I just had my baby boy Jacob 4 weeks ago. He was 5 and a half weeks premature. he is still at the Hospital in the Nicu. The nurses just started to try the bottle with him 5-6 days ago. He will take a couple of light sucks and then what came out of the bottle he will spit up. Has anyone ever experienced anything like this or know someone who went though this??
Yes I have had this problem to my Twins were 5 weeks early and they had trouble eat out of a bottle I promise his will grow out of it mine did
As for spiting up he may have Acid Reflixs my twins have it and they were only in the nicu for a week after they were born and They are now 2 months old
Dont worry he will take it OK
Have the faith
As someone who worked in the NICU, this is entirely commen. Babies have to learn how to eat again, and this takes time. Just trust the staff and let them show you how to work with him during this learning time. Also remember, premies tend to hit developemental milestones for their corrected gestational age, not their "true" age - this will save you worries if you keep this in mind. Good luck
I was in the same situation you were in 2 years ago. My son was born 6 weeks early and was in the Nicu for quite awhile. You have to remember that since he was born early he has not developed the skills needed for taking a bottle. They will continue to work with Jacob on getting his sucking down, they may even bring in a therapist to work with him, which is very common. Just keep thinking positve thoughts and know that in time he will start to do all the things he needs to to come home. I look back on my experience now and am thankful for all the wonderful nurses and doctors that were availble for my son. It is a hard situation for you I know because as a Mom you feel like you need to be able to do everything possible to help your little one, just know that you being there with him is all he needs. If you would like to talk anymore about what you are feeling I would be happy to do so. Good luck and I will keep Jacob in my thoughts and prayers.
Hi N.! Congrats on your little boy! I, too, had a preemie. Ben was 8 weeks premature and his biggest issue was the bottle, as well. It may take a couple of weeks for him to get it, so just be patient. Smaller babies have a hard time with the suck, swallow, breath. It takes a lot of energy out of them. If he is consistently spitting up his feeds, he may have reflux. Another issue Ben had up until just a few months ago (he's 18 months now). His reflux was severe, it was awful. If you experience a bad case of reflux with Jacob, my best suggestion is to use the receiving blankets as burp cloths. It will save your clothes!!! Also to pack many extra pairs of clothing on outtings, and lots of bibs, lol.
First of all, congratulations! Second, I know you're scared and nervous right now, but remember he is premature and the nurses and doctors are doing everything they can to help your little one and that includes things he shouldn't be doing yet. Premature babies are taught to do things earlier then they naturally would. Evrything from breathing to eating is froced upon them while they should still be in utero. My son was born at 26 weeks, 14 weeks early. He was 2 lbs and 5 oz and he spent 72 days in NICU. Everyday was a rollercoaster ride. Good days and bad. Every time the sensors would go off was a panic attack for me. I just prayed alot and had faith in God and my NICU team that he would pull through and he did. He is now a beautiful and vibrant little two year old boy. If you ever need to talk or have questions about anything please feel free to contact me. I learned alot from other preemie mommies and their advice was very helpful as my son was developing. All the best to you and Jacob!
