In the hospital I work in we have a huge number of near term infants,
between 35 and 37 weeks.      They present with their own feeding
issues. I have noticed these babies   might breastfeed well once or
twice in 24
hours.  I am finding that these little babies are subjected to multiple
glucose checks (heal sticks) in order to verify a stable blood glucose
level.  Quite often these babies require more calories to push the
glucose up to normal  than what they are able to get via breastfeeding
and so they are given formula supplements by the second or 3rd feeding
of their life.  Now you should know up front...we are a team of 3 LC's
in this hospital, and get mother pumping asap in order to use her milk
first (if we can get any).

In June we (LC's) have been asked to speak at our perinatal conference
about the feeding challenges of the NTI (near term infant).  These
babies and mom's are the hardest to work with sometimes, cuz the baby
LOOKS TERM, but acts premi.  It is such a challenge to get everyone,
parents, dr's , nurses, etc on board to make this successful.  I feel
like we still have a way to go before we truly get into a smooth system
of care delivery.

I am posting this to request help.  What are others doing?  We have
talked about sparing calories by using isoletts...but that has draw
backs in that mom and baby are separated and we keep running out of
isoletts.    Skin to skin reads well, but it has it's time
limit.  Sooo.....can we start a discussion about the near term infant?

Thank You All ahead of time..........Roni Carter RNC, IBCLC

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