feeding tube

[gold6258]

My grandson was born at 33 weeks of gestation and is now one week old.  He is still in NICU and is breastfeeding or bottle feeding 36cc.  It takes about 30-45 minutes for him to finish and he falls asleep during the feedings.  He has to be awakened to continue feeding and one of the nurses mentioned that she was going to speak with the doctor about a feeding tube.  My daughter-in-law is scared.  The only experience I have had with feeding tubes is when a patient is in hospice or critically ill.  Is this routine with premature babies?  Should we be concerned?

[Alimat22]

My son was born at 34 weeks. He was in the NICU for six weeks n the respirator for 2 and half weeks. He had a feeding tube, he was put into a medicated comma. I have researched PVL and it is normally diagnosed at birth. Well my son is 2 years old and he was just diagnosed. I knew there was something wrong and I had to be very persistent with the doctors. Now that I know that theres no cure or treatment I am scared

[Logan206]

The feeding tube is routine with preemies.  At 33 weeks, most don't yet have capability to  feed from a bottle.  Developmentally speaking, it doesn't come until about 33-34 weeks, and for some babies it takes a lot of energy to feed from the bottle or breast.

I have twins that were born at 32 weeks.  They didn't start bottle/breast  feeding until 34 weeks and at first they'd only take about 25% of their feeding from the bottle (the rest was feed via the tube).  The tube doesn't hurt them and it gives them the calories they need to grow.

My little ones spent 1 month in the NICU.  They are now 14 months and doing great!  Some delays in the first 6-7 months, but they've caught up now.  Hang in there.  It's tough when baby is so little and still very fragile, but most born at 33 wks will do just fine!  Keep us posted!

[Mikeal'smom]

My son was not premature, but was born by emergency c-section due to fetal distress caused by meconium (baby's first poo) asperation.  He was on a feeding tube for about 2 weeks because it was too much work for him to eat and breath at the same time.  It's a little bit different with your grandson, but I would imagine the tube would be to make sure he gets enough to grow stronger to where he can tolerate a feeding without getting too tired that he can't finish.  I hope this helps a little and that your grandson gains and grows well so he can go home.  Please keep me updated on how things go!