Preemie Complications

Feeding Problems

What causes feeding problems? Premature babies are often unable to coordinate their sucking and breathing. This can lead to breathing difficulties when they try to feed through breast or bottle. A healthy sucking and breathing coordination usually forms at around 34 weeks after gestation, allowing a baby to begin breastfeeding or bottlefeeding normally.

Are feeding problems dangerous? If a baby is unable to feed through sucking, the problem is recognized quickly and the baby is fed nutrients in other ways. Note that it's normal for a baby to lose weight in the first few weeks after birth, since newborns release water that was retained in the womb. Weight loss is not a sign of malnutrition.

How are feeding problems treated? Babies who are unable to eat through sucking are fed nutrients through one of the following methods:

• Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN), providing protein, fat, sugar, vitamins, and minerals intravenously.
• Milk through a tube entering baby's nose or mouth.
• Drip feedings passing directly into baby's intestines.