Had a question from a mom today.  Baby was born at 30 wks.  Sent home 1 week
ago at 38.5 wks corrected gest.  Actual due date 3-15.  Baby doing well,
learning how to breastfeed.  

 

Dr wants mom to give the baby formula (regular infant not anything special
for premies) at 2-3 feeds along with breastmilk - so a combo feed.  No
mention of how much - just to give it because baby needs extra iron and
nutrients.  Also parents were told that baby must have Poly-Vi-Sol because
breastmilk wouldn't have enough iron or vitamins for a premie.  Parents have
done their research and are confused by these instructions - as am I quite
honestly.  Their research showed that most premies are sent home with
fortifier (which was given at every feeding until baby went home and then it
was abruptly stopped) if needed and that breastmilk has all the nutrients
baby needs and that PVS isn't really needed for a breastfeeding baby.  Dr
seems concerned about iron levels but has not done a check on baby to see if
baby may be anemic.No follow-up scheduled for this little one until MAY.

 

So - mom and dad want to know what to do.  Do they offer the ABM and the
Poly-Vi-Sol?  Neither wants to and baby HATES them.  As a result they have
not given any ABM and stopped with the PVS a few days ago.  Baby is growing
well on breastmilk.  Mom wanted to know if she could help baby get more iron
if she upped her intake.I told her I had no clue but I'd ask.

 

I'd also be interested in thoughts about the ABM and PVS.  I already have my
own thoughts on the 'lack of nutrients and vitamins' comments.  Any of our
neos out there.I'd be interested in your thoughts too.

 

I did suggest to mom that if Doc was worried about weight gain that she
could lacto-engineer her milk which she found very interesting.  However,
baby is gaining well.parents are doing a great job with feeding.  :-)

 

Thoughts?

 

J

 

Jaye Simpson, IBCLC, CIIM

Breastfeeding Network

Sacramento, CA

www.breastfeedingnetwork.net

 


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