IV alone or formula- trying to feed new born in hospital

[chimomma]

After a home birth my baby was admitted into the hospital and I was not. The baby is to stay there 48 hours. He has an IV that is giving some fluid, calories and anti biotics. I have been going to the hospital about evey 3-5 hours to breastfeed him. It has been about 36 hrs since he was put in the hospital 3 hrs after birth and he has had no formula. I want to keep him with out formula and breastfeed exclusively but I have not been able to pump more than a half oz of colusterem to feed him and I won't be able to breast feed him in person for a 10 hour period. They also want him to feed measurable amounts to wean him off the IV by tommorow evening so he can come home. What would you do? give a feeding of formula or go with just the IV? I hate to give formula, but I think he does need something.

[lifeguard]

So sorry you're in this position.

Pump as much as you can. If it comes to it use the formula if that is what you have to do. But either your colostrum or formula insist it is given in a method other than bottle.

Good luck - I hope lo is home with you soon.

[tuffykenwell]

I agree with the PP. If they have to supplement with formula make sure they are finger feeding or cup feeding or anything else but a bottle. It will make it easier to return to breastfeeding when you guys get home.

Steph

[JessicaS]

Originally Posted by chimomma

After a home birth my baby was admitted into the hospital and I was not. The baby is to stay there 48 hours. He has an IV that is giving some fluid, calories and anti biotics. I have been going to the hospital about evey 3-5 hours to breastfeed him. It has been about 36 hrs since he was put in the hospital 3 hrs after birth and he has had no formula. I want to keep him with out formula and breastfeed exclusively but I have not been able to pump more than a half oz of colusterem to feed him and I won't be able to breast feed him in person for a 10 hour period. They also want him to feed measurable amounts to wean him off the IV by tommorow evening so he can come home. What would you do? give a feeding of formula or go with just the IV? I hate to give formula, but I think he does need something.

Do they have a Ronald McDonald house room you can stay in while your baby is admitted?

At first it does look a little tiny amount, but it is the best thing for your baby and loaded with nutrients. I would give the colostrum.

Why do they need measurable amounts?

My son was on an IV and they just let me breasfeed him when they were weaning him off. Is there an actual medical "reason" or is it just their "feelings" Why can't you feed him in person for ten hours?

[Caroline529]

just typed a long reply and lost it...grrr

I had a twin the NICU, also non-critical w/a discharge date like your LO. They should be able to show you why formula is medically neccesary (more than 10% loss or chemistry changes). You also should not have to leave if your LO is not critical. They should be offering you a bed nearby. If they don't, and you don't want to leave, find any old place to sleep (that usually forces them to find you a decent place to sleep, looks bad to have families camped out on couches).

My babe had >10% loss + chemistry changes so I relented to supps but made the neo WRITE AN ORDER on her chart for only "2 ounces after each breastfeed by bottle (had to be bottle b/c LO was on nasal 02 and we did not want to take a chance she would aspirate) by nurse" (I wanted no part of it). That way they couldn't just keep pouring bottles into her. I pumped every 3 hours but never had quantity b/c I was nursing the non-NICUed twin.

I did have to leave for a couple nights to care for my older daughter so she did get a couple nights of formula. I stopped the formula cold turkey once we got home and had no issues.

Just hang in there and remember that it's not your job to be nice to the doctors or to get along with the staff. Your job right now is to feed your LO and take care of your needs as best as you can.

[AFC2008]

Ask around for a BM bank. You might be able to get some milk for ur lo, till your supply comes. Keep in mind that at the beginning your colostrum wont be as much, till your milk comes. Just pump as much as you can.
Also ask the hospital to find you a room where u can breastfeed. They have this machine where they can put the milk, and the tubes go to your breast. When the lo is latched on you, he will be taking your milk and some from the tube. They use that so the babies dont get used to the bottle. My sister in low tried it, but i dont remember what the name is.

[smeep]

:
About the milk bank suggestion. Or if you know someone that would be willing to pump some for you or give you some of their stash. If formula is necessary that's one thing but it does come with risks and even one time supplementation has risks including affecting their gut and absorption of nutrients even when nursing again. I would personally avoid it unless I had no choice. And would go with organic and avoid nestle, enfamil, etc. at all costs (no WAY do I want to support their nasty marketing ploys). But that's just me, I loathe the big formula companies. Haha.