Tracheomalacia

Declan had a weight check on Monday. We are so excited to share that he's finally gained a pound over his birth weight at 9lbs 10oz. If you calculate his loss he's gained two pounds. That averages out to be about 6oz a week. We hope that his weight continues to rise.

With his weight gain he has finally out grown his newborn clothing. I'll be packing that up and putting it to the side for another family member until we find out what the gender of their baby to be is. It's bitter sweet to see these tiny clothes not fit our little man anymore, but we are celebrating the fact that he is growing.

Since he was born Declan has made squeaky noises when he gets worked up and eats. We thought it was just because he was a c-section baby, since they don't have the fluids expelled from their chest naturally like during a vaginal birth. When it didn't go away we thought maybe it was just narrow airways.

At his last appointment his doctor expressed concern and checked to make sure his lungs were clear and when they were she listened to him while he ate and determined he has something called tracheomalacia, which is basically a floppy trachea. She doesn't think it's very severe because he doesn't have a problem with reflux or aspiration when he eats, so she wants to monitor him for now. We were given directions to keep him inclined when he eats, using a slow flow nipple, and allowing him small breaks while eating when we supplement using a bottle. We also need to pay attention so he doesn't choke afterwards or turn blue, which could indicate it's becoming more serious.

The supplemental feeding instructions is very similar to how my triplet nephews had to be fed, so we've had some practice. The good news is that he should out grow it before he is two. If for some reason it gets more sever then the pediatrician will order a swallow study. That could impact our breastfeeding relationship, but we are not focusing on that right now. At least we know why he makes so much noise and can be aware of his condition.