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View Full Version : Need to Tweak the feedings



rainrshine
09-09-2012, 11:46 AM
Short background: This baby was found last Sunday and the people who found him tried to help and fed esbilac (canned) and water but he was kept outside without heat. He was one of 3 babies but the other two passed within hours of me getting them Monday morning. I am guessing he was about 3+ weeks old which makes him 4, maybe 4 1/2 weeks now.

He started as a starving, dehydrated, and freezing baby with little chance for survival. He had severe diarrhea and was literally sleeping in his own feces while staying cold and sick. I'm not sure of his initial weight but I know from the pics I have taken he was probably under 40 grams.

I have been caring for him around the clock all week and went from pedialyte every hour (very small amounts) then increased as tolerated to two, then three for 24 hours. Then I used the esbilac watered down initially and slowly switched to the goat milk formula. He perked up and was eagerly taking his goat milk formula every 3 hours with only one case of diarrhea which we quickly got under control with another round of pedialyte over a couple feedings.

Yesterday, we began the transition to Fox Valley and as of 3 am we are now at 50/50 gm/fv. He is eagerly eating between 2.75 and 3.0 cc's every three hours. He would eat more but this is where my concern comes in. Since the transition started, I noticed the milk band is still visible after 3 hours and I don't want him bloated. I'm not sure whether to continue the smaller feedings of say 2.5 cc's every 3 hours or do 3.5 cc's every 4 hours. If I feed more than 3 cc's at a meal he is very bloated but it's not hard, just tight and soft at the same time if that sounds logical!

He is up to 60 grams and was 50 two days ago so I know he's thriving. So whats the best practice here? Smaller and more often for feedings or larger and less frequently?

Another issue I have is mixing the Fox Valley. I use bottled spring water, heated, to mix my 24 hour supply. At only 50/50 gm/fv I notice the sediment ring around the glass measuring cup (two tbl) I use for each feeding. I do not microwave the formula for feeding. I use a 2 cup glass measuring cup with heated water and set the small measure cup inside to heat the formula. When feeding is over, the formula cup has that awful sediment on it's sides and I'm worried that if the FV is that heavy and sticky it will build up inside the little man.

I mix the days supply thorough several times before adding the GM and refrigeration. Still, the sediment just seems to always be there. Is this normal?

daniellenc
09-09-2012, 01:11 PM
I get the ring of yuck in mine too it's from settling. I use a blender to make mine so like you I am confident it is mixed well but when it sits I get that frothy foamy top. I just mix it in before I measure out their feeding the FV is definitely thick stuff.

I would feed smaller amounts more often and make sure he is super warm since they don't digest well when they are cool. If you still see the milk line maybe stimulate between feedings, and if it's still a no go then try feeding further apart. I have no experience with one that young.

rainrshine
09-09-2012, 01:19 PM
I get the ring of yuck in mine too it's from settling. I use a blender to make mine so like you I am confident it is mixed well but when it sits I get that frothy foamy top. I just mix it in before I measure out their feeding the FV is definitely thick stuff.

I would feed smaller amounts more often and make sure he is super warm since they don't digest well when they are cool. If you still see the milk line maybe stimulate between feedings, and if it's still a no go then try feeding further apart. I have no experience with one that young.

I have a fresh rice buddy ready with a fleece cover and the milk all ready so he don't ever get chilled for feedings. This is also why I don't micro the milk. If I have hot water for heating the formula I never have to get up once we are settled down for a feeding.

I might need to go an invest in a stick blender later. :wahoo gives me an excuse to look for some new fleece for the baby.

Poor little guy, I haven't names him because i was gonna do a poll on Facebook today for the final choice... I feel so bad but he does have to live with his name so it needs to suit him!

Jackie in Tampa
09-09-2012, 01:26 PM
shaker bottles are sold on Henrys web site and at most CVS stores..
they have a wire whisk ball...awesomehttp://www.henryspets.com/product_images/b/697/75681__49532_std.jpg

daniellenc
09-09-2012, 01:26 PM
And he has a heating pad for the cage too?? Huh well it may be some trial and error with feeding then mine were maybe 5 weeks when we found them and ate every 4 hours but I always stimulated every 2 to make sure they were getting everything through:D

rainrshine
09-09-2012, 01:34 PM
And he has a heating pad for the cage too?? Huh well it may be some trial and error with feeding then mine were maybe 5 weeks when we found them and ate every 4 hours but I always stimulated every 2 to make sure they were getting everything through:D
Yes, a heating pad under 1/2 his sterilite container set to low. I just don't allow him to get chilled for feedings and the rice buddy just warmed a little keeps him cozy and allows him something comfy to lay on.

Jackie, thanks for the tip... going to get the shaker at CVS. If none there will order it. I have to place another order there soon anyways (Henry's) but they were out of the growth supplement yesterday when I looked. Was looking at those cages and trying to compare the ones on Amazon too. I have a little time still to decide.