How long for adding formula

[@llli*ladybug6]

We had our twins at 34 weeks, a month ago. They spent 9 and 12 days in the NICU. I have been EPing since they were born. They are getting all BM with 1 tsp of Similac Neosure per 130ml.

Our Pedi is useless. She did not tell me anything about how long they will need the extra calories. They each gained 1 pound from week 2 to 3, and now we do not go back till November 30th.

I have been trying to get them to nurse, but even with the nipple shield they are lazy. They just fall asleep as soon as I get them latched on. DD3 is tongue tied, so she is VERY hard to latch. I keep trying though!

My question is.... how long will they need to be on the added formula.

[@llli*nolies.mama]

Hi mama! Congrats on your babies!

I think this answer is hard one, because it varies depending on your doc. We never did anything added to our son's expressed milk. Have you tried talking to one of the neonatologists from the NICU?

[@llli*ladybug6]

Originally Posted by @llli*nolies.mama

Hi mama! Congrats on your babies!

I think this answer is hard one, because it varies depending on your doc. We never did anything added to our son's expressed milk. Have you tried talking to one of the neonatologists from the NICU?

They told us that once we saw our Pedi that we were done with them. They also told us that it depends on how they gained, so I can understand having to wait and see.

I just hate having to #1 spend the money and #2 not be able to nurse because they need the extra calories.

[@llli*nolies.mama]

What were their weights at birth?

[@llli*jenniebean5]

Originally Posted by @llli*nolies.mama

Hi mama! Congrats on your babies!

I think this answer is hard one, because it varies depending on your doc. We never did anything added to our son's expressed milk. Have you tried talking to one of the neonatologists from the NICU?

My son was getting expressed breastmilk with human milk fortifier added to it while he was in the NICU. A few weeks before he was discharged, the neonatologist said at least half of his feedings would need the fortifier added once he was home. But when he was discharged he said we didn't have to add any. He was gaining weight fine so it was all good.

There has been some discussion of this topic on a preemie forum I go to - you could always go on there and post (http://www.preemie-l.org/).

In my non-medical opinion, if I were in a situation where I was told to add foritifier/formula to my breastmilk, I would probably look at my baby's weight gain from birth and maybe fortify half their feedings and see how the weight gain goes. I believe breastfed babies should gain 4-8oz per week, ideally, when they are young. If all went well, then I'd fortify maybe 1/4 the feedings and then none and see how the baby's weight was.

[@llli*ladybug6]

Originally Posted by @llli*nolies.mama

What were their weights at birth?

Samantha was 4lbs 8oz and then at 3 weeks was 5lbs 10oz

Jillian was 4lbs 10oz and then at 3 weeks was 5lbs 8oz

How much on average should they be getting at a feeding. They go 3 hours during the day and 4-5 at night. We have them at 90ml now with Sam taking it all and Jilly taking at least 70. How does this average for their age (1 month)

[@llli*jenniebean5]

Originally Posted by @llli*ladybug6

Samantha was 4lbs 8oz and then at 3 weeks was 5lbs 10oz

Jillian was 4lbs 10oz and then at 3 weeks was 5lbs 8oz

How much on average should they be getting at a feeding. They go 3 hours during the day and 4-5 at night. We have them at 90ml now with Sam taking it all and Jilly taking at least 70. How does this average for their age (1 month)

Check out the link below, there's a calculator where you can enter in number of feedings per day and get ranges for how much the baby should take at each feeding. http://www.kellymom.com/bf/pumping/milkcalc.html