Managing Expectations: Feeding Premature, Low Birth Weight, and SGA Babies.
If your baby was born premature, at low birth weight, or small for gestational age (SGA), they may encounter different feeding experiences than their more full-term, higher birth weight counterparts. With the understanding that every baby develops in their own way and at their own pace, it is important to consider gestational age and weight to get a true sense of your baby’s unique cues and feeding capabilities. Understanding your baby’s corrected gestational age and proper weight trajectory will help manage expectations and give you better insight into the actions your baby is exhibiting, especially regarding feeding.
Within the first few days and weeks of your baby’s life, they may have more subtle eating cues, take longer to be efficient with feeding, and may have less coordination with their suck. This gives you the wonderful opportunity to anticipate your baby’s needs by offering feeds frequently (at least once every two-three hours).
When feeding, know that you may need to be more active during feeds by initiating latch if breastfeeding, and working to keep your baby interested and awake.
To do this, you can:
tickle baby’s feet, arms, back, or head.
You can also press on the inside of their palms
Compress the breast to show that there is milk ready
Or. remove the baby from the breast to burp or change them with the intent of waking them up before trying to feed again.
All these examples are great to utilize when working to keep a sleepy baby more active at the breast. Switch nursing is also helpful for some babies. This is when you start on one breast, as your baby starts to get sleepy or lose interest, switch them to the other breast and see if they become interested – repeat this process as switching between breasts can initiate new letdowns encouraging baby to continue to stay focused and feed. Sleepiness is normal and expected until your baby is about one pound above birth weight and/or over 7 lbs.
Look out for your baby’s specific cues and equip yourself with the knowledge to know when their behaviors are normal, or when you may need to refer to a professional for help. If you would like additional help with feeding your little one, please contact us at 202.293.5182 to schedule an appointment with one of our Board Certified lactation consultants.
written by Beth G, IBCLC candidate, BCGW Intern