It's only noon and already this day has been filled with overwhelming emotions. I took Kaitlin to get her weight checked today. She weighed in at 15 lbs, 14 oz and is 28 ¼ inches long. Unfortunately, her weight has now dropped off the growth charts and the words "failure to thrive" were written on her chart. As a mother, I have to say that these must be the three worst words to see written about your child. Along with the overwhelming dread that there is something seriously wrong with her, I am now filled with uncertainty about my mothering abilities. What am I doing wrong? Is the schedule I have her on causing her to not eat enough? Am I missing her hunger cues? Are we giving her too many solids? Not enough?
To top it all off, I had to watch my 10-month old cry in pain and confusion as she got blood drawn. It was a miserable experience. So, now we await the results of a blood test to check her thyroid and for anemia. We go back to the hospital on Monday for a urinalysis to check her electrolytes and, although the pediatrician has assured me she doesn't have it, a sweat chloride test to check for Cystic Fibrosis. Dr. Young said that usually with any of those problems, a baby's height usually drops off as well as the weight which hasn't happened, so hopefully it's nothing, but doing some tests will help us know for sure. We'll be switching to a higher calorie formula and hopefully that will help Kaitlin get a little meat on her bones!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
4 comments:
Oh; no fun no fun! :-( I (and Kim) know what you mean about the blood-draw - I've been sent with Evs to the hospital with that explicit task, because Kim just couldn't take it. Plus Evelyn is a "hard stick" to boot; we always have to tell them to get a NICU nurse, they don't listen, and then they end up doing it our way after 3 failed sticks, but on an extra-furious Evelyn.
Hopefully Miss Kaitlin just isn't a big eater by nature, and just needs a few more calories, and the new formula and/or some more packin' it in will call this all done & done. That's what we'll pray for, anyway. :-)
Oh guys I'm so sorry you have to go through this waiting and wondering! Let me re-assure you that I've seen you in action and you are an INCREDIBLE mother! Hang in there and know that you are in my thoughts this weekend! Miss you! Christy
I'm sure you have done everything you can for little Kaitlin. Don't doubt yourself. You are a wonderful mom!!!
You are a FABULOUS mother! Never doubt that! Kaitlin is so blessed to have you in her life. I am praying for you guys and for that sweet little girl. I will talk to you soon.
Post a Comment