Feeding Questions - Infant Care (up to 18 months old) Message Board

cariswray · 07-18-2005, 09:08 PM

My DS was a preemie, born 6 weeks early-- (however he weighed 6pounds 3 ounces.) He is now 9 weeks old and weighs 11 pounds!!! Quite remarkable growth for such an early baby. Anyway, he is drinking anywhere from 3 to 6 ounces of breast milk, or soy formula every 3 hours or so. He is obviously growing well, but I worry about his little tummy. Is this a normal amount for a baby boy of this weight and size? He keeps getting constipated

and we keep having to give him diluted prune juice. Poor little guy! I guess I am just looking for reasurance that I am not overfeeding.

Kiera1595 · 07-19-2005, 04:59 AM

Sounds like you're feeding him the perfect amount! I wouldn't worry at all. As for the constipation, DD gets it sometimes. Be really carefull when mixing formula. If you're adding just a bit too much powder it can really bind them up. I will actually add just a bit less powder than recommended. it seems to help keep those BMs a little looser.

valleygurl · 07-19-2005, 05:29 AM

Hi There, I must say that i agree with Kiera, sounds like you are feeding him the perfect amount for his age. Constipation in infants is so very common, most generally it is caused by the iron in the formula. I would talk to your doctor about getting him on a low iron formula if he isnt already. Also, i am not so sure i would be giving an infant of his age the diluted prune juice unless that is what was recommended by the pediatrician. When my children were infants and suffered the constipation i would use Infant Glycerin Suppositories as needed. They are safe, work very well and are also most generally recommended by most pediatricians.

Sounds like you are doing a wonderful job with your child !
Good Luck,
ValleyGurl

cariswray · 07-20-2005, 11:53 AM

Thanks for the advice~ I feel better! We went to get those suppositories, and prepped ourselves...(this is our first!) and then just as we were about to give it to him, he pooped all over! My DH and I laughed so hard! What a smart little guy! Just in the nick of time!! Heheehe