3wk old preemie eating like crazy!

christiney06

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All the nurses said while he was still in the hospital "once he gets going he will eat no problem!"  they were not kidding.   He is eating about every two hours about 2 ounces per feeding.  On monday he weighed 4p13ounces, so I assume by now he is over 5lbs.  I used a milk calculator I found online and it said for that weight he should be consuming about 12 ounces a day.  that is about 6 ounces less than what he is actually eating.  is there such a thing as eating too much?? I can not pump enough to keep up w/ him and will probably have to supplement soon.

there is no way I should try and hold off on his feedings right?? I feed him when he is fussy and trying to eat his hands.   what nipples are good for a slower flow on a bottle?  I think the ones we got from the NICU are too easy for him now.  I am really happy that he is finally gaining good weight and eating like a champ, I am just shocked at how it's a 180 degree flip from 2wks ago! 

Stacyc625

that is GREAAAT!

keep feeding that little one. as much as he wants as often!

congrats. he is a cutie! Best of luck to you!

 

Stacyc625

dont worry about your boobs not keeping up- are you planing on trying to get him back on the breasts? pump every two to three hours if you aren't putting him on the breast. AROUND the clock.

FriendlyFanny

I would work with the hospital lactation consultant and try to get him on the breast. Did the hospital supply a bottle for him to use? He should be using a newborn nipple or even a preemie nipple if available.

ncbelle

That's great that he's got such a good appetite!  Keep feeding him when he acts hungry - he's got growing to do!  Ditto the pp suggestion about working with an LC to get him on the breast (if that's what you want to do).  Either way, your body should respond to his increased demand.  If you want to just pump, make sure you up your pumping sessions.  And of course drink plenty of fluids and eat enough.