Weight Gain after leaving hospital

shortstuff15

Hi!  I am not a preemie mom (as you can see from my ticker), but I am a preemie aunt and due to circumstances am very involved in my niece's situation.  She was born at 27 weeks and went home (to grandma & grandpa's because her mom passed away from cancer in December) at the beginning of last week (about a 1 1/2 weeks after her original due date).  Because my in-laws haven't had a baby to deal with in 26 years and none of their kids were preemie, they are having a rough go of it.  Anyway, her weight gain had slowed dramatically since coming home from the hospital and I was just wondering if this was normal or if there was anything I could suggest to them to do to help it pick up again. 

Thanks!

lmurphy0822

My baby was about 6 weeks early but once she came home her weight gain was about the same I think. I didnt weigh her every night like they did at the hospital but I had to bring her to the doctors more often than with a few term baby and they were impressed with her weight gain. So It could be normal or it just depends on the baby. I'm guessing that they are feeding her the same amount if not a little more but if they are doing all that and keeping her warm then she should be fine. GL

ijack

What an unfortunate situation for your family, I am so sorry

I think it's pretty normal for weight gain to not be AS stellar once they get home. They move a lot more and sleep less, which can contribute to that. As long as she's gaining good weight I wouldn't be concerned.

beachykeen1723

My heart goes out to you and your family.

How many calories of formula is she getting? My DS doesn't do well on 22 calories, but he gains like crazy on 24.

If the pediatrician isn't concerned, I wouldn't worry too much! GL, and please come to this board with any questions!

shortstuff15

I know they are feeding her the same amount as when she was in the hospital, but I'm not sure how many calories it is.  Part of the problem is that the hospital she was born at and her primary care is at is 2 hours away from where my in-laws live and the hospital where they do live isn't set up for NICU, so if they have a problem it a bit more of a concern.  I know they have quite a few appointments at the primary care hospital where she was born, and I'm not sure when the next one is, but maybe I'll suggest talking to the doctors about adding a couple of calories to her diet.