So while I'm on the topic, let me get on my little soap-box. If you are able to donate blood, please do so. Regardless of where you live, you can find clinics and even traveling donor centers. Braden is just one example of how you can save a life by donating blood. For more info, please visit Give Life.
Ok, I'm off the soap-box...
The doctor also said that Braden is living in that incubator as a simulated womb. Technically speaking, he is 8 days old. But in the doctor's medical perspective, Braden is at 25 weeks of gestational development. The fact that Braden has made it to 25 weeks of development with no major medical problems is a miracle! We can only thank God for that.
This is a picture of Steve's hand above Braden. You can see how small he is, but also how well developed he is.
2 comments:
Thats one great lookin' hand, but an even more beautiful baby boy!!! Now I see where he gets it from!!!
Fresh from heaven! What an angel.
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