[sgtfirstwife]

We are going to be doing respite (sp) for a couple of weeks for a very tiny newborn. The FM told me that she eats every two hours. Now this may sound strange, but how to I make sure I wake up for her feedings? My kitchen timer only goes for one hour and I don't want to have to set the alarm clock each time. We are going to put in our room so I can hear her if she wakes up, but I doubt she will (they say she sleeps a lot).
Also do you give baths at this age or only sponge baths? We have never had a baby so little or so young.
Any advice would be appreciated.
Our agency says they get newborns all the time, so my chances are pretty good we will be place with a little one. So I consider this practice......at least I hope we get a wee one like this.

[tpakra]

Only give a bath if her cord is gone. If the stump is still there, then just give a sponge bath, keeping the water away from the belly button. Clean the cord with rubbing alcohol.

If you can't remember what time to give her a bottle, write it down. If you still forget, then set the timer for an hour, then when that goes off, set it for another hour.

We were feeding at three hour intervals, but that was only because there were no weight worries or feeding issues, and we just kept track by looking at the clock. When we had two kids, we just wrote down who did what and when, then went by that.

[diane beth]

We just got a preemie on May 31. We adore her! She was born 4lb 8oz and she now weighs almost 8 lbs. She was born on May 10. I am very tired from all the night feedings, but they are definitely paying off. She is so healthy. I could not believe how tiny she was when she came.
We are so very glad to have her. She eats very slow so feedings are taking about an hour each. I spend about 8 to 9 hours a day just feeding her. We don't have any other placements right now so that makes it easier. I haven't had a normal night sleep since she came. Hubby works nights so he cannot help.
Let me tell ya... She always wakes up and never misses a feeding. When she wakes up all she wants is a bottle and she will scream until she gets it. Other than that she is quiet. I am not sure all preemies will do this but if baby doesn't wake you should invest in an alarm clock. It is so very important for their growth to eat on time. Enjoy that little one while you have her. Oh and by the way, plan on alot of extra time in the grocery store. Preemies attract alot of attention!!

[shycar]

Like tpakra said only baths if the stump is gone and its healed. Some babies take awhile to heal after the stump falls off. Dont bath everyday either-their skin is too sensitive and dry easily.

With waking up at night if you would feel more confy put the alarm on. Our baby takes meds in the middle of the night, I usually put the alarm on to remind me at night, since I cant remind myself when Im asleep. The meds usually wake baby up and then I usually feed her again, even though she should be learning to sleep through the night, her meds make that harder.

[Withay]

I had a little girl a few months ago who had to eat every 3 hours - Dr's orders (she was failure to thrive). To make sure that I didn't miss a night feeding I simply set three alarm clocks - midnight, 3 AM, 6 AM.

Of course, at the same time I had another wee one (6 days younger) who seemed to wake up in-between the feedings of the other one. Since I am a single foster mom I didn't get much sleep for quite awhile. By the way, both girls are doing fantastic now.

Blessings,
Dbl L