Weight Loss in the Breastfed Baby

Breastfed newborns can lose up to 10% of their body weight during the first week of life. After that, babies gain approximately 1 ounce each day. By the time they are two weeks old, newborns should be back to their birth weight or even weigh a little more.

Causes of Newborn Weight Loss

Newborns who are breastfeeding can lose weight for a variety of reasons.

• Not breastfeeding enough: It is important to put your baby to the breast at least every two to three hours to stimulate healthy milk supply and provide your baby with enough breast milk to gain weight.
• Incorrect breastfeeding latch: When your baby isn't latching on correctly, they cannot efficiently remove enough milk to grow at a consistent, healthy rate.
• An issue with your baby's ability to latch: If you have severely engorged breasts, large nipples, flat nipples, or inverted nipples, your child may have difficulty latching on. Babies can also have physical or neurological issues that interfere with their ability to latch on to the breast properly. Your baby will not be able to get enough milk without a good latch.
• Incorrect use of a nipple shield: A nipple shield can be a helpful breastfeeding tool when used correctly and under the supervision of a doctor or lactation consultant. However, nipple shields that are used incorrectly can prevent a baby from getting enough breast milk. They can also cause a decrease in your milk supply.
• Sleepiness: Sleepy newborns need to be aroused for feedings every two to three hours. Breastfeeding a sleepy baby can be a challenge, but it's very important to make sure that your baby is nursing often and getting enough breast milk to gain weight.
• Late onset of milk production: A difficult birth, stress, or a retained placenta are some of the causes of a delay in milk production. Until your breasts fill up with milk, your baby will not gain weight.
• True low milk supply: Certain physical or hormonal issues such as hypoplastic breasts, PCOS, hypothyroidism, or previous breast surgery, can cause low milk supply. If your milk does not come in by the fourth day postpartum, talk to your doctor and have an examination. In some cases, a true low milk supply can be corrected with treatment.

What to Do If Your Baby Is Losing Weight

If your baby is losing weight or not gaining weight as expected, you shouldn't wait to ask for help. Your health and the baby's health should be assessed, and you may need a lactation consultant.

Getting breastfeeding off to a good start can make all the difference in how successful you will be. Plus, correcting any issues right away helps to ensure your baby will get enough nutrition and fluids to stay hydrated and begin to gain weight. So if your breastfed baby is losing weight:

• Have your baby's latch evaluated by your nurse, a doctor, a lactation consultant, or a local breastfeeding support group.
• See your doctor. Find out if there is a physical or hormonal issue that might be interfering with your breast milk supply.
• Take your baby to the doctor to check for an illness or any other problems that could be interfering with breastfeeding. Infections, tongue-tie, jaundice, and other newborn issues can cause poor nursing and weight loss in infants.
• Monitor your baby's weight. Weigh them regularly at home.
• Monitor your baby's diapers. Keep track of how many wet diapers and bowel movements your baby is having each day.
• Breastfeed your baby very often, at least every two to three hours around the clock. If you have a sleepy baby, wake them up to breastfeed every three hours.
• Breastfeed longer at each nursing session.
• Increase your breast milk supply by pumping. You can also ask your doctor or a lactation consultant about the use of galactagogues. Certain herbs, foods, and nursing teas may be helpful to increase a low milk supply.

If your baby continues to lose weight, it may be necessary to supplement. Talk to your doctor about continuing to breastfeed along with supplementation. A nursing supplementer device can be used to be sure your baby is getting enough breast milk or formula while still nursing at your breast.