Preemie Weight Gain And Brain Development

Preemie Weight Gain And Brain Development

by Grandma K

Our twin grandchildren were born at 31 weeks. The boy came home after a month in the hospital and the girl came home after two months but is having to go to the doctor every other day (can you imagine with two other babies at home - and 3-4 shared custody elementary school kids at home half the time?).

The medical community has not been particularly helpful or understanding. When the dad and mom told the doctor (not their regular doctor who is on vacation) that it was VERY inconvenient to go 30 miles one way to the doctor every other day (not to mention $4/gal gas) they were told that they were concerned that the lack of weight gain in the girl would cause diminished brain development.

She was 6'15oz when she came home 2 weeks ago. She has gained 1/2 lb since then. She has also developed thrush which has bothered her eating duration each feeding. They (the docs) have upped her calorie intake with her formula to help her gain weight.

I would recommend a second opinion but it is my experience that the medical community tends to watch each others' backs. The county is also covering the medical bills so it makes me wonder if the medical people are milking it because those aren't watched as closely as private insurance.

I would appreciate any suggestions or input on this. To me - at this point - it seems like much ado about nothing. The only thing the doctor does when they take the girl in is to weight her, check her vitals, etc.

Thanks to each one who will help put a grandmother's mind at rest.

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Preemie Weight Gain And Brain Development

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Preemie Baby Tips
by: Aida

No doubt tender love and care are number one for all babies, whether they are premature babies or not. Still, I find it worth mentioning 5 very important premature baby tips I've learned.

- Breastfeed for as long as possible, over the first year if possible. Breast milk contains proteins that help fight infection and promote growth. The importance of breast milk is still underestimated by many people.
- Hold the baby skin to skin as often as possible. Human contact has a huge impact on babies. Both psychologically and physically. Make sure he or she can hear your heart.
- Massage the baby once or twice a day. It is a scientific fact that massaging preemies makes a huge difference during the first year.
- Talk softly or sing to them even when they sleep. Try reading aloud (softly) if you enjoy reading. It soothes babies to hear their parents' voices.
- Limit visitors at home. Well intentioned and heartfelt people are very much exposed to germs and diseases. People are in contact with too many other people and things. A preemie's system is not fully wired, let alone developed.

Tips for mothers of premature babies:

- Consider taking a course in infant CPR.
- Make sure you're comfortable caring for your baby. If not, get the information baby asking and reading a lot.
- Acknowledge your emotions. Expect to feel overwhelmed. You're under a tremendous amount of strain. Take a break when you need it. Accept help.
- Seek support. Never mind anything else. Your baby and you are number one right now. Take time to heal. Both physically and emotionally.

Regarding doctor appointments:

- Ask as many questions as you need to. Nothing is silly or unimportant when it comes to caring for your baby.
- Follow-up visits with your baby's doctor are never to be taken lightly. Things may seem normal to the human eye, but doctors can hear things within we don't know about, see things in the eyes or skin that are tell tail signs of a problem on the rise. Before a baby has reached full term, anything can be of great consequences. Don't risk it.
- Find out whom to call if you have questions or concerns at all times.

My heart goes out to all preemie parents. Hang in there.

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Submitted by: Aida

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No doubt tender love and care are number one for all babies, whether they are premature babies or not. Still, I find it worth mentioning 5 very important premature baby tips I've learned. - Breastfeed for as long as possible, over the first year if possible. Breast milk contains proteins that help fight infection and promote growth. The importance of breast milk is still underestimated by many people. - Hold the baby skin to skin as often as possible. Human contact has a huge impact on babies. Both psychologically and physically. Make sure he or she can hear your heart. - Massage the baby once or twice a day. It is a scientific fact that massaging preemies makes a huge difference during the first year. - Talk softly or sing to them even when they sleep. Try reading aloud (softly) if you enjoy reading. It soothes babies to hear their parents' voices. - Limit visitors at home. Well intentioned and heartfelt people are very much exposed to germs and diseases. People are in contact with too many other people and things. A preemie's system is not fully wired, let alone developed. Tips for mothers of premature babies: - Consider taking a course in infant CPR. - Make sure you're comfortable caring for your baby. If not, get the information baby asking and reading a lot. - Acknowledge your emotions. Expect to feel overwhelmed. You're under a tremendous amount of strain. Take a break when you need it. Accept help. - Seek support. Never mind anything else. Your baby and you are number one right now. Take time to heal. Both physically and emotionally. Regarding doctor appointments: - Ask as many questions as you need to. Nothing is silly or unimportant when it comes to caring for your baby. - Follow-up visits with your baby's doctor are never to be taken lightly. Things may seem normal to the human eye, but doctors can hear things within we don't know about, see things in the eyes or skin that are tell tail signs of a problem on the rise. Before a baby has reached full term, anything can be of great consequences. Don't risk it. - Find out whom to call if you have questions or concerns at all times. My heart goes out to all preemie parents. Hang in there.

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Maybe Something More Than Baby Development?
by: Courtney

To me, it just sounds like the doctors are more concerned about the money than about weight gain and brain development. My daughter was 5lbs 9oz when she was born. They thought that she was going to be a small baby and they had us going to the doctor's office before she was even born.

We were going every week, which isn't right. Everyone I talked too said that she was not too small and that there was no reason why she should be going every week, but the doctor still thought so.

To me it seems as if sometimes the doctors are more concerned about the money or they may even be uncertain. And in your case, I think this is true. Too me, I don't see that weight gain and brain development would have anything to do with it. Like I said, my daughter was 5lbs 9ozs when she was born. I believe, that as long as she is developing well and proportionally that she would just be fine.

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Preemie Weight Gain And Brain Development

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Preemie Weight Gain And Brain Development