Feeding/Sleeping Question

missgooseyface

So LO is home and the LC wanted me to start with putting her to breast only 3x a day for now so we can monitor most of her intake/weight gain.  She said we will increase to 4x after a week of steady weight gain and keep increasing weekly based on LO's weight gain etc.  So we are feeding EBM for the other feedings.  Ok, LO is 7 weeks old tomorrow (36w gestation) and was 1 oz shy of 5lbs at discharge yesterday.  She is eating 70-80mls (piglet!) each feeding by bottle.  She is not really hungry at 3 hours (she will eat but is pretty lazy about it).  She eats better after 4 hours (and doesn't really wake at 3 hours but does at 4).  Is every 4 hours too long to go for her little self?  I called the NICU to ask and they said it's fine if she is setting that schedule and yea I know the nurses probably know best but I just want to see if any of you have had a similar experience?  Her pedi appt is tomorrow so she will be weighed of course, but I fed every 3 hours last night and am considering every 4 tonight because that's what we have done during the day....thoughts?

rels09

We switched to an on demand schedule once DD came home. I would say it's probably fine, and definitely ok from now until you talk to the pedi. Our pedi had us do a weight check several days after her first visit just to be sure she was doing ok at home - maybe you will get that same opportunity and if not, you can always ask for it.

pathfindermon

My NICU also said to feed on demand once my lo came home.  I don't think 4 hours is a big deal.  Maybe ask your pedi tomorrow.

Glad she's home and eating well!!

rslhmg

We feed on demand, typically every 4 hrs with one long stretch 56 hrs at night, but we see one of dds specialist every wk and she gets weighed at each one and were told unless her weight starts going backwards we are just fine feeding that way. If she's doing good with 4 hr I'd say stick with that unless her pedi says not to.

urbanflowerpot

pathfindermon:

My NICU also said to feed on demand once my lo came home.  I don't think 4 hours is a big deal.  Maybe ask your pedi tomorrow.

Glad she's home and eating well!!

^ This - check with the pedi tomorrow, but DS had to achieve ad-lib/on demand feedings before discharge while maintaining weight. You can always ask the pedi if you can bring her in to weigh her in a week - they don't mind (that I've ever heard of!).