NICU alternating formula & breastmilk?

cinnamonbuns28

they just started doing this for my LO he was born 3 wks ago at 28 wks. they just started thursday alternating a 27 cal formula with my BM fortified to be 24 cal. they didn't tell me they were doing this and when i asked why they said for the extra calcium and phosporus for his bones and calories too.

 Has anyone else had thid happen? just wondering if this is good or bad. i don't want to tell them no formula if he needs it.

ssg73

No my daughter was on fortified breast milk the whole time she was in the nicu and for some time at home.  They used human milk fortifier at first then changed to enfamil enfacare to increase my bm to higher calorie.  As she got bigger they reduced the calories so that she was discharged on 24 cal breast milk.  I remember them telling me that the milk fortifier added calcium and other vitamins.  I am not sure why they would not be always be adding calories to breast milk.  Do you have a supply issue?

cinnamonbuns28

i don't think so, i am pumping about the same as he is eating maybe a little more, but i only go see him like 2 or 3 times a week so i know they will give formula if they have run out. i am pumping about 6 or 7 oz a day, and he eats less than an ounce every 3 hrs

they have been fortifying since the start i think, they just started alternating with formula thurs though

clyoungsey

never alternated or fortified, sorry I can't help

lemen99

That's odd!  Andrew was on fortified breast milk during his entire stay.  He was discharged at 24-cal.

Rachel&Joe

stella was on fortified breastmilk in the NICU & still is at home.  i definitely wouldn't fight it--these little guys need the extra calories & nutrients.

cjb62803

J was also fortified with human milk fortifier.  Then they moved him to neosure.  The tried him on enfamil AR half and half with breast milk which was still fortified with the neosure.  His reflux was really bad and he was on 3 meds as well as the enfamil ar.  That made him spit up worse so they put him back on the ebm mixed with only the neosure. I agree with Rachel, these little ones need so much extra.  I do know that one of the nurse practicioners at our NICU said something about one of the major benefits from formula for these little ones is that it does have the extra calcium and phosphorus that they do need for their little bones. The breast milk has some but not quite the extra umph that they need.

cinnamonbuns28

i am not really happy that they are doing it but i will let it continue if it will do him some good. i am considering stopping pumping, but i hate to give up so early, as i would like to try to breastfeed when he is able to mouth feed. it's just such a PITA to pump every couple of hours, and leak everywhere or sleep in a bra, etc. you guys know

 just so depressed with everything, and it's like i can't even do that for him you know? couldn't carry him, can't take care of him, can't feed him, hell, what can i do. KWIM?

AFwife1106

They only gave LO fortified BM in the NICU, but when she came home our pedi told us to have 2 formula feedings a day.  They have extra vitamins and stuff in the formula that BM is usually lacking.. the formula is also higher in calories so LO will gain weight faster.

I figured LO is getting the best of both worlds.  She gets the immune system and benefits of the BM but also gets the perks of the formula.  I think it's a good thing.  

JessAndi

Our LO got formula in the NICU, too, along with breastmilk.  I agree with pp's about these little ones needing the extra calories - the beginning is when they have the most catching up to do! But I would talk about it with your LO's Dr.'s if you are concerned - they will be able to give you more background about why she needs it.

Also, good luck with pumping!  I know it's a PITA, but the immunities and antibodies that you're passing on are so helpful for a preemie.  But in the end, you also have to do what is right for you.

southphilly

I'm sorry you're going through this.  My milk was fortified for our whole stay until they backed down at the end so he came home on only breastmilk.  I hear you on the difficulty pumping being compounded by the knowledge that they're alternating-can you talk to them about it? ask how long they intend to alternate and why?  maybe knowing would help. 

I made way too much milk in the beginning and he was taking so little and it was fortified and I just couldn't deal with all the pumping.  So-I successfully backed down to just four times a day, then gradually increased as his demands increased.  I am not reccommending per se-but maybe speak with lactation about getting to a point where you're not overwhelmed by the pumping demands but still keeping your supply.  Good Luck!

cinnamonbuns28

im still having problems pumping and getting empty, and remembering to stop every couple of hours to pump.

 but went to see him last night and just in the few days he's been on formula, he is really gaining weight now. it's really putting it on him, so i will let it continue. and im still pumping so that when he can breastfeed and hopefully come home, i can give him at least mostly breastmilk.