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Gotta love Dr. Debbie Downer (aka our weekend neonatologist)

katie4253katie4253 member
in Preemies

Good lord.  They must pull the most depressing neos to do rounds on the weekends.  I swear, the past two weekends we've had the most Dr. Debbie Downer neos!

Today's went into a big long (scary) focus on NEC.  Apparently this week is a high risk week for Gabe (3 weeks old).  He said his belly is looking slightly distended (but still soft) and they may have to do an x-ray later this week, blah blah blah blah--it was hard to hear everything he was telling me.

I know he's had acceptable residuals and is still pooping and has good bowel sounds.  So, I'm not sure why the doctor felt the need to delve into this.  After he left the nurse and nurse practitioner said Gabe's belly always looks like that because he has no muscles to hold it in yet.  The nurse practitioner also said that NEC usually isn't a huge concern for a 31 weeker, but since Gabe was ELBW baby, they are really watching him.  She also said that the neo was just being cautious and telling me all the info he could. 

Normally, I LOVE hearing every bit of info possible about pretty much everything in life.  But, when it comes to NEC, I hate hearing anything about it because I know the risks.  And really, it is always on our minds. 

It's pretty amazing with all the research in the field, they still don't have a great handle on what causes it.  They did tell me today that a lot of the time 3 week old babies start getting formula (because moms stop pumping) and that introduces new bacteria to the gut.  So, at least I know I am still pumping and keeping up my supply for him.  

 

Born at 31w3d due to severe IUGR & Placental Insufficiency--2lbs 3ounces
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We'll miss you sweet Debbie Girl (4.21.12) and sweet Cindy Girl (8.9.12)
Lilypie Premature Baby tickers

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Re: Gotta love Dr. Debbie Downer (aka our weekend neonatologist)

  • kck329kck329 member

    Ugh. We learned pretty quickly to not focus too much on the information from the weekend Neos. Mostly because they don't know your baby as well as their primary neo and aren't always right.

    Take what they said with a grain of salt. NEC is beyond scary and you are doing everything you can to prevent it (breastmilk) and catch it early (careful monitoring). Other than that, focus on the information you get from the weekday doctors and try not to worry too much. Gabe is doing amazingly well and is just adorable!

    Preemie Resource Blog: for new and veteran preemie parents

    Our precious girl, born at 27 weeks. Lilypie Premature Baby tickers
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  • katie4253katie4253 member
    imagekck329:

    Ugh. We learned pretty quickly to not focus too much on the information from the weekend Neos. Mostly because they don't know your baby as well as their primary neo and aren't always right.

    Take what they said with a grain of salt. NEC is beyond scary and you are doing everything you can to prevent it (breastmilk) and catch it early (careful monitoring). Other than that, focus on the information you get from the weekday doctors and try not to worry too much. Gabe is doing amazingly well and is just adorable!

    Thank you.  Very good advice.  Our favorite Neo is back doing rounds on Monday so I'll be sure to listen to what he says.  

    Thanks for the compliments on Gabe too.  We're hoping he hits 3lbs tonight.  He is less than an ounce away!  

    Born at 31w3d due to severe IUGR & Placental Insufficiency--2lbs 3ounces
    image

    We'll miss you sweet Debbie Girl (4.21.12) and sweet Cindy Girl (8.9.12)
    Lilypie Premature Baby tickers

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  • MrsLee22MrsLee22
    Ugh ugh ugh NEC is seriously my second biggest fear. But really, why scare you if there is nothing to be scared of? Thats not fair for you!
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