Important Information Every Mother Should Know About Newborn Weight

When your newborn enters the world, their average birth weight is around 3 kilograms, and their length is about 50 centimeters. These are healthy indicators of a baby’s well-being. Therefore, it’s essential for mothers to receive reassurance from their pediatrician, who will monitor their newborn right after birth. Weight and length are key signs of the baby's health, as they indicate the absence of congenital issues or abnormalities.

During World Breastfeeding Week, which is celebrated between the 1st and 7th of August every year, in about 120 countries worldwide, the focus is renewed on the importance of breastfeeding, especially in the first six months of a baby’s life. Despite the numerous benefits of natural breast milk as a gift from God for both mother and child, many mothers complain that their baby’s weight is not increasing despite exclusive breastfeeding. This is often in comparison to babies who receive formula milk.

For this reason, in celebration of World Breastfeeding Week, "Nadormagazine" interviewed pediatric consultant and neonatal expert Dr. Maeen Ismail. He highlighted 5 hidden reasons why your baby’s weight may not be increasing despite continuous breastfeeding, along with ways to overcome these challenges to ensure healthy weight gain and successful breastfeeding. These reasons include poor latch, frequent diarrhea, and others, all contributing to optimal weight gain for your baby. Here’s what every mother needs to know:

Key Information About Newborn Weight:

Weight Loss After Birth

It’s natural for a newborn to lose some weight shortly after birth. This happens because the baby’s body sheds excess fluid, which causes some temporary swelling. Typically, a newborn will lose between 7% to 10% of their birth weight, which is normal and no cause for concern. The baby will regain this lost weight soon after.

It’s important to monitor your baby’s weight during the first six months. A healthy newborn weight at birth typically ranges from 2.5 to 4 kilograms. Some babies, known as “giant babies”, may weigh more than 4 kilograms at birth. On the other hand, babies who weigh less than 2.5 kilograms are considered preterm or underweight, and they require special care.

Normal Weight Gain During the First Months:

• 1 month: 4.5 kg

• 2 months: 5.5 kg

• 3 months: 6.5 kg
  From months 4 to 6, your baby should gain around 1.25 kg to 1.5 kg per month.

Hidden Reasons for Not Gaining Weight Despite Continuous Breastfeeding:

1. Discomfort During Breastfeeding
   One reason your baby may not be gaining weight could be discomfort during breastfeeding. If the baby isn't comfortable, either because of incorrect positioning or your posture, the breastfeeding process will be ineffective. You can prevent this by ensuring that you and your baby are both comfortable during the feeding. You may need help holding your baby in a good position, propping yourself up with pillows, or even having someone assist you during feedings if you're exhausted.

2. Short Duration of Breastfeeding
   It’s crucial not to switch breasts too soon. If you only allow your baby to nurse from one breast for 5 minutes before switching to the other, they may only be getting the watery foremilk, which fills their stomach but doesn't provide the rich, fatty hindmilk that contributes to weight gain. Allowing the baby to nurse for at least 15–20 minutes on each breast will ensure that they get both the foremilk and the calorie-dense hindmilk.

3. Improper Latch
   If your baby is not latching on properly, this will greatly impact the amount of milk they can consume. An improper latch can also cause pain, leading the mother to avoid breastfeeding, which can reduce milk supply. A correct latch ensures the baby can access enough milk, leading to healthy weight gain. If you’re experiencing difficulties, consider seeking assistance from a lactation consultant to ensure your baby is latching properly.

4. Lactose Intolerance
   Some babies may experience lactose intolerance or lactose sensitivity, meaning they cannot properly digest the lactose (sugar in breast milk). This happens when the baby’s body doesn’t produce enough of the enzyme lactase. This can result in symptoms such as frequent diarrhea, bloating, and gas, which interferes with their ability to gain weight. If you suspect this issue, consult your pediatrician for appropriate advice and treatment.

5. Frequent Diarrhea
   If your baby experiences frequent diarrhea, they may lose valuable nutrients and fluids that are essential for weight gain. Diarrhea can be caused by infections, poor latch, or a sensitive stomach. Keeping track of the number of wet diapers or stools your baby has daily can help you identify if diarrhea is an ongoing issue. In such cases, it's important to consult your pediatrician to address the underlying cause and ensure your baby remains healthy and nourished.

Breastfeeding is a natural and incredibly beneficial way to nourish your baby, but it does come with its own set of challenges. Understanding these hidden reasons for slow weight gain can help mothers troubleshoot issues effectively, ensuring a healthy, thriving baby.