Anyone else have newborns take forever to eat? I have twins, so yes, I realize it will take twice as long. However, each takes up to an hour, sometimes more to eat. I seems like sometimes they want to eat, rest for 30-45 minutes, then eat again. So, I am feeding them all day! They were born preemie, so I know I have to take that into account, but just wondering about your newborns eating habits. Thanks.
2007-09-24 15:09:52 · 7 answers · asked by nurseratchet23@sbcglobal.net 3 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
Sorry, here's more info:
I am bottle feeding only. They were born 3 months premature, but now should be comparable to a 3 week old.
2007-09-24 15:25:59 · update #1
You know, it could be that they are just enjoying their mama time! I'd imagine you are pretty busy with 2 babies, so maybe they are making the most of the time where they get undivided attention? In their world, the close cuddles of nursing are as good as it gets!
2007-09-24 15:19:29 · answer #1 · answered by Linds 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My first child was very easy to feed from the very beginning. She would put down her bottles within minutes. When I had my second, he used to take FOREVER to take his bottles. I didn't really pay too much attention to it, he was in the NICU for the first few days when he was born and was tube fed, so I figured he was just learning a little more slowly. Newborns can be tricky. Some like to really take their time. I know it is probably exhausting for you right now, but they will start to eat more quickly as they get a little older. My son was chugging them down by the time he was 1 month old.
2007-09-24 15:16:26 · answer #2 · answered by Nikki in PA 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Are they weak, tired while eating? My niece was also taking forever to eat because she kept falling asleep. Finally after 4 days in the hospital they ran tests and found out she had a heart condition that she had to have surgery for at 13 days old. I would talk to their doctor. My son was also born almost 3 months early and he never took that long to finish a bottle I would take them to their doctor to be on the safe side to make sure everything is ok.
2007-09-24 15:14:40 · answer #3 · answered by Ryan's mom 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You didn't mention how you are feeding or how premature they are...It's well known that preemies have a hard time staying awake through a feeding especially at the breast since it is hard work for them. Besides that especially if your breastfeeding they will have to be at the breast constantly to increase your milk supply to sustain them. My son was at the breast for 30 minutes at a time if not longer and was crying for more within another 45 minutes after he had pulled away.
We did end up with a problem breastfeeding with him. we found out about 2 months later that I wasn't producing anywhere near enough milk to support him. I woud contact a lactation specialist through la leche org. and consult with them to see if it's the babies or your production that may be holding things up. Also if they are on bottles it can be the type of nipple just isn't working for them. When we switched to formula my son wasn't able to handle any nipple except for the playtex orthodontic nipple...Then 3 months later he refused those until we found the avent ones. Babies are little imps to figure out and you are doing awesome...Make sure to ask for help before you get overwhelmed!
2007-09-24 15:22:43 · answer #4 · answered by starfire978 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, very normal. And much more taxing because you have two! Does this mean you are nursing your twins? If so - - - - CONGRATULATIONS! That is so awesome!
Just try and get as much rest as you can - eventually they will grow and you'll be able to get more mobility (instead of being forever chained to the couch), but the early days are tough. GOOD FOR YOU!!!
2007-09-24 15:20:05 · answer #5 · answered by Melissa N 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ARE you nursing???? if so this is normal that is why I gave up early on....but it does get better once they get a little older ...IT always gets easier....if you are bottle feeding....change your nipples or the entire type of bottle! My kids where so picky on there bottles... I have 4 I nursed 2.... bottles that I found best for mine where the Gerger regular looking ones...the nipples have 3 holes... good luck!
2007-09-24 15:15:12 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Newborns eat and sleep, sleep and eat. What you're experiencing is completely normal. Everyone has gone through it.
2007-09-24 15:14:20 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋