Regarding Polycose

We are currently using it to boost the calorific intake of a 100 day old ex
27 weeker
with bronchopulmonary dysplasia. He is almost ready for discharge and these
babies
just like those with congenital heart disease need extra calories.
This baby is fully breastfed but is having his polycose (4 grams ie. 4
teaspoons/day)
in EBM ( expressed breastmilk ) via a bottle, twice a day. I can't see why
it couldn't be given
via a SNS or a syringe and 5 FG feeding tube inserted into the corner of the
baby's mouth after latch-on,
if this was appropriate for the mother. Polycose is a powder and mixes readily
with breastmilk. I think it is a very common way to boost calories here in
Victoria, Australia.

Hope this helps,
Janelle Gridley RN

On the 25th August Debbie McClurg-Hitt wrote:

>Hello everyone!  I need your help.  A friend of mine called saying a doctor
>called her asking about how to supplement a 2-mos old exclusively fed infant
>with congenital heart disease.  The doctor says he's not satisfied with the
>baby's wt gn.  (Sorry, I don't have the current wt or birth wt., whether or
>not heart surgery is being planned or if the baby is having trouble BFing.)
>All my friend knew was that the doctor was wanting to add something like
>Polycose via a bottle to increase intake.  The baby's volume is supposed to
>be limited, too, but my friend also didn't know by how much.  I told her I
>didn't think Polycose would be a good idea, that it would fill up the baby
>volume-wise without giving him the needed calories and nutrients.  I
>suggested the mom try breast massage while feeding to loosen the fat
>globules in the breast, feed the baby in an upright position (if the baby
>was having problems breathing while feeding), try short, frequent feeds,
>feed at one breast at each feed and try pumping between feedings.  Any milk
>pumped could be given via a supplemental nursing system.
>
>Does anyone have any suggestions that might help???  I know this is not a
>lot to go on, but it's all I have.
>
>Thanks in advance.
>
>Debbie McClurg-Hitt
>
>
Ross & Janelle Gridley
Bendigo, Victoria, Australia
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