Reflux

[AnnieM461]

What can be done for a preemie infant with reflux and raspy breathing ? He also has apnea

[AnnieM461]

Tomorrow the twins will be two weeks old and Brantley now weighs 5 lbs and they are going to start to take out the feeding tube .Mason is still having trouble but is improving ,he weighs 6lbs 8oz but it keeps fluctuating.
I can't wait for the day that they both are released and get to go home.

Thank you for all the encouragement ,it helps to hear of other preemies that have gone through this and done well.

[adgal]

So happy for you and your family.  Twins...a double blessing!  I too am so glad to hear they are in such great hands.  My 2 year old spent 5 days in NICU at birth and my experience with the nurses there was just wonderful!  I know it is probably very hard on your daughter and your whole family worrying and having them there, but trust me when I say that preemie babies typically do exceedingly well, and as Specialmom said, tend to grow out of issues such as sleep apnea.

I also have a few happy stories to share with you.  My son was only 4lb 14oz, and today you would certainly never know it!  He is a happy, healthy, completely normal toddler.  My cousin gave birth to her twin girls at 32 weeks.  They were so tiny...only 2lb something each.  They will be 4 in October and are also healthy, normal, fantastic girls.  A friend of mine just gave birth in Nov. at 29 weeks due to life threatening high blood pressure.  That little girl is also thriving.  So don't worry, it is highly unlikely there will be any long term issues.

In my experience with NICU, they sent me home with quite specific instructions, and I assume they will do the same with your little grandsons.  They will be just fine and I wish all of you a lifetime of happiness!!

[specialmom]

Well, you must be a proud Grandma!!  congrats on the babies.  I'm glad that they are in good hands.  I wish you much luck and feel free to update as things progress.  My friend's premature baby (also a twin) is doing fine now.  He did outgrow his apnea after some time but takes medication for reflux.  Apnea is scary when  you see it happening in your baby.  I'm sure the doctors/hospital/Nicu staff will send your daughter home with full instructions for the babies.  Lots of luck and best wishes for you all.  

[margypops]

Glad to hear from you and congratulations  on the birth of the babies .They will have good treatment in NICU but it is worrying..for you Good Luck  

[AnnieM461]

Thank you everyone for your responses ,especially helpful was about the position in which the baby is positioned.

It is actually my daughter that I ask this question. Annie delivered twin boys at 34 weeks ,they each weighed 4lbs 8 oz. One has had no health issues and now weighs 4lbs 13 oz while the one with apnea is 4lbs 5 1/2 oz .    They are in the NICU  still as they were born 9 days ago and I was very concerned .
Since I posted this, they have started giving him caffeine and it seems to be helping .Also they have removed the oxygen, so our prayers are being heard.

As far as smoking,neither parents smoke and don't allow in in their home, but I will let her  know to watch for allergens ,so thank you all so very much for the adviice and God bless

[AnnieM461]

Thank you so very much

[AnnieM461]

thank you for your help

[margypops]

I am sure Annie as your baby is a preemie you are in close contact with your doctor ..no one has suggested you do anything else it is also good to get other information,and suggestions that you can ask your doctor about ...let us know how he is doing .

[adgal]

I realized in reading back my posts that I did not explain myself very well.  So I will further explain my concern.  If you read up on reflux in an infant, there are all kinds of suggestions made on different web sites.  Everything from propping babies crib or basiness mattress to adding a bit of cereal to breastmilk or formula and feeding through a bottle. Problem is, some of these suggestions can be dangerous for an infant with apnea.  Propping the mattress slightly at one end can cause an infants chin to drop to his chest a bit.  Huge no no in a child with apnea and raspy breathing.  That's why it's so important to not try anything you read on your own.  A Dr. will take all medical challenges into account.  All the best to you.  

[adgal]

Please be careful in terms of trying anything you may see on line.  Reflux is one thing, but as Specialmom said, the Apnea is quite another.  In preemies this is often caused by slightly underdeveloped lungs and treatment very much depends on the individual situation.  Don't be frightened, babies born preemie and with apnea do very well, but any and all episodes must be reported to your Dr. immediately.  How preemie was baby? Were you given steroid shots prior to delivery to assist with lung development at all?  Did he spend much time in NICU?  What has your Dr. advised you?  

One of the things I will mention is that it is very very important to keep his environment as irritant free as possible.  Keep smokers away from him (even if not smoking around him, smoke sticks to clothing and can irritate immature lungs).  I would also keep any household pets out of his sleeping area.  

I have no doubt he will be fine, but the communication with your Dr. is so important.  All the best to you!

[specialmom]

I think what is scary is the sleep apnea with the reflux.  That few seconds or so of not breathing would be upsetting.  I'm sure that aspect is followed by your physician as that can be quite serious.  The biggest thing I've read is to not put the baby that curls him into a spoon position such as swings or bouncy seats.  Anything that would allow the baby to curl down into himself is  not recommended---  being watchful to keep that airway as straight as possible and unobstructed.  They make wedges and such for sleeping.  Sometimes they use moniters with the apnea (angel moniter is one)----  but I'm sure these are things your doctor is working on with you.  I'd also do a child CPR class.

I guess reflux complicates the apnea and can become a source of blockage itself.  Medication is probably the route to take.  

But I'm sure this is really worrisome to you.  

I'd stay really close to your doctor and follow all of their orders.  My dear friend has a son who was premature with reflux and apnea.  He is fine but it is complicated, isn't it?  Puts a high level of worry on a parent.  They can really do so much to help babies that come early, so rely on your doctor.  Peace

[margypops]

I have found many articles about preemie reflux apparently preemies are very prone to it, here is a link   www.comeunity.com/premature/baby/reflux-maroney.html    I am sure you are also speaking with your doctor .,its nice to also get other input ..good luck hope baby settles soon and congratulations on his birth ..

[specialmom]

Yes, I agree that with a premature infant with both of these, you need to be followed by a doctor an that would be the very best to advise you on how to handle that.

I wish you the very best.  Peace

[adgal]

This is one of those situations where you have to be working very very closely with your Dr.   If your child has both reflux and apnea there are a number of different options, but it would be very dangerous for any of us here to advise you.  Your Dr. is a far better option then the internet.  I wish you all the best.