Why do breastfed babies lose weight?

Understanding Weight Loss in Breastfed Babies
Breastfeeding is widely recognized for its numerous benefits, but many new parents are often concerned when their infants lose weight shortly after birth. This phenomenon, while alarming, is typically a normal part of a newborn’s development. Understanding the reasons behind this weight loss can help alleviate concerns and ensure that both mother and baby are on the right track.
Normal Physiological Weight Loss
Most newborns experience weight loss in the first few days of life. This is primarily due to the transition from the intrauterine environment to the outside world, where they begin to regulate their own metabolism and fluid balance. According to research, healthy, full-term, exclusively breastfed infants can lose up to 10% of their birth weight during this period, which is considered normal. This weight loss is often attributed to several factors, including the loss of excess fluid accumulated during pregnancy and the adjustment to feeding patterns.
Factors Influencing Weight Loss
1. Feeding Practices: The way a baby is breastfed can significantly impact their weight. Mismanaged breastfeeding techniques, such as improper latch or infrequent feeding, can lead to inadequate milk intake, resulting in weight loss. Ensuring that the baby is latched correctly and feeding frequently can help mitigate this issue.
2. Maternal Factors: The mother’s diet and overall health can also play a role in the baby’s weight gain. If a breastfeeding mother is not consuming enough calories or nutrients, it may affect her milk supply, which in turn can lead to insufficient weight gain in the infant.
3. Health Complications: In some cases, excessive weight loss can be linked to underlying health issues in the newborn, such as jaundice or dehydration. These conditions can lead to complications that further hinder weight gain. Monitoring for signs of these issues is crucial in the early days of life.
When to Be Concerned
While some weight loss is normal, parents should be vigilant about their baby’s weight trends. If a baby loses more than 10% of their birth weight or fails to regain their birth weight within the first two weeks, it may be a sign of a problem that requires medical attention. Regular check-ups and weight assessments during this period are essential for identifying any potential issues early on.
Conclusion
In summary, while weight loss in breastfed babies is common and often normal, it is essential for parents to understand the factors that contribute to this phenomenon. By ensuring proper breastfeeding techniques, maintaining maternal health, and monitoring the baby’s weight closely, parents can help support their infant’s healthy growth and development. If concerns arise, consulting with a healthcare professional can provide reassurance and guidance.

When to worry about newborn weight loss?

If your baby has lost more than 12.5% from birth weight, then we recommend a full review of baby’s wellbeing by a doctor (paediatrician). Other contributory factors to your baby’s weight loss will be excluded and appropriate actions put in place.

What causes breastfed babies to lose weight?

A baby’s weight decreases from the normal loss of fluid, urine, and stool. Babies also get few calories from early breastfeeding patterns. Their bodies have special fat stores for this early time. Normally, feeding sessions in the first few days, although frequent, are short.

When does breastfeeding weight loss peak?

In the Stockholm cohort, Ohlin and Rossner,23 similarly reported that greater duration and intensity of breast-feeding were associated with more weight loss from 2.5 to 6 months after delivery; however, overall weight loss from 2.5 to 12 months was similar, regardless of breast-feeding status.

How much weight loss is normal for a breastfed newborn?

Macdonald et al. found that the breastfed infant loses an average of 6.6% of birth weight prior to beginning weight gain at an average of 2.7 days, and more than 10% of exclusively breastfed infants lose ≥10% of birth weight. Similar results have been reported in other studies.

Why do breastfed babies weigh less?

Because of the difference in weight gain, breast-fed infants are generally leaner than formula-fed infants by 12 months of age. Breast-fed infants appear to self-regulate their energy intake at a lower level than consumed by formula-fed infants and have a lower metabolic rate.

How can I fatten up my breast milk?

Read on for a few ways to give your milk a boost, from maximizing your output to improving its nutrition and ability to keep baby healthy.

1. Get More Omega-3 Fatty Acids.
2. Eat Smart to Up Your Supply.
3. Increase Your Iron Intake.
4. Supplement With Probiotics.
5. Nurse or Pump Often.
6. Drink (Water) for Two.

Is it normal to lose a lot of weight while breastfeeding?

Women who breastfeed burn an additional 500 to 700 calories per day, which can lead to weight loss. Since you are already thin and are continuing to lose weight, be sure to adjust your diet to make up for the calories your body is using to produce milk.

How can a breastfeeding mother lose weight without affecting the baby?

What are the recommended guidelines for weight loss? Breastfeeding mothers should consume at least 1800 calories a day and can safely lose around 1 lb/week (La Leche League, 2010; Lauwers & Swisher, 2015). Aim to eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables while minimizing empty carbohydrates and junk food.

How can I get my breastfed baby to gain weight?

If there is concern but no urgent medical recommendations, the first step is to try to increase your baby’s intake of milk. You can: Try breastfeeding more often, day and night. Offer at least both breasts at each feed.

What are four symptoms of failure to thrive?

Symptoms may include:

• Lack of appropriate weight gain.
• Irritability.
• Easily fatigued.
• Excessive sleepiness.
• Lack of age-appropriate social response (i.e., smile)
• Does not make vocal sounds.
• Delayed motor development.
• Learning and behavior difficulties later in childhood.