Help with Bottle Feedings

Jilltanner

I am a lurker on these boards, but I could sure use some help.  I have 10 day old twins.  They were born at 36 wks 4 days.  My son weighed 6 pounds 11 ounces and my daughter weighed 5 pounds 10 ounces.  When they left the hospital they were below the 10% weight loss.  Dr. had to see us a week later for a weight check.  They were down even more at that check.  We went in two days later and they have gained, which is good.  But my daughter has a hard time eating.  I am feeding her every 2 hours and trying to get 2 ozs down her but it is quite a struggle.  I have tried a medicine dropper, changing the nipples, etc.  We even feed her naked and in a well lit room.  She wakes up once I get her diaper changed and use a cold washcloth, she just won't eat!  Anyone else have this issue and are there any tips you can reccomend?  TIA! 

PianoPlayingSarah

Welcome and join in, stop lurking!!  And congrats on your little ones!

Did the pedi tell you to feed every 2 hours??  She may not be hungry after 2 hours and therefore, won't try to eat anything.  I would suggest every 3 hours unless she indicates that she wants to eat before then.  We demand feed - which means that sometimes we made it 3 hours, sometimes not.   

CaliJenny

congrats on your little ones!! 

Do you give yours pacifiers??  When mine were in the hospital they were horrible eaters and then the nursery gave them pacifiers and it was a world of difference.  oh, and switch to a differnt kind than the soothie one's.  Mine hated those because there wasn't a "bump" to grab onto. 

It sounds like you are doing everything you can to get them to eat.  Mine used to sleep too much the first couple of weeks that I'd have to wake them to eat but at around 3 weeks they wanted to stay up more. 

jd0614

What about using Neosure?  ITs got more calories and should help with the weight gain.  Mine were on it for about 2 weeks after they came home from NICU to assist with weight gain.

jd0614

Forgot to mention, one of mine was a very poor eater so even though he was a good weight, still needed the extra calories while he "learned" to eat.

Jilltanner

Thank you for all the suggestions.  I have tried all that.  My son loves the soothies but my daughter likes the NUK brand.  We will just keep plugging along and see what the pedi says next week at their weight check.  This is the hard stage!  I guess it can only get better.  Thanks again.

macchiatto

You're right that this is the hard stage. One of mine was often too sleepy to eat for much of the first two weeks or so. It will get better; keep us posted!