Answers

After waiting all afternoon, Harper finally had her swallow test at 3 pm today and we got the results back this evening. Tony and I are very pleased with the findings, not because everything came back perfect, because it didn’t, but because now we have some answers and a plan and can move forward.

For the swallow test, they put Harper in a chair and fed her bottles with milk and barium of varying consistencies. The occupational therapist said the moment they started trying to feed Harper, she shut down; she was very reluctant to put the bottle to her lips and tried to pretend like she was sleeping. On the x-ray, they could see that Harper was aspirating the little food that she was taking; when babies aspirate breast milk, the milk is reabsorbed and does not cause pneumonia, but it is uncomfortable and feels like the milk “went down the wrong tube”, like choking. The OT said that as they thickened the milk during the study, Harper became more interested and finally reached a point where she was alert and wanting to eat.  The study also found that Harper had some reflux issues- not terrible, but it was present.  When the study was over, the OT went back to Harper’s room with her to try and feed her and come up with a feeding plan for the nurses. She said that Harper was awake and acting hungry, even after eating 20ml during the study. So, the OT offered her another 35ml of formula thickened with rice cereal (remember she had only eaten 40 ml at a time for the last 5 days). Harper finished those 35 ml in less than 10 minutes, never had stress cues, and was awake and happy when she completed the bottle. Amazing! This is a different kiddo than the little girl who hiccupped and acted scared every time she saw a bottle. 

So, here’s the plan from here on out: Harper is now being moved to formula with rice cereal as a thickener. This will be a temporary fix; she won’t eat thickened milk forever, but it’s best for her for now. She is also going to be using a specific bottle that helps with colic (and also has about 100 pieces that we have to learn how to reassemble).  Harper will not be expected to take 8 bottles a day tomorrow; she will build up to taking more bottles over the next few days and will still have breast milk when she’s eating through her feeding tube. Tony and I are very happy to finally have some answers and are hopeful that the thickened food will help our girl grow strong and be happier and healthier. Way to go, Harper Marie, Mom and Dad are so proud of you! Thank you, Lord, for helping us get some answers.