Why is my baby not feeding properly after heart surgery?
The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.
The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.
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Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
My baby, who is 1 month old, had a major heart surgery d-TGA on the 6th day of his birth. He was discharged on the 29th day. Now, he is 5.4 lbs and at the time of his birth, he was 5.4 lbs. He cries too much and sleeps too much, but in both the occasion he takes very less feeding. We are much worried as he is becoming thinner. He also has fever in between and it was 99.5 degrees Fahrenheit. After sponge bath, the fever got reduced. Please help.
Hi,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
1. Your baby had a major surgery and because of surgical trauma, his feeding and sleep pattern is disturbed.
2. Regarding his fever, there is a possibility of some post-surgery infection.
3. You have to consult your cardiologist and pediatrician as this is a major issue. Please contact your doctor immediately.
Patient's Query
Thank you doctor,
We are already in a hospital. Doctor has just checked his sugar level and it is fine. We are trying to feed him. He sucks only for two to three times and again goes to sleep. Doctor told us to observe for two more hours and if he is not taking food, then they will feed him by pipe. There is no fever for 10 to 12 hours now. Kindly give your opinion. What might be the probable causes?
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
1. He may not able to take a feed and this could be related to his original heart problem.
2. Your doctor may need to do another echocardiogram (echo) to look at his cardiac status.
3. Feeding through a nasogastric tube (NGT) could be an option, if not able to take feed. I think because of his poor cardiac status, he is not able to suck properly.
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