Today Lucas was doing well. Daddy arrived around 10 this morning to kangaroo him (mommy was having a party). His oxygen level was at 26% before they pulled him out of his bed. Once, they put him on Daddy's chest and Lucas got comfortable and relaxed. He breathing improved and the nurses had to turn down the oxygen to 21%, which is what we breathe as adults. After an hour into holding him, Lucas's oxygen level starting going down along with his heart rate. This has been happening during the past few days causing mommy, daddy, and grandma some concern. I was trying to stimulate Lucas by rubbing his feet, but his heart rate was at 91 and his oxygen level was at 58%. The two of the nurses in the NICU came over to assist in bringing his levels up by rubbing his back and head. This happened 2 other times while I was holding him, but the nurse explained to me that this can be caused by reflux. Adults get acid reflux. The nurse explained that Lucas has increased his feedings so much that he is getting 16ml every 3 hours, causing a full tummy and reflux. Every time he has the reflux it causes him to stop breathing, which is a natural reflex to keep food out of the lungs. So the nurse said Lucas will most likely go on a more staged feeding to reduce the reflux.
Lucas managed to last a full two hours during his kangaroo time with Daddy. His latest stats as of 10:30pm was 2lbs 15oz (almost 3lbs) and was at 26% oxygen doing well.
