Tips for caring for preemie

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I had twins at 31 weeks. Pumped 11 months. But they only had half their milk from me, other half was special high caloric formula they required. Everything I read suggested that babies don’t need all calories to come from breast milk to reap the benefits of breast milk. (NOT trying to start argument re breast vs formula). Can you cut back on pumping a bit and let DH do a formula feed 1-2x day? That will give you back some time.

I really just don’t want to use formula. We used some in the hospital and it made her super gassy and spit up. The high calorie formula can really cause stomach discomfort more than regular formula. I prefer to pump and feed her only my milk because that’s what’s works for her.

I get it, but exclusively pumping is a beast. I did it way too long for my 33 weeker at the cost of my own mental health. Try a different formula than what they used in the hospital. Give yourself grace on the takeout, it won't be forever.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I had 35wk twins and pumped. It was tough.

My advice is to put DH in charge of as much as you can (washing pump parts, errands etc).

For food, maybe order some easy things from Costco or supermarket instead? Rotisserie chicken, bagged salad etc. ask DH to cut up a ton of fruit for you (I was obsessed with fruit at that stage- berries, melon etc). I also loved cut veggies with spinach artichoke dip and that sort of thing. Some of the Costco premade stuff is not bad (chicken pot pie or chicken soup, taco platters, take and bake pasta dishes etc). Definitely better than fast food IMO. Also lots of good stuff in the refrigerator section. Maybe some cold sandwich stuff if you like- easy to safely eat with one hand while holding a baby. Also muffins, quick breads or bagels with cream cheese etc.

I will do this. We are just wrapping our heads around it all and have been eating snacks and delivery. My husband had to work this week because to finish up work before he takes leave. He will be home for the next 8 weeks starting next week.

OP - set your phone to alert you at 4 hour intervals and EAT SOME FOOD THEN. It's ok if it's veges dipped in hummus, ranch or tzatziki (all storebought!).... or fruit... or a bagel and the topping of your choice. That's all fine! Getting some rotisserie chickens and whatever from Costco or the regular grocery store would be fine, buty ALSO ordering takeout for dinner is fine. Just make sure you are eating something - and DRINKING WATER - throughout the day. YOu'll feel better.

When your husband is home next week, he can feed a bottle while you pump, or you can pump a bit, try to feed your daughter (if the letdown has already happened, oyu probably wonb't waterboard her) and then AFTER she nurses your husband can feed the baby a bottle to finish her off - and you can go take a nap.

AND, yes, have him be the boss of pump parts and washing - you just dump them in a bowl and take a nap! You'll get this, especially when there are 2 of you working together next week - every week will get better, but you are in the weeds right now, so just do what you gotta do! This won't last forever, OR 2 to 5 years!

[Anonymous]

No, you can't use syringes forever, but honestly, this WON'T be forever - trust that. She'll get stronger and more capable with every week and month. So i wouldn't be afraid to use the syringes if necessary. Remember, babies won't be nursing or on bottles 'forever' - she'll be weaned by 12 to 18 months to sippy cups... but they don't use sippy cups "forever" either.... she'll move on to cups without lids, then small glasses (made of glass) and so forth!

But, hey, you ordered food from the grocery store, you had a good breakfast and you felt better - win win win! That's great!