Newborn (Premie) not drinking from bottle | ExpatWoman.com
 

Newborn (Premie) not drinking from bottle

20
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 April 2011 - 11:53

My baby is 1 month and was in the NICU during that time as she was premature. So she was bottle fed by the nurses and they always said she was sucking well and would finish her prescribed feed and ask for more.

Shes been home for 2 days, and we are trying to make sure she takes in at least what she was prescribed at the hospital (30 ml). I am giving her Similac, as thats what they gave her in the hospital. And I also express and give her the milk in the bottle.

The trouble is that she does get hungry and sucks well, but has trouble swallowing. After 30 minutes of sucking she takes in only a few ml. She usually has milk in her mouth and it flows out. But at the hospital she used to finish really fast. I have bottle fed her myself there.
Do you think its because of the new nipple? Bottle? We are using Avent bottles. Is the nipple hole too small/big?

Any advice or suggestions??

704
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EW GURU
Latest post on 10 April 2011 - 20:33
We used Dr. Brown's preemie nipples and they worked a treat. I was nursing but would pump as she would get tired nursing. I have heaps if you want.
378
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 09 April 2011 - 11:22
tania may I perhaps suggest that if you have your other little twin still in hospital that you take in whichever teat and bottle you will be using at home and start them on it prior to leaving to ensure they're used to the new change too. spot on meals. Wish I had done this with DD at the hospital. Tania you have mail.
522
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EW GURU
Latest post on 09 April 2011 - 07:02
tania may I perhaps suggest that if you have your other little twin still in hospital that you take in whichever teat and bottle you will be using at home and start them on it prior to leaving to ensure they're used to the new change too.
20
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 April 2011 - 00:00
We took a nipple used at the hospital when we went to visit the other twin today...the nurse was very reluctant to give me one though. Anyhow, it worked like a charm. She sucked the full amount in under 5 minutes as she used to in the hospital. I am so relieved. We checked the hospital pharmacy if they had those nipples, but they did not. They are designed for premies. Lemondrops, where did you get them from? And yes, if its not to much to ask, can I please have them? My DD and I will really appreciate it...You can email me how and when on: [email protected] I will also check the NUKteats tomorrow. Thanks for all your responses...
648
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EW GURU
Latest post on 08 April 2011 - 23:04
It sounds like the hole is too small, I would swap to NUK bottles as Meals suggested they’re MUCH better than Avent especially for premature babies. <em>edited by tally-ho on 08/04/2011</em>
378
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 08 April 2011 - 22:49
Tania, I have loads of Similac disposable teats (like the ones used at Al Wasl - the yellow ones not the red ones though). They fit on standard size bottles, you're more than welcome to them if you like. Also what flow Avent teats are you using? Al Wasl have been great but one thing I have noticed is that they do not properly transition preemies to go home by introducing your choice of bottle/teat in the hospital before approving discharge.
522
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EW GURU
Latest post on 08 April 2011 - 22:03
Try the nuk teats - they're better for preemie's I found... Also - what position are you holding her in? In hospital they were probably holding her on their lap facing towards them (rather than cuddling close to your chest) your DD might find this more upright position more comfortable. Stimulate her regularly - cold, wet washcloth works well or as wuffles says, stroking. Good luck - I know how extremely frustrating it can be... my DS was in NICU and he simply loved the boobie too much to take to the bottle well.
1996
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 08 April 2011 - 12:01
A really simple trick that worked with my premmie was to gently stroke him under his chin down his neck while feeding-seems to stimulate the sucking response-good luck-it is so frustrating at times
1861
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 08 April 2011 - 11:58
why not ask the hospital what they were using and get hold of some? I think for a preemie baby it's too important to get it right, so try to mimic what the hosptial was doing and if that doesn't work, take her to a Dr to see if there's nothing else that's upsetting her.
 
 

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