Adjusting Feeding Schedule for Preterm Infants: Is It Safe?

Milk consumption time

My baby is a premature infant, born on January 21, with a due date of April 1.
Currently, he weighs around 3 kg and is exclusively breastfed.
He is currently taking 65 cc every 3 hours.
I would like to extend the time between feedings.
Is it okay to change to 80 cc every 4 hours, or is it better for him to continue feeding every 3 hours?

Xiao Yu, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/03/18

Dr. Pei Rensheng reply Pediatrics

Hello! As premature infants grow, the intervals between feedings can be extended.
It is indeed possible to follow your suggestion of feeding smaller amounts more frequently, and then observe the baby for any signs of reflux or discomfort.
Wishing you health and happiness! Sincerely, Dr.
Pei Ren-Sheng, Director of Pediatrics, Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2016/03/18

More Info

When it comes to feeding schedules for preterm infants, it's essential to consider their unique nutritional needs and growth patterns. Your baby, born on January 21 and currently weighing around 3 kg, is still in a critical phase of development. Given that your infant is exclusively breastfed, it's crucial to ensure that they receive adequate nutrition while also allowing for a flexible feeding schedule that accommodates their growth and sleep patterns.

Feeding Schedule for Preterm Infants
1. Nutritional Needs: Preterm infants have higher caloric and nutritional needs compared to full-term infants. They require frequent feedings to support their growth and development. The general recommendation is to feed preterm infants every 2 to 3 hours, ensuring they receive enough calories throughout the day.

2. Adjusting Feeding Amounts: You mentioned considering increasing the feeding amount to 80 cc every 4 hours. While this adjustment may seem reasonable, it's essential to monitor your baby's weight gain and overall health closely. Preterm infants often thrive on smaller, more frequent feedings, and extending the time between feedings may lead to inadequate calorie intake, especially if they are not consuming enough at each feeding.

3. Signs of Hunger: Pay attention to your baby's hunger cues. If they seem hungry before the 4-hour mark, it may be best to continue with the 3-hour schedule. Conversely, if they are consistently showing signs of fullness and not finishing their bottles, you might consider gradually extending the time between feedings.

4. Consulting with Healthcare Providers: It's always a good idea to discuss any changes in feeding schedules with your pediatrician or a pediatric nutritionist. They can provide personalized guidance based on your baby's growth patterns, weight gain, and overall health status. Regular check-ups will help ensure that your baby is meeting developmental milestones.

5. Monitoring Growth: Keep track of your baby's weight gain and growth. Preterm infants should ideally gain about 15-30 grams per day. If your baby is gaining weight appropriately, it may indicate that they are receiving enough nutrition, whether through more frequent or slightly less frequent feedings.

Conclusion
In summary, while it is possible to adjust your baby's feeding schedule to every 4 hours with an increased amount of 80 cc, it is crucial to monitor their growth and hunger cues closely. Preterm infants typically benefit from more frequent feedings, and any changes should be made cautiously and in consultation with your healthcare provider. Ensuring that your baby receives adequate nutrition is paramount for their health and development, so maintaining open communication with your pediatrician will be key in making the best decisions for your baby's feeding schedule.

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