Comments on: A post that is not about Cora…. Sort of.

By: Heather

Heather — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 06:23:02 +0000

Sorry to clog your comments but I just went back to read everyone else’s comments and wanted to add about breast feeding—If your daughter can afford to expend the calories to actually do it great (people in “normal” situations probably don’t realize how many calories a baby burns to coordinate the suck, swallow, breathe action)–my son never could so I pumped and used preemie nipples that basically do all the work for him and there is actually a calorie fortifier you add to your breast milk–it was made by enfamil, but I forget the name. A negative to this is that my son NEVER could make the switch to a normal nipple: We could work on a bottle for 45 minutes and literally NONE of the liquid was missing from the bottle. So talk to your doc to decide what’s best for your personal situation. She does NOT have to be on the typical growth charts and don’t compare her to your full term children. As long as her RATE of growth is steady she’s good. My son is still -3% for weight 2 years later but is very active, healthy and doing great. And don’t think I’m poo pooing any of your perfectly valid worries, but I know anything less than typical is overwhelming and we moms sometimes get a little freaked out when we should take a deep breath and see the forest not just the trees. You are experienced enough to trust your instincts even if Cora’s situation never resembles your previous newborn experiences.

By: Heather

Heather — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 06:10:49 +0000

I actually found the best deals on Enfacare preemie formula from enfamil on Ebay—just pay close attention that you are getting sealed cans AND that they tell you the exp. date. When we first brought our 29 weeker home we made each 4 oz bottle with an additional 3/4 teaspoon of formula powder for an additional calorie boost. We also added MCT oil (prescription) that added calories and some specific nutrients, but your doc would certainly tell you if Cora needed it. Keep in mind—she missed those last few weeks of packing on the pounds so don’t freak out that she is so much smaller than what you are used to—it’s probably harder for an experienced mom like you than it was for a first timer like me.
Walmart and Babies R Us seem to have the most preemie clothes, but don’t go overboard because they really do grow out of them faster than you’d expect. My son came home at 5 pound even and only wore the preemie size for about 8 weeks. The real Carter’s is so much softer on their skin than the Walmart version though. However at 36 weeks she may have totally normal skin so you maybe don’t need to worry about that.

By: Rebecca

Rebecca — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 19:03:54 +0000

I would put a post onto Freecycle asking for preemie clothes. We have a pretty active Freecycle group in my town and we have got quite a few things off of there

By: Melissa

Melissa — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 01:40:50 +0000

Ohhh… She is itty bitty and oh so darling. I had the opposite problem with my son. I bought newborn clothes and diapers. He never could wear them, because he was 9lbs. 11oz. Even after having a baby I feel clumsy and akward when I hold someone else’s little newborn.

By: Julie Krukemeyer

Julie Krukemeyer — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 01:30:40 +0000

Toni – my daughter was 8 weeks premature and weighed 4 lbs. 7 oz. just this past January 27th. We also used the Pampers Swaddlers sensitive but used the newborn size, there isn’t much difference in the size and I think you get a little more in the packages. Also, we have tons of preemie outfits that she has already outgrown!!! If you would like I can send them to you for just the cost of shipping. Some still even have the tags on them! They just grow out of them so quickly that it’s silly to spend money on them. Let me know if you would like them, my e-mail is luvusborne@yahoo.com. I did one of your guest posts while you were at Disney.

By: marina

marina — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 01:03:38 +0000

may I?
I am a LLL counsellor here in Italy. I breastfed my kids for nearly 7 years. There are no problems in breastfeeding a preemie. What bothers me, as a doctor, is Toni’s health. She has lost a lot of blood. She is taking iron. She looks very tired in the pictures.
Although I usually only sponsor mother’s milk, I may understand why the doctors have arranged for formula. It’s more of a mother’s issue. Breastfeeding is usually the beast, but if the mother is in a health condition, a bottle is a good way too. What Cora needs most is Love and Care.

By: marina

marina — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 00:56:52 +0000

my first baby, who was not a preemie, was less than 5 lbs.
The second, preemie as Cora (same weeks pregnancy) was over 9 lbs.
That’s just to say how Nature can be funny at times.
The less you dress her and the better. Use blankets and nice tops, because the bottoms will be always tangled up. I remember putting a lovely all-in-one on my Amber, just to find her 10 minutes after with it back to front. How she did I don’t know, I only know that those small little arms and legs can move like lightning.

God bless you both and remeber to take it easy Toni. You look really tired in the pics.

By: Amy

Amy — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 00:54:01 +0000

I see some others have also commented on breastmilk being best for preemies. You also might be able to find a milk bank if your milk hasn’t come in yet. The kellymom website should have a link. You could also pump to get your supply going.

By: uppervalleymom at Kids Meal Crowsd

uppervalleymom at Kids Meal Crowsd — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 00:44:11 +0000

I have a list of resources for preemie clothes (online shopping sites, free sewing patterns, size charts) on a prior post. You can find it at http://www.kidsmealcrowd.com/2008/11/preemie-clothing-collection-only-one.html

Good luck!

By: Nell @ Casual Friday Everyday

Nell @ Casual Friday Everyday — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 00:30:24 +0000

awww, so tiny and sweet!