Schedule for feeding 7 week preemies born at 32 weeks

Hi,

My 7 week preemies are on the same schedule as they were in the NICU, which is every 3 hours (8am, 11am, 2pm, and so on). They sometimes feed off the schedule, but then catch up in the following feedings. Today, they seem to be hungry every 2 hours (they say "neh," which, according to baby language, means that they are hungry), and the first time, I fed them right away. The 2nd time (just at noon today), they were hungry again but then fell asleep after a very short cry. We were told that babies will eventually eat more during the day and then less at night and that this would be at about 1 month. When is the 1 month for us since they are preemies?

I haven't been able to get much rest today, esp. will them wanting to eat every 2 hours. After each feeding, I pump, then eat, then wash the bottles and then onto the next feeding. I love the twins, but I must say it's so tiring, especially when they're fussy or gassy in between feedings or wanting to eat more often. I have my husband's help in the evening, when he's off from work. He helps in the early mornings, too, sometimes, but I try to do them myself so he can get some rest. Unfortunately, I don't always wake up in the early morning feedings, so he ends up doing it. My mom was supposed to help, but she caught a cold and hasn't yet recovered. I think I'm just rambling...

If someone could please share their experience with schedule for feedings with preemies, I'd appreciate it. Thanks so much!

Oh, can someone please link this to the NICU forum? Thanks so much!

 

Hi,

My 7 week preemies are on the same schedule as they were in the NICU, which is every 3 hours (8am, 11am, 2pm, and so on). They sometimes feed off the schedule, but then catch up in the following feedings. Today, they seem to be hungry every 2 hours (they say "neh," which, according to baby language, means that they are hungry), and the first time, I fed them right away. The 2nd time (just at noon today), they were hungry again but then fell asleep after a very short cry. We were told that babies will eventually eat more during the day and then less at night and that this would be at about 1 month. When is the 1 month for us since they are preemies?

I haven't been able to get much rest today, esp. will them wanting to eat every 2 hours. After each feeding, I pump, then eat, then wash the bottles and then onto the next feeding. I love the twins, but I must say it's so tiring, especially when they're fussy or gassy in between feedings or wanting to eat more often. I have my husband's help in the evening, when he's off from work. He helps in the early mornings, too, sometimes, but I try to do them myself so he can get some rest. Unfortunately, I don't always wake up in the early morning feedings, so he ends up doing it. My mom was supposed to help, but she caught a cold and hasn't yet recovered. I think I'm just rambling...

If someone could please share their experience with schedule for feedings with preemies, I'd appreciate it. Thanks so much!

Oh, can someone please link this to the NICU forum? Thanks so much!

 

IN the beginning there really isnt much of a schedule. Im a firm believer on feeding if your babies are hungry. I dont make my babies wait for a meal, I figure i wouldnt want to wait so how can i expect them too. YOu probably dont want to hear this but they are now just considered term, they are newborns as of now...you have a long road of night feedings ahead of you. My girls are also 32 weekers and are now 8 months old and still wake up once a night at least.

 

We had two girls 4.9lbs and 5.9lbs. Born week 36
The DR. told us feed every 2 hours...we are not at 6 weeks and we feed still during the day about ever 2.5 to 3 hours and as long as 4 if they let us at night...more like every 3.5

It is very hard..we are using formula as the wife would could not produse enough milk fast enough. We get no sleep and the littlest one crys a lot and is always fussy. They are now 8lbs and 5.8lbs and healthy the Dr. says we are doing fine....we are trying to work out a schedule for feeding as we want to get them in a pattern ASAP...same with sleep...but I do have a lot of the same questions as you...being a premmie are we realy behind or is a month a month for us...

 

My guys were born at 34 weeks, and we feed them on demand. They're hungry we feed them. And, since you're giving them EBM, it's pretty normal for babies to eat every 2-3 hours since BM is digested quicker. They eat anywhere from 2 to 3 hours.

About 10 weeks or so is when they started sleeping longer stretches and going longer at night.

It definitely is tiring, hang in there!

 

Ours were born at 31 weeks and have gone thropugh several growth spurts where they feed almost hourly. This will usually last 48 hours (we think we are going crazy). We basically feed on demand despite their NICU training.

 

Our girls were 35 weeks 5 days and 4.5 pounds and 4.11 pounds. We fed them on a 3 hour schedule until our 1 month appointment when the Dr. said we could let them go till they woke at night. I just moved to 3.5 hours last month (at 5 months). They have slept through the night since 3 months.

Now they get 5 or 5.5 oz. of EBM every 3.5 hours

Anyway now I am rambling I would say to talk to your doctor at your next appointment. If he/she feels that they can go longer at night then go for it.

 

I feel for you! First of all, you are doing a great job doing so much for your new babies. My beans were born at 33 weeks and we continued the 3-hour NICU schedule as you are doing. It was hard, but once I was able to stop pumping and breastfeed the babies directly it was a LOT easier. I pumped for 11 weeks and during that time I slowly transitioned the babies to the breast. If you are able to transition, I recommend it as it saves you that pumping time and the heating and cleaning of bottles. It made such a huge difference for me. Another thought is to supplement with formula and let your body get some rest. I still feed every 3 hours during the day, but mine started sleeping thru at 14 weeks and they are 100% BF. I know it's hard and so monotonous but it will get easier and your babies will continue to thrive. Good luck to you!