March 14, 2009

Cohen has been diagnosed with Breatmilk Jaundice. This is apparently different from the original jaundice he had after birth. Though it is not too concerning, it is of concern and will be monitored both visually and via labs. The cure for this is to stop feeding him breastmilk and give him formula until his bilirubin levels decrease. We are praying his little body will learn to process the bilirubin and will not have to stop receiving breastmilk. It’s not the end of the world and not forever, but breastmilk is the best thing for him and his immature digestive system, so we would really love it if he didn’t have to go off it.

Cohen is still very tired during the day and it is beginning to look like a blood transfusion is in his near future. I have been talking to both doctors and the nursing staff about what our options are to avoid the transfusion. Essentially everything to avoid a transfusion is currently occurring. Cohen’s little body just needs to start reacting to the Epogen shot and start making some red blood cells. Unless there is a a substantial increase in Cohen’s hematorcirt, he will be getting a transfusion. We really REALLY don’t want him to be poked again nor do we want someone else’s blood going into his body. I have type O blood, which is the universal donor, so I have requested to be the donor should Cohen need a blood transfusion. It would push the transfusion date back a bit (for testing and processing), but I am more comfortable with him having my blood. There are a ton of risks associated with blood transfusions, so we are praying we don’t have to go down that road.

Cohen had two 20 minute breastfeeding sessions today. He is latching on and impressing all the nurses with how long he will do it and how much he takes. The nurses now measure how much he gets by pulling it up through his NG tube with a syringe. Even though he is doing well breastfeeding, we have not yet been given the green light to start nippling (aka oral feeds). I was hoping the occupational therapist would have given the go after all the progress Cohen has made with breastfeeding and the few cc’s via bottle. Hopefully after Monday’s rounds, she will say we can really start the oral feeds.

John is still feeling really sick, so he is still in Moscow. I am going stir crazy waiting for him to feel well enough to come up and visit me…in a well ventilated place!