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Yes, actually it's normal for preemies to "poop out' after having been feeding well. Suddenly it get too much for them, and the kind thing to do is give them a break. She could go to 4 hours feeds, but in order to meet her specific calorie needs, she'd have to take even more per feeding (probably about 75ml--if she's getting 60ml every three). Talk about wearing her out! You have to keep in mind that she won't really completly act like a full term baby until she reaches her due date (or very close to it). I know it's no fun! If you feel like the team is not listening to your concerns/ requests, though, ask for a conferance with the nurses, doc, social worker, etc all at one time. Communication cures alot! Take care, and CONGRATS!

congrads. I have to agree with lala they are trying to help with her feeding and I see every 3 hours is pretty accurate considering your daughters tummy is the size of a cherry! Very small so it can only handle a little bit of breast milk and needs to be filled often. When I was hospitalized for early labour I meet a lady my age, about 25 at the time, and her daughter was about 4 weeks early and had been eating fine than all of a sudden eating problems arose. They were feeding her small amounts at a time very often. I dont think there not taking your advice because your 18 they are probably following strict directions set out by the pediatrician in charge of your daughter. I would ask to speak with the dr in charge of your dr and express your concern and ask his opinion on the feeding. That way the dr will tell you why the hours and why that certain amount making you aware more of what is going on. Dont be afraid to jump in there and remember everything the nurses are doing are dr's orders.

hey i can understand your frustration. my twins were born at 34w and 1 day weighing 4lbs7oz and 5lbs13oz, and were able to suck from day one. they were however feed via tubes down their noses every 3 hours until they were '36 weeks', this was all the doctors orders to help them grow as sucking really tires babies out, especially prem babies, and therefor will slow growth. mine were allowed alternate feeds (first feed tube, next breast/bottle, next tube, next breast/bottle, etc) from 36-36.5 weeks, then tubes were removed and all their feeds were either breast or bottle until they came home at 37 weeks. at the hospital mine were born at there is a weight limit they have to be before they could leave so the tube feeds helped them reach it quicker. by the way i am only 19 and my partner 18, but other people at the special care unit were much older and their babies were going through the same thing so i dont think they are pushing you around or anything. dont forget to ask questions and state your opinions, etc as they will just asume you are ok with everything and understand everything. take care on congratulations on your little one.

Hello, my little girl was born at 29 weeks weighting 2.12 She was breething on her own, however they helped her with a CPAP...she has been at the hospital for a month and a half. She didnt eat by her self, just by the tube. Its okay if she is eating through the tube, but honey, please try giving her a bottle every time they feed her through the tube, that will encourage her... My little one was a bit lazy and didnt want to suck, ...I mean later on, not when she was just born...I had to encourage her by giving her a bottle, and then she started eating...You know, its so much easier when they get fed w/the tube...I understand what you are going through...I have gone through all the NICU stuff...Very stressful and tough, even though my daughter didnt have any major problems, just some little ones, those that all preemies get...bradies, etc...
God bless you. Everything will be just fine.

Wow, i had my son at 34 weeks and 1 day and i think you are right on sudgesting that at night time.

Mommyoflittlegirl its nice to hear everything is good with your baby born at 29 weeks, i am 25 weeks and i have dialated 2 cm and been given steroid shots. I am so scared to deliver before the 34 week mark that my son was born at.