DS born at 36 weeks 6 days, not gaining weight...

Makinroom4baby

I went into labor last Monday night. By Tuesday evening my contractions were unbearable and the Dr tried for 12 hours to get them to slow down or stop. I had fibroids removed from my uterus so my Dr didn't want me in labor so he proceeded with the c section Tuesday night. He warned me that my son was still considered premature, even though just 2 days later I would be considered full term. He warned me that my baby could have some issues common with preemies but that there would be no concern about his viability.

My beautiful boy was born on 12/20/11 at 6:42pm and weighed 5lbs7oz. He went straight to the NICU for rapid and shallow breathing but was able to correct it himself, without oxygen. He had trouble maintaining his temps at first, but he was in the room with me by 10:30 that same night. He latched on immediately, but was definitely a sleepy eater. I had to wake him every 3 hours to eat and even then it was really hard to wake him. He appeared a bit yellow on the day of discharge, but his levels came back normal. Pedi told me to still sun him and she would recheck his levels at his 2 weeks appt. He was discharged with me on Thursday and he weighed 5lbs4oz. He continued to be sleepy at the breast, but his feedings were slowly getting longer. My milk came in on Saturday. He showed a preference to my right breast from the start. I still fed him from both but he was more vigorous on the right side. Now I think my right breast is over producing and my left is just not fast enough for him.

 We saw the LC yesterday and he still weighs 5.4 but she said he feeds well. He literally fed from my right breast for less than 10 minutes before passing out from a milk coma and when she weighed him again he had already taken in 1.5 ounces. Then he burped 3 times and choked up some breast milk. She didn't seem concerned, but told me to stop pumping for a while. Only pump if I'm feeling too full. Well he just seems so much more sleepy now I'm worried that maybe his sugars are dropping b/c he doesn't seem to be eating enough. If I feed from the right breast, he chokes and pulls off in less than 5 minutes and goes to sleep. On the left side he stays latched but ends up falling asleep before he's full. He's having numerous wet/dirty diapers, but he would literally sleep all day if I let him.

Should I call the pedi, or is this normal? I haven't had a newborn in 5 yrs, but Jayden was never this sleepy. However, he was 8lbs6oz at birth and was full term. Is this just a preemie issue that I need to work around? He does feed more if I'm doing skin to skin with him. More like snack sessions, but it makes me feel better (pain wise and mentally). If I put him down after eating he will literally sleep until the next feeding and then I have to wake him up. I have a moby wrap so I can wear him if needed...

COmommy

It sounds like normal newborn behavior. If you are concerned, you can wake him by tickling his feet or next to his mouth to stimulate him to possibly try to eat some more. It is normal for him to be down a few ounces since birth.  He should start gaining now.  Have you discussed your concerns with his pediatrician?

Makinroom4baby

I do all of the tricks to stimulate him and he doesn't wake up. I did speak with his pediatrician today and she's going to see him tomorrow.

COmommy

Makinroom4baby:

I do all of the tricks to stimulate him and he doesn't wake up. I did speak with his pediatrician today and she's going to see him tomorrow.

Good.  I hope you get some answers tomorrow!