Guest guest Posted October 24, 1998 Report Share Posted October 24, 1998 Elaine: If you want to be sure he's getting adequate calories, contact a nutritionist at the hospital. They will have you track each and every drop you feed your child for 3 whole days. Though it's difficult to get a good reading if your child has 3 good days or 3 bad days, at least the nutritionist can get a good feel (this will be easier if your child is only on formula). The nutritionist felt that our daughter had adequate caloric intake but was obviously burning it up too quickly whether it was because of a high metabolism or her heart and lung condition. Regardless, she felt that without additional calories and fat, my child would not be able to grow and would be susceptible to infection. The products that were recommended to us since birth was 1) Polycose - a tasteless powder to be added to formula or milk to add calories, 2) Scandical - a presciption powder to be added to liquid or food to add calories, 3) Pediasure, and 4) Carnation Instant Breakfast. The last two choices can be mixed with milk or formula slowly over time to get the child used to the taste. Now my daughter is very thin, so this may be why the docs recommended this. And in heart failure her first year, she was certainly not taking in 1/2 the calories she needed to grow. But even now that she's healthier she's benefited from the Carnation Instant Breakfast and though she's not gaining much weight, she finally didn't lose any either! Jeanne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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