A friend had some questions of Ella James feedings...
Ella is currently receiving 22 ml every 3 hours which she receives by a oral tube that goes into her mouth into her stomach. She receives her feedings with a feeding pump so that she receives the feeding over 45 minutes. When she was receiving faster feedings she was having problems with apnea. Her tiny little body is affected by a big full belly. When she is does feeding you can see her belly protruding.
Her feedings consist of a 1:1 ratio of breast milk and high calorie formula. The breast milk in her feedings help with digestion of the feeding along with all the other benefits that milk provides her. Research has shown that breastmilk decreases the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) by 50%. At 32 weeks gestation, risk goes down as well. However, that being said they have seen cases of NEC in premature babies that have received solely breastmilk or solely formula.
She has had some problems with diarrhea. She was receiving a high 30 calorie formula. They have now decreased this to a 25 or 26 high calorie formula to help with the diarrhea. I am not exactly certain as to how this works but I believe it is the concentration. It has helped and her diarrhea has decreased.
Her volume of feedings is based on her weight. She receives 170 ml/kg. They check her feeding residual prior to each feeding to ensure she is digesting at least 50% which she has been.
The other tube in Ella's mouth goes down to her stomach as well but is intended to remove extra air from her stomach. She has the CPAP which can sometimes push air into her belly.
Breathing: She has the CPAP which is pressurized air. She has been on room air and they are decreasing the pressure slowly. We are beyond excited for this transition to a nasal cannula over the next week. But, I will admit I am afraid to begin the journey of actual feeding with breast or bottle.
Isolette: Ella is in an isolette and will be for awhile yet. This is actually pretty complicated. They removed the humidity from her isolette today. Now over the weeks there is a series of steps they follow. I cannot actually remember them but they will do different things to the settings to see what she tolerates. Prior to removing her from the isolette she needs to be able to maintain her temperature and also be a certain weight.
I think I understand about 50-60% of the medical stuff you share....Very grateful Ella has such a brilliant mama. :) Leaving the isolette will mean snuggle time, yes?
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