Newborn Weight Gain for Breastfed Babies

Newborn Weight Gain for Breastfed Babies

If there is anything a new momma wants more than anything else, it is for her baby to be healthy and thriving. One of the main ways that we can tell your baby is healthy is through her weight gain. Knowing what to look for, how much your baby should be gaining, and how to know what is healthy goes a long way towards relieving any worry you may have.

 

Newborn Weight Gain for Breastfed Babies

 

What is Normal Newborn Weight Gain for Breastfed Babies?

The first thing to know is that your baby may lose a little bit of weight at first and this is completely normal. Remember, your milk will not come in for between 2-5 days, and during that time, your baby is getting colostrum from you, which is rich in things that make her immune system strong and help her body to grow. Within 2-5 days, this colostrum will start transitioning into regular milk, and will be fully changed to breastmilk by around 14 days. Your transitional milk in those “in between” days gives your baby the best of both colostrum and your breastmilk.

 

Usually by day 7, and almost always by day 14, your baby will be back to her birthweight. From this point, your baby will begin to gain somewhere around 5-9 ounces a week for the first month. After the first month she will gain 1-2 pounds a month for the first 6 months. From 6 months to one year she will gain about one pound per month. Remember, though, that these are averages. Your baby may gain greater or lesser amounts and still be perfectly healthy. If you have any concerns or doubts about your babies weight gain, please discuss this with your healthcare practitioner and ask them if they are familiar with what is normal for breastfed babies. Breastfed and formula fed babies gain weight at different rates and your healthcare provider needs to make sure they are using the correct charts to reference your babies growth.

 

Just like older children, your infant will gain weight in spurts, so she may gain 4 ounces in one week, and 9 the next. This is why it is important to not weigh your baby every day (unless you have been instructed to do so by your healthcare provider or lactation expert).

 

 

Breastfeeding Guide, Newborn Weight Gain for Breastfed Babies

 

Weighing Your Baby

If you are going to be weighing your baby yourself, weigh them around once a week. Use the same scale, and make sure it is calibrated in the same way. It is not accurate to hold the baby and then step on a scale, then put the baby down and then weigh yourself again without holding the baby. If there are true concerns about weight gain, you will want to talk to your health care provider about an accurate way to weigh your baby at home that will eliminate as many of the things as possible that could cause the weight to be different from one time to the next. If you do weigh your baby at home, make sure the baby has the same exact clothes on (or no clothes at all) and no diaper.

 

Just as there are wide ranges of what is normal and healthy for adults, there are the similar normal ranges for infants. Weight is only one measure of healthy. Look for plenty of wet and poopy diapers and for your baby to be reaching expected developmental milestones.

 

 

 

Growth Spurt, Newborn Weight Gain for Breastfed Babies

 

When to Seek Support

If there are true concerns about your babies weight gain, work closely with a lactation consultant, midwife, or other healthcare practitioner who is very experienced with breastfeeding. They can sit with you while you breastfeed and evaluate your latch, help with your diet and fluid intake to make sure you are getting plenty of nutrition, and evaluate your nursing relationship with your baby to determine what could be adjusted to improve your babies weight gain. We make some wonderful products that can help to naturally support your milk supply, and naturally increase your milk supply if you need.

 

Remember, more than likely, you and your baby are going to be just fine. Millions of women before you have successfully breastfed, and you probably can too. If you need some help to find your confidence and learn some skills, that is just fine too! Most of us don’t grow up in a culture that supports breastfeeding and we don’t see women breastfeeding their babies as a normal part of life. But it really is normal, and you can do this. Take a breath, trust your baby and your body, and let your love and milk flow!

Breastfeeding Gift, normal newborn weight gain, Newborn Weight Gain for Breastfed Babies

I hope these tips support your breastfeeding success! 

 

Hug your sweet baby, and remember to let your love and your milk flow!

Maria

🌿

 

 

🌿Want More?!? Check These Out! 🌿
Breastfeeding Immediately After Birth
7 Tips for Breastfeeding Success
The Ultimate Breastfeeding Guide 
Breastfeeding 101- Best Breastfeeding Practices
Four Healthy Habits to Start on Your Baby’s First Day
 8 Things I Wish I Knew About Breastfeeding Before Giving Birth!


How to Treat Clogged Milk Ducts and Prevent Mastitis.
Why Do I Have a Low Milk Supply?
How to Increase Your Breastmilk Supply Quickly
Treating Nipple Thrush Naturally
How to Heal Sore Nipples from Breastfeeding
How to Achieve A Proper Breastfeeding Latch

Herbs To Avoid While Breastfeeding
Benefits of Fenugreek for Breastfeeding
Safe Herbs for Breastfeeding With A Cold
Breastfeeding While Sick


The First Few Weeks of Breastfeeding
Best Baby Carriers for Breastfeeding
Four Common Breastfeeding Problems and Solutions
Three Lactation Problems and How to Solve Them
Three Breastfeeding Tips for New Moms

How to Include Your Partner While Breastfeeding


How Often Should I Breastfeed?
How to Wake a Sleepy Newborn to Breastfeed
Is My Baby Getting Enough Milk?
Normal Weight Gain for Breastfed Babies
 4 Signs Your Baby is Having a Growth Spurt


Breastfeeding A Baby with Tongue or Lip Tie

Breastfeeding After a Cesarean Section

Breastfeeding in Special Circumstances
Breastfeeding with Flat or Inverted Nipples

    Breastfeeding a Pre-Term Baby
    Tandem Breastfeeding
    Breastfeeding Twins


    Do I Need A Breast Pump?
    Pumping Breast Milk to Return to Work


    Breastfeeding Nutrition
    Healthy Snacks for Breastfeeding
    How to Know If You’re Dehydrated While Nursing
    Breastfeeding Boosts Babies' Immune Systems and Prevents Illness


    Breastfeeding Saves Sleep
    Safe Co Sleeping with Your Baby


    Tips for Breastfeeding While Pregnant
    Breastfeeding in Public
    Breastfeeding and Sex
    Breastfeeding and Birth Control
     The Relationship Between Breastfeeding and Menstruation
    When Will My Menstrual Cycle Return After Having a Baby


    Five Benefits to Extended Breastfeeding
    How Breastfeeding Changes As Baby Grows
    Five Reasons to Breastfeed Your Baby After Six Months
    Weaning Gently and Intuitively


    Is CBD Oil Safe for Breastfeeding and Lactation?
    Can I Drink Alcohol and Breastfeed?
    How My Breastfeeding Failure Was My Biggest Win
    Common Holiday Breastfeeding Issues and How to Prevent Them!
    Re-Lactation and Induced Lactation: Breastfeeding After a Break or When You Never Have
     
     
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      Breastfeeding 101- how to breastfeed, Newborn Weight Gain for Breastfed Babies

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