THE BREASTFEEDING ANSWER BOOK says that premies are supposed to gain between
4-6 ounces a week. I would be concerned about this baby's slow weight gain.
Test weighing on a scale accurate down to 2 grams would tell you what this
baby is taking in at each feeding. I have worked with many premies and my
experience is that they often self limit at 1/2 to 1 ounce per nursing
session before tiring out and quiting. We then have to supplement the rest
of the feeding amount. Intake improves as they get closer to the original
due date or shortly after. I go by what is in the above mentioned book
(available through LLLI) at 2.5 ounces of milk/formula per baby's weight (or
what weight should be) in 24 hours. So a 6 pound baby should be eating 12.5
ounces per day. Figure out what baby's weight should be and use that amount.
Also, babies who are not getting enough calories have weakened sucks and
this makes them take in less at the breast. (6 x 2.5 = 12.5 ounces per 24
hours.)
Kathy Eng, BSW, IBCLC
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