My preemie baby(32 weeks born on 28th June) is unable to feed from the Philips Avent bottle. Can't understand the reason. kindly let me know if possible.

Question

Accepted Answer

Feeding challenges are common among premature babies, especially when transitioning to bottle feeding. Since your baby was born at 32 weeks, they may still be developing the necessary skills for effective feeding, such as sucking, swallowing, and breathing coordination. Here are some potential reasons your baby might be having difficulty feeding from the Philips Avent bottle, along with some suggestions to help:

### Possible Reasons:
1. **Nipple Flow Rate**:
   - The flow rate of the nipple might be too fast or too slow for your baby. Premature babies often require a slower flow rate because they may not yet have the strength to handle faster flow, which can lead to choking or refusal to feed.

2. **Nipple Shape and Size**:
   - The shape or size of the Avent nipple might not be suitable for your baby’s mouth. Some babies have a preference for certain nipple shapes, especially if they were first introduced to breastfeeding or a different bottle type.

3. **Oral Development**:
   - Premature babies may have weaker muscles in their mouth and jaw, making it harder to create the necessary suction for bottle feeding. This is particularly true if they were born at 32 weeks, as they may still be developing these skills.

4. **Feeding Position**:
   - The position in which your baby is being fed could impact their ability to feed effectively. Premature babies often need to be held in a more upright position to help them coordinate sucking, swallowing, and breathing.

5. **Tiredness**:
   - Premature babies can tire easily, and they might not have the stamina to finish a feed, leading to refusal or difficulty feeding.

6. **Overstimulation**:
   - Premature babies are sensitive to stimuli, and too much noise or movement can make feeding more challenging.

### Suggestions to Help:
1. **Try a Different Nipple Flow**:
   - Philips Avent offers different flow rates (e.g., preemie, slow flow) that might be more suitable. Start with the slowest flow available to see if that helps your baby feed more comfortably.

2. **Experiment with Nipple Shape**:
   - You might want to try different brands or nipple shapes to see if your baby prefers a different design that is easier for them to latch onto.

3. **Proper Positioning**:
   - Hold your baby in an upright position, supporting their head and neck. This helps prevent choking and allows better control over the flow of milk.

4. **Pacing Feeds**:
   - Allow your baby to take breaks during feeding to catch their breath and avoid overwhelming them. You can also try paced bottle feeding, where you tilt the bottle just enough to fill the nipple with milk, but not so much that it flows too quickly.

5. **Consult with a Lactation Consultant or Pediatrician**:
   - A lactation consultant or pediatrician can observe a feeding session and provide tailored advice to improve the feeding experience.

6. **Keep Feeding Sessions Calm**:
   - Reduce distractions and keep the environment calm during feeding times. This helps your baby focus on feeding without being overstimulated.

### Conclusion:
Feeding difficulties in premature babies can be due to a variety of factors, including nipple flow, shape, and the baby's development. By trying different nipple options, adjusting feeding techniques, and consulting with a healthcare professional, you can find a solution that works best for your baby. If the issue persists, it's important to seek advice from your pediatrician or a lactation consultant to ensure your baby is getting the nutrition they need.

Answer

Thank you so much for your response.... She is improving gradually in feeding. I am using Avent Nipple size 2 now.