nipple confusion

[Angel96745]

Hello!

My preemie (5 weeks old, 34 weeks gestation)is more into his bottle from his NICU rather than me. What is the best way to get him to nurse? He doesn't latch on correctly, he opens his jaw too little since he is used to the small nipples at the hospital. I was told only to nurse twice a day and add a nursing each week, but when I begin to nurse, he loses interest too quickly and when he does nurse it's painful. What would be my best move? To just pump or keep trying to nurse?

[caryn]

He is used to the fast flow of the bottle. I transition preemies to the breast with two things, an SNS at the breast, and all feeds given in a Haberman feeder (this helps the baby to use the same oral motor functioning as on the breast)

[Angel96745]

Thanks Caryn - i'll try to find a supplier.

Also - I have breastmilk stored up in the freezer and am going through it quickly since my supply isn't really where my baby's eating right now (since he won't nurse). Is it horrible to supplement with formula? I am just so paranoid about him getting NEC

[caryn]

No, it is not terrible to supplement! He probably received a fortifier in his breastmilk in the NICU.
You need a break also!