34 weeks and 874 grams aka Benjamin Button

Zane is now receiving 75% Similac Special Care formula 24 cal and 25% mothers' breast milk with beneprotein every 4 hours. He has tolerated this mix well with only 15-20% output from his ostomy. He has continued to show weight gain and we are hoping that he has finally turned the corner and he will continue to grow on a daily basis.

Zane did have several set backs last week, he has two nurses who were not part of his primary team because they were not aware of his "normal' behavior some miscommunication occurred.  His lasix and hydro-cortisone were weaned on the same day and he has not tolerated this wean before. His urine out put decrease as did his blood pressure, dopamine was started and the NNP thought about doing a septic rule work up, I spent many hours calling back forth to the hospital, talking with the nurse and the NNP to let them know that this was his normal behavior and he needed his hydrocortisone increased and would be ok.  I have a lot more grey hairs after that night.

  This is one reason I advocate for primary care nursing.  Your primary nurse knows the babies history and can present valuable information to a NNP team, this information can help to prevent unwarranted septic work up (which require arterial sticks) or ensure that a septic work up is done because the infant is just not right. Your primary nurses in my opinion is the pseudo "parents" they are not only safely taking care of the baby but they are the advocate for the parents when they are not at the bedside.Our primary nurses allow the parents and the grandparent  peace of mind as we know that someone is taking care of their baby who cares for them as if it is their own.  This reassurance is what allows us to continue working and trying to maintain some stability in our life.