Feeding Schedule - Take #53

It should as no big shock that we are trying yet another new feeding schedule. My sister has long thought the g-tube was too aggressive a move. Thursday, we saw the pediatrician and she too expressed some concerns. Kimberly has worked with kids before who had terrible reflux and had problems eating. They feed them every 1 1/2 - 2 hours. So, that's the new plan - Round-the-clock feeds.

Our goal is to get them to take 35ml (just over an ounce) every two hours from 6am to 12am. They will sleep from 1ish to 6am. After looking at their charts, they eat so pitifully at the 2 or 3am feed that it just isn't worth the energy, frustration, and lack of sleep to fight with them to eat 15mls. Ideally, they will eat 40ml or more at the 6am, since it has been longer since they ate. Even if they don't, on this plan, they should get at least 350ml a day - just over 11 ounces.

There are several reasons for this plan.
For Natalie: She is just completely inconsistent in her daily intake. Sometimes she will do 400-450mls, but sometimes it's only 200 or 300. I'm hoping this will allow for a consistent intake amount.

For Abby: We are trying to avoid the ng tube and the move to the g-tube. Also, her stomach study Tuesday revealed that her stomach empties VERY slowly. She drank only 30mls for the study and it still wasn't out after an hour. Our theory is two-fold: one: she has a hard time eating more because she is filling up, and two: she's not hungry later because what she is eating is staying in her stomach. Although Abby is getting less than she has been by mouth AND gavage, she is eating far more by just mouth than before.

The other consideration is Ben and mine frustration levels. It is SO hard to struggle, struggle, struggle with them to get them to eat the 50-60mls the doctors want. It usually takes at least 30 minutes per child and most of the time it's awful. Also most of the time it's futile anyway. They eat what they eat and when they don't eat and we watch those totals fall short every day, we just worry and worry about them gaining weight. This way, we only have to fight over 35mls. usually they take it, although it can still be a struggle. But, at least in the end we are usually successful.

Stay tuned...the new winter schedule may be just around the corner!