Schedule for low bw baby

[EmilyandAva]

My baby was just under 6 pounds when she was born, so the docs had me feeding her every 2 hours... now she is 10 weeks old, 9 pounds and still on a 2 hr routine, but our daily schedule has varied.  I've been feeding her according to her cues, but she eats, plays and sleeps at diff times every day.  At night, after one 3-4 hour stretch following her bath at night time, she then wakes almost every 2 hours during the night... I am feeling exhausted and can barely function and I'm sure she is not much bettter off!  I'm trying to get on a regular schedule during the day (like I said, every day we go through the EASY routine, but at diff. times) hoping this will help night time sleep, but it has been really challenging.  I usually feed her for 30 min., we play for about 30 before she starts yawning, then she sleeps for no more than an hour before waking up crying.  She usually eats a pretty full meal, so maybe she really needs a shorter schedule?  I'm feeling really anxious about this!  I would love to stretch out her routine to at least 2.5 hours and get her sleeping better at night.  Suggestions?

[NikiJ]

Hi Emily

I have no experience with low bw babies.  You will need to stretch her out abit though, feeding every two hours is not good for you.  I don't think she will last 2.5 hours between feeds straight away but maybe if you try to feed her every 2hrs 10 mins for a few days & then try to stretch out to 20 mins & then 30 & keep going until she is on track for her age.

It's not going to be easy but she's at an age where it's pretty much routine for her now.  Are you breast or bottle feeding?

Niki

[rebecaq]

Hi Emily,

I agree with what Niki said, you need more sleep or you will both be too frazzled. 

At 9 pounds she weighs what an average newborn weighs and may be able to handle 2.5 or even 3 hour EASY.

I think the best plan of action is to slowly increment her routine by 5 mins slots.  And when she wakes early do shh/pat for the remainder of her S time.  It will probably be difficult the first few days, I'm not going to lie to you, but it will pay off.  Also, it sounds to me like she's having trouble telling night from day.  I had the same problem with ds at the beginning and our ped recommended the following and it worked well for us (because it didn't stray from BW techniques  )

1. Keep the room as dark as possible during nighttime. Only turn on the closet light or a nightlight in the hall so you have enoguh light t not trip in the dark
2. Don't make eye contact, just do what you need to do ie feed/diaper change/ soothe
3. Limit your interaction with her to a simple shhhhhhh

HTH

- Beca

[* Paula *]

I agree with the PP, it is definitely time to start stretching her out a bit.  

Have you had a look at the Time to Transition Thread?

The erratic night wakings is a sure sign that your lo is getting ready to go longer between feeds.