Little Charlie was born two weeks ago via c-section. A healthy 4.28 kg or 9 lbs 4 oz!! We found out prior to discharge on day 4 that he had a slight heart murmur but we were told not to worry, that a lot of babies are born with small holes in their hearts and they heal themselves 9 times out of 10. So we took him home, not really worrying and knowing that they would check up on it at his 6 week check.
From the day he was born, my boy fed like a champion! Latched on while we were in recovery after the c-section and stayed attached for over an hour!!
When he was 9 days old we noticed that his breathing was getting harder and he started going off his feeds. He would latch and feed for a short while and then fall asleep. This meant he would be looking for food every 20 mins or so. At first I thought he was just cluster feeding but it lasted all afternoon. About 3pm we saw that his chest was really looking like it was struggling with each breath so we took him to ER at the children's hospital.
We were seen straight away and because of the murmur a cardiologist came to see us. we were told this was routine and it was probably nothing to worry about, just a slight chest infection. Anyway, to cut a long story short, two cardiologists and two echos later, DS and I were transferred by ambulance to another hospital where they have a paed cardiac ward. We got there about 4am last Sat.
Charlie had open heart surgery yesterday. He had a severe leak in his Mitral valve which meant that blood was rushing back into the lungs. This also meant that the pressure inside the heart was building to 3 times normal levels.
The surgery went well and although they weren't able to fix the leak completely, the surgeon is confident that he will have normal growth and development. My boy is in intensive care at the moment and slowly starting to breathe on his own.
Thank you for those bb girls who have been aware of what we are going through and have offered amazing support. This has been the hardest thing I have ever been through in my life and seeing my little boy at 2 weeks old cut open and full of tubes and wires is incredibly difficult.
Thank you to Tegam for visiting and cooking me lactation cookies so I can keep up my supply for when my boy is home. I'm happy to say that I have been able to express and he has been completely fed on my EBM through his feeding tube the entire time we have been in hospital! Thank you too to Dory, Lenny and Onyx for your lovely messages. I am extremely thankful for the amazing people in our lives and I know there are so many people thinking and praying for our boy.
I will keep you up to date as I know more about his recovery.
What a scary time for you all I am so pleased to hear that the surgery has gone well. That's great news. I wish Charlie a speedy recovery and send you loads of strength and positive energy. You are doing an amazing job.
Oh my goodness, hang in there mumma! Good on you for continuing to boost your supply and express for him, what a lucky bubba to have a mummy so dedicated!
Glenny, wow! You have been through so much. Sending lots of healing vibes to baby Charlie. Glad you have people around you helping and supporting you. I notice you're in Brissy. Let me know if you need anything xx
Oh Glenny. I'm so proud of you! I'm also so sorry that this time has had to be yet another of survival and pain for your family. I have no idea why you guys are being faced with such challenges!!! Know that if there is anything I can do to help I will.
Tho maybe you won't ask after you try the cookies They are not a true reflection of my cooking skills. I look forward to cooking up a storm of delicious treats for morning tea when you are all home.
Hope miss K is coping. And poor DH... Thinking of DH mum too.
Oh Glenny - how horrible for you! So glad to hear your little guy is doing well. Wouldn't it have been great had the hospital checked it a little closer to begin with to spare you all the scariness of it all.
I'm so sorry you and your family are going through this. It must have been (and still be) so scary for you all.
I hope Charlie is well and home with you very soon.
Reply With QuoteI am so pleased to hear that the surgery has gone well. That's great news. I wish Charlie a speedy recovery and send you loads of strength and positive energy. You are doing an amazing job.
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My baby had a broken heart!
Good on you for continuing to boost your supply and express for him, what a lucky bubba to have a mummy so dedicated!
They are not a true reflection of my cooking skills. I look forward to cooking up a storm of delicious treats for morning tea when you are all home.
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