Page created on February 27, 2022. Last updated on December 18, 2024 at 16:58
Assessing proper feeding
By assessing the voiding and stooling patterns of the neonate, as well as the growth, we can evaluate whether the milk intake is adequate.
- Hydration
- A well-hydrated infant voids 1 – 2 times a day the first days, followed by 6 – 8 times a day.
- The urine should be colourless.
- The neonate should have moist mucous membranes and good skin turgor
- Feeding
- Stool should be passed ~4 times a day.
- Initial weight loss after birth is common but should not exceed 10%. The birth weight should be regained by 10 – 14 days.
- Normal feeding frequency is 8 – 12 times per day.
- Growth
- The growth rate over time should not stall
- Normal growth in the first 3 months of life is 30 g/day
- Normal increase in length in the first month is 2 – 4 cm
- Weight should approximately double by month 6 and triple by month 12
Energy requirements
- A neonate should receive 110 – 140 kcal/kg/day
- Preterm and sick neonates have higher requirement
- After the neonatal period, this requirement is 100 kcal/kg/day
Fluid requirements
- Neonates drink approx. 200 – 700 mL/day of breastmilk, but the number varies wildly