It is not uncommon in some places by some physicians to order specific amount
feeds every so many hours, check residuals prior to next feed.  If residual
is significant, then the feed amount may be reduced.  I'm not an NICU nurse,
but I believe it has to do with not overdistending the infants stomach when
they are breathing fast, to reduce the risk of aspiration.  On the one hand
they need alot of calories just to thermoregulate, but caution must be used
in overfeeding with oral feeds.  But why would this ever   be applicable to
an infant that nursed at breast....I guess the nurse wanted to know how much
additional supplement the infant would require?????
Who Knows? But I certainly would find out and consider what was best for the
baby.

Laura Burnett RN, CCE, CLC
Fort Worth, Texas

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