Risk Factors With Poor Weight Gain In Breastfed Babies

Breastfeeding may be a challenge for babies and new moms too. Children at risk of nursing issues or breastfed babies are more likely to have delayed baby weight gain.

A premature baby weight gain or baby delivered before 37 weeks won't have the power or endurance to nurse long enough to acquire all the breast milk they require. Breastfeeding might be more complicated if the mother is tired or has medical concerns.

Oral stumbling blocks:

If a woman has firm, engorged breasts or big nipples, it might be difficult for an infant to latch on. However, latching problems may occur in babies with tiny mouths or anatomical issues like a tongue-tie or a cleft lip and palate.

Jaundice

The skin of newborns who have jaundice may seem yellow. Babies with this syndrome are often exhausted and uninterested in nursing. Therefore, to help it prepare breastfed baby's weight gain chart.

Reflux

After a meal, infants with reflux spit up or vomit. In addition to the milk lost during feeding, acid reflux may irritate the mother's throat and esophagus, making breastfeeding difficult.

Illness

Infants that are sick or infected may not be able to nurse effectively. Infants don't gain weight or even lose weight if they're experiencing diarrhea or vomiting.

There are several neurological issues

Having a condition like Down syndrome might make it difficult for a baby to latch and feed effectively.

What to Do If Your Baby Is Gaining Weight Slowly

See your doctor right away if you're worried about your child's weight increase or loss. At this age, your child's expectations will be discussed. As your child's doctor, they will recommend a variety of options, such as:

Make sure your child's latch is secure

Make sure that your infant is latching on to your breasts appropriately. A lactation consultant or support group in your area may aid you.

Breastfeed Regularly

Every two to three hours, and whenever your infant shows indications of hunger, breastfeed. Make sure you don't plan your baby's feedings every three to four hours like formula-fed babies. Breastfed infants need to eat more often since breast milk is easier to absorb.

Do Not Use Pacifiers

You may give your infant a pacifier after nursing and gaining weight if you like. Using a pacifier instead of breastfeeding means that your kid isn't receiving as much breast milk. A pacifier might also cause your baby to get overtired, making it difficult to feed when they get to the breast.

Observe Your Child's Sleep Patterns

Try to breastfeed your child for at least 20 minutes during each meal. The switch nursing method, burping, tickling, changing diapers, and burping are all ways to keep a tired infant awake and use the baby weight gain calculator.

Inquire about Supply Problems

Take efforts to enhance your milk supply if that's the issue, and use a baby weight gain chart. Pumping, adding milk-boosting foods to meals, and experimenting with herbal or tea-based breastfeeding remedies are all options and increasing the frequency with which you breastfeed.

Take into account the possibility of supplementing

Supplementing your baby's diet with pumped breast milk or infant formula may be essential if your doctor believes it is necessary and track the baby's weight gain per month. Pumping and separating foremilk and hindmilk are also options. Since hindmilk contains more fat and calories, it may aid your baby's growth.

Final Words

When it's safe for your baby, you may continue breastfeeding solely as long as you collaborate with your healthcare professional to monitor your baby's weight increase. If you decide to wean your kid from breast milk, you can pump solely, switch to baby formula, or do both.

References

• Elizabeth Ward, MS, RD, author, Expect the Best.
• Mypyramid.gov web site.