Do test tube babies need special feeding for one month?
IVF is a method to help infertile couples realize their reproductive dreams through in vitro fertilization. However, for the parents of IVF, the special way of conception often causes some questions and concerns. One of the common questions is whether IVF babies need special feeding when they are one month old. This article will discuss this problem in detail from several aspects.
Physiological characteristics
Compared with naturally conceived babies, IVF babies may have some physiological characteristics after birth. These characteristics include premature delivery, low weight, respiratory problems, etc. Therefore, IVF babies do need special attention and feeding when they are one month old.
First of all, the digestive system of premature infants is not fully developed, and there may be difficulties in digestion and absorption. Therefore, doctors usually recommend special formula for IVF to ensure adequate nutrition. This formula contains more protein, fat and vitamins, which can meet the needs of premature infants.
Secondly, IVF babies may have lower body weight. Low weight infants need to be fed more frequently to ensure that they receive adequate nutrition and energy. Doctors usually recommend feeding 8-12 times a day, and the amount of each feeding may be less than that of conventional infants, but more frequently.
Finally, because IVF babies' lungs may not be mature enough, dyspnea is a common problem. This may cause breathing difficulties and sucking problems during feeding. Therefore, parents need to be very careful to ensure that IVF babies breathe smoothly during feeding.
Diet adjustment
In addition to formula, the diet of test tube babies may need some adjustment when they are one month old.
First of all, the doctor will recommend that IVF infants add complementary foods from the age of 3 weeks. Complementary food should start from digestible food such as rice noodles and fruit puree, and gradually transition to ground cooked food. Parents need to gradually introduce different kinds of complementary foods according to the doctor's suggestions to ensure the baby's adaptation and absorption.
Secondly, as the digestive system of premature infants is not fully developed, they are prone to flatulence and indigestion. To reduce these problems, parents can carefully control the feeding speed during the feeding process to avoid too fast or too slow. At the same time, try to place the baby in an upright position to help expel gas.
Finally, IVF infants may need to increase their intake of vitamin D. Because premature babies may have slower bone development, doctors often recommend additional vitamin D supplements. Parents need to follow the doctor's advice to give the baby vitamin D to promote healthy bone development.
matters needing attention
When feeding one month old IVF babies, parents should pay attention to the following aspects.
First, keep the baby clean and tidy. Because the immune system of IVF may be weak, it is easy to be infected with diseases. Therefore, parents need to wash their hands frequently to ensure that the baby's clothes, beds and other items are clean.
Secondly, pay attention to the baby's temperature regulation. Premature infants have poor thermoregulation ability and are prone to hypothermia. Parents should provide IVF with additional thermal insulation measures, such as strengthening clothing insulation and keeping the room warm.
Finally, parents need to pay close attention to the weight and development of IVF babies. If the baby's weight increases slowly or has other abnormalities, the doctor should be consulted in time for inspection and treatment.
Summary
IVF babies need special feeding and care when they are one month old. Due to the physiological characteristics such as premature delivery and low weight, the diet of IVF needs special adjustment. Appropriate selection of formula milk powder, addition of complementary foods, control of feeding speed and posture, and supplementation of vitamin D can ensure that IVF can obtain adequate nutrition and healthy development. However, parents need to pay special attention to the baby's temperature regulation, hygiene and development, and regularly consult doctors for inspection and guidance.
