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sleeping & eating as a premie

ludaliludali member
edited August 2013 in Preemies
I am beyond exhausted today. DD is 7 weeks actual, due date was 5 days ago. The last 3 nights she has been up every 2 hours or less to nurse. Actually yesterday during the first half of the day was about the same... I'm guessing she's in a growth spurt outside of the typical schedule that includes 6 weeks? I'm having such a hard time understanding what is going on with her but am trying my hardest to just do it all.

But I broke down at the 3:00 feeding this AM and just bawled my eyes out as I nursed. She's been home a month and it seems like her nights are getting worse...we've had 3, 4, 5 hour stretches previously...

On top of it all, I have a cracked nipple, so trying to not nurse on that side for now, so am concerned that she's not getting enough milk on the other side considering how often she's going for it... Pumping the broken side after I nurse her, but that lengthens the overnight feed cycle to the point that I get about 20 min of sleep between feedings.

Anyone have similar experiences? Of course my expectation is that she'll function like a 7 weeker...I desperately need some patience.
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Re: sleeping & eating as a premie

  • ludaliludali member
    And I full expect to see responses that this is how it does with premies... so don't hold back with your experiences. Lol
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  • ludaliludali member
    good to hear from you both :) I should've added that I do pump too and DH takes the 4 am or so feeding... thinking that might be too late for a bottle now...cause it can cause her to sleep 3 hours and I don't need that from her in the AM. He's the only one work til end of September so I haven't bugged him much during the overnights, but maybe I need to.
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  • PhillyGal34PhillyGal34 member
    Having dh help is a great suggestion but if you are having any supply issues you need to be careful that he doesn't take too many feedings or your supply can tank.

    Don't forget that although you expect the baby to act like a 7 weeker they are only a newborn. It will get easier!!
    imageimage

    Our little hippo was as impatient as mom!

    Lilypie Premature Baby tickers


    Hoping for a full 40 weeks!! 

    Lilypie Pregnancy tickers



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  • ludaliludali member
    Thanks ladies for the suggestions! DD went down about ten min ago, I'm pumping and then will follow her lead shortly. :) DH is going to cover until midnight which will likely include a feeding...so hoping that a late bottle with him will get me an additional hour or so... then I'll be on duty from midnight on. Here's hoping I catch some zzzzzzzz's! Thanks again!!
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