Feeding amounts

wjf00 · Dec 8, 2003

You left out a very important peice of info, how much does your newborn weigh? Most Neo's where I work are aiming for

120-130 cals./Kg/Day. So say a 1500 Kg. newborn: 1.5Kg x 120cals = 180 cals/day. Then 20 Cal/Oz formula (remember 30 mls= 1 Oz) is .67 cals/ml. So 180 cals/Day divided by formala at a strength of .67 cals/ml. = 270 mls of formula/day (rounded off) divide by 8 feedings/day for q3 feeds = 34 cc's per feeding. Keep in mind there are a lot of other considerations such as how many days old ( you will be wearing about 20 cc's per feed if you push that much on a newborn 1 day old). Other things to consider are cals from IV fluids, and if your newborn is working hard at breathing.

dawngloves, BSN, RN · Dec 8, 2003

Agree with above, plus was there any anoxia at birth or maternal drug exposure (cocaine)? Is the kiddo acting "sick". Got a lot to look at besides age.

prmenrs, RN · Dec 8, 2003

Most NICUs have written guidelines re: how to progress feedings, and they're often based on the philosophy of the attendings/director of the unit.

I agree w/ the above guidelines. Immature kids need to be monitored carefully for feeding intolerance--increased girth, residuals if tube fed, change in bowel sounds, emesis. Non-specific signs like Apnea and Bradys (premie to self "when in doubt, hold your breath--that always gets their attention"). Anything like that should indicate backing off on feedings, and supply the calories parenterally.