Happy news and a feeding question

Mrs. Alice

My boys got transferred yesterday to the hospital near our home!  Yay!  No more 2 hour drives to Dallas!  They have a private room and are doing great so far. 

The question - last night when I was visiting, while I was holding Owen, Miles was in the incubator and kept waking up and squirming around.  He's normally pretty quiet and sleeps after he gets his feeds.  So when I put Owen back I went to check on Miles and he was all wet.  I had to change his blanket and clothes.  Not quite sure how that happened. 

Anyhow, he was just sooo alert and fussy.  So I held him and he just kept rooting, sticking out his tongue, looking around (all the hunger cues) and then would get upset if he didn't have his pacifier which he was sucking vigorously on.  I so badly wanted to try to breastfeed him, but the nurse said not until the OT evaluates his swallowing in the next couple days. They will be 34 weeks GA this week.  He seems so ready to start now though!  When did you start BFing and/or bottle feeding and how did it go?

bhilyer

Congrats on being moved closer to home!  I can't imagine how much better it will be with them minutes rather than hours away.

As for feeding....I think JS was right at 32 weeks gestational age when he started with the bottle.  We didn't try the breast until 34 weeks. 

I say you fight for it.  You know your boys and have been there every step of the way.  Before they let me try the bottle with H, I was able to dip his paci in milk.  That helped me convince the nurse that he was ready to try as well.

Keep us posted!

jacque_z

So glad your boys got to move closer to home.  I can't imagine a 2 hour drive to the NICU!! 

As far as feeding, C started bottle feedings at 33 weeks and started non-nutritive breast feedings at 34 weeks.  C never did end up breastfeeding.  She had severe reflux and swallow issues so even bottle feedings were very difficult. 

I hope your boys do well. They are adorable!

rachel06

Congrats! I think J was about 34 weeks GA when he started to take the bottle. We would give him what he could take through the bottle & the rest through his NG tube.

njdcgirl

Congrats on the move closer to home.  That must feel great!

As for feeding, I think it was right around 34 weeks.  I never b/f, but can you ask about having him try on a dry breast (right after pumping?)  Sounds like it is right around the corner though, which is exciting!  Good luck!

mariposa_atl

Congrats! My LO is around the same age as your boys, she is 34 weeks and had her first bottle yesterday.  The nurse told me that we will not even try breastfeeding until she can successfully take 4 bottles a day.