Why is my premature baby slow in feeding and keeps falling asleep? What should I do?

In general, slow feeding and frequent sleeping in premature infants may be related to factors such as immature development, small stomach capacity, hypoglycemia, respiratory distress syndrome, and congenital heart disease. If any discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly and receive symptomatic treatment under a doctor's guidance. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Immature Development

Premature infants, whose bodies have not fully matured at birth—especially the lungs and gastrointestinal system—may have weaker sucking and swallowing abilities, leading to slower feeding. Additionally, because their bodies require more rest to support growth and development, premature infants often exhibit longer sleep durations. This typically does not require special intervention; these conditions generally improve gradually as the infant develops.

2. Small Stomach Capacity

Premature infants have relatively small stomach capacities, necessitating more frequent feedings to meet nutritional needs. Due to smaller amounts of food in the stomach, they may feel hungry and drowsy more easily, resulting in slow feeding and falling asleep frequently during meals. Parents are advised to feed in small, frequent amounts to avoid overfeeding at one time.

3. Hypoglycemia

Premature infants may experience hypoglycemia due to an immature insulin regulation mechanism, leading to insufficient energy supply. This can impair brain function and affect the central nervous system that controls sucking and swallowing reflexes, causing the infant to appear weak during feeding, tire easily, and fall asleep. Symptoms may also include sweating, tremors, and irritability. Under medical guidance, medications such as zinc gluconate oral solution, furosemide tablets, and hydrochlorothiazide tablets may be used to alleviate symptoms.

4. Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Respiratory distress syndrome in premature infants may result from lung infections, gas poisoning, or other causes, leading to impaired gas exchange. During feeding, these infants require more energy to maintain breathing, making them prone to fatigue and sleepiness while sucking. Additional symptoms may include rapid breathing, nasal flaring, and chest wall retractions. Under medical supervision, medications such as butyric acid tablets, adenosine disodium triphosphate tablets, and vitamin E softgels may be used to relieve symptoms.

5. Congenital Heart Disease

Congenital heart disease, which may be associated with genetic or environmental factors, can reduce the heart's ability to pump blood effectively, decreasing oxygen delivery to tissues and organs. As a result, premature infants may feel fatigued during feeding, stop sucking, and fall asleep. Associated symptoms may include cyanosis, difficulty breathing, and poor weight gain. Medications such as furosemide tablets, spironolactone tablets, and hydrochlorothiazide tablets may be used under medical direction to manage symptoms.

Parents are advised to closely monitor the condition of premature infants, ensure adequate nutrition, and follow scientific feeding practices to help alleviate symptoms.