Hi Joni,

I do not have guidelines per se, but I will share some clinical insights if you don't mind. Generally here at our Level 2 nursery, and for non-latching or poorly latching babies, we do syringe feeding if *short-term* supplementation is needed with ebm or formula. If it's going to be long-term, generally bottle feeding (trying to bottle feed like a breastfeeding) is used (or lactation aid if baby is latching and supply is low).

There would be no limit on the number of syringe feedings that are done, some parents keep at it for a few days or a week, some only a feeding or two. Usually parents abandon syringe feedings because they are too time-consuming or, more frequently, the baby is needing and taking 60 mls instead of 10 mls.

I do discuss with parents how long feeds typically take. I would say 20 or 25 minutes (including bottles, don't give it so fast like 5 minutes!), or maybe 30 minutes for a premie who is still needing coaching and encouragement. So, if a syringe feeding is taking 60 minutes, the feeding method should be re-assessed and find one more efficient for all. My instructions are to notify the baby's physician if the recommended amount and time of the feed is not happening. So if I'm recommending 30 mls ebm Q 3hrs, then notify dr if baby is only taking 10 mls in 60 minutes. You get the idea of course.

Now, let me get to the most important point, which is to say that if a baby is admitted to LeBonheur (Children's Hospital, Memphis Tennessee USA), then we have a sick baby, and so any feeding method may take very long. Or not. I do wonder if soley syringe-feeding for more than a very short-term period, is developmentally inappropriate for an infant who has a need to suck. Some LCs would have the baby doing some pacifier sucking then?

Laurie Wheeler RN MN IBCLC -- your neighbor one hour away










Laurie Wheeler | RN | Nursing | BMH-UNION COUNTY
Phone: (662) 538-2395 | [log in to unmask]
Opinions expressed above are not necessarily those of Baptist.



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