premi 34 weeks

[dizzymeg]

Hi
My LO was born last week at 34 weeks to the day, we have been in the hospital since. He has to put on weight and sort his jaundice before we can go.
I have been breast feeding him for the last 2 days, before then it was via a tube. He was initially on formula till I came in with my milk which was within 2 days, and since about day 4 he has been exclusivley on my milk.

He has lost 10% of his weight since birth, he is now 10 days old. The Dr are saying to keep breast feeding and express and top up his feeds via the bottle just to make sure he is getting the fluids he needs.

I am really worried that he isnt gaining weight and whats going on and whether I should be bottle feeding him exclusively so I can see how much fluid he is taking in. But have worked hard at the breast feeding.

Surely if he was hungry he would be waking up more? he is pretty much sleeping most of the time, and the Dr said that isnt due to his jaundice as the level too low for that, and he would wake up if he was hungry.

I know this is far from an extreme case and that many of you are in far worse a position, but I am so worried. I am trying to stay relaxed and calm. but is doesnt help being stuck in a hospital. I get so lonley here as well and feel a bit lost in it all.

Sorry again if this is trivial to those you going through far worse, I hope all your babies are ok too.

It is amazing the bag of guilt and worry that comes with having a child.


please any advice, tips, experiences you have I would be very greatful. I really need some help. The MW here are great but they can only tell u so much. I am desperate for help.

xxx

 

[aob1013]

Hi hun,

My son was born at 34 weeks exactly by EMCS weighing 4lb 14 1/2oz. He came home on day 10.

He has been breastfed since birth, first via NG tube, then on the breast. He lost nearly 10% of his weight too but put it back on really quickly.

A prem baby's tummy is so tiny and delicate, please don't put formula inside it. I know it is tempting, but please keep breastfeeding him, it's the best thing for him!

Ally xxxxx

 

[Samantha675]

Just keep nursing love. Watch for all the early nursing ques, being awake, opening his mouth and 'licking', sucking on his fists. The more he nurses, the more milk you will make, and the more he will get. His tummy is sooo super tiny right now, so try not to worry. Plus he would still be sleeping a lot inside the womb at this point, so you just want to make sure he is nursing at least every 2 hours.

 

[MelanieAnn]

Goodness me, you can't be serious to say that most of us are in a far worse position? Coming home with a premmie is one of the most scary things I know of! And he's still only 35 gestation!!!

Sleepy babies are a worry. It's alarming when they are full term, and if they are prem, everything has to be so optimised, it's no wonder you're worried sick.

If I understand right, you're putting him to the breast and topping up after feeds? How are you topping up? Finger feeding and cup feeding have very good reputations with prems. Another very common technique, and which is a wonderful way to transition to full breast feeding, is using an SNS.

Have you got a hospital grade pump to express with? And have you been shown how to use your hands to get more out?

Have galactagogues (domperidone, fenugreek, fennel, oats) been discussed with you?

Has someone talked about how best to monitor what goes in? Nappy counts can be really reassuring. Keeping a close eye on output is a wonderful way to know about input.

I expect that you know about skin to skin, but it really is a wonderful way to get all sorts of good things flowing, including milk.

Sorry if I'm repeating what you already know - but if you remember nothing else from this message, CONGRATULATIONS! And so, so well done - this is a very hard time, but you are giving your son your wonderful liquid gold. CONGRATULATIONS!

Melanie