Feeding Issues

MrsWheeler

We've been in the hospital for 12 days now.  I'm exhausted. 

 

Our little (9lbs Abigail is still not feeding well.  She takes about 30cc at a time and they gavage the rest through her feeding tube.

She had some breathing problems in the beginning, but they have all cleared up.  They are blaming immaturity on her lack of interest as she was born at 36w6d.

I'm going crazy.  What has worked for some of you?  We've tried different nipples galore, holding techniques, etc.

 

I'm hoping she just "gets it" soon.   

Ali05

it's really hard to believe it and really hard to stay postive...but most of the time it really does just take some time. and then one day it clicks and it's like they've been doing it all along. Feeding problems are "normal" in the beginning but they typical get past it. Hang in there! I hope it clicks for her soon. Keep practicing with her. Do you have a LC or OT working with her?

clyoungsey

Agree with pp, it just clicks...but it never feels like it is going to until it does!  Good luck...I 2nd OT or LC

ScissorTailedFlycatcher

In the NICU, there isn't much you can do aside from what you're already doing. At home, the doc suggested to us two (hopefully) remedies for DD's eating issues. One is reflux. We figured that out in these past two days and she's taken one dose of medication and we can already see an improvement. The other was reteaching her to eat by limiting her time and making her wait 3 hours between feedings. Not that those are your LO's issues, but just know it will eventually get better! Good luck!

kar5162

Check her tounge too for signs of tounge-tie.  DS eventually figured out how to eat his whole feed and got out, but we later discovered a severe tounge-tie.  He eats so much faster and easier now that we've partially corrected it.  She may just need time, but it's worth checking.

 

The other thing to look at is how they are feeding her.  Is she on a 3/4 hour schedule?  Does she show feeding cues ever?  Is she having a binky?  DS had a roommate in the special care nursery who went from having 1-2 complete oral feeds per day to getting out in just over 24 hours when a nurse finally got the neo to put her on demand feedings and limit her binky usage to 1-2 minute before a feed.  She was hungry every 2 to 2.5 hours, but couldn't finish her full feed every 3.  When allowed to eat when she wanted, she was able to take plenty over the course of the day.

lemen99

I hope it clicks soon!

Ktbuss

My Lo was born at 28 weeks but stayed until 2 weeks after his due date because of feeding issues.  It ended up being the type of bottle we were giving him. Speech suggested bring in Dr. Browns bottles to try and they worked like a charm once we switched his bottle he went home in a couple of days.  I know how hard it is to be patient but it will click with her and she will be home before you know it. Hang in there!