Newborn Weight Loss Is Usual!

Baby

oi-Amrisha Sharma

By Amrisha Sharma

Friday, July 15, 2011, 16:28

Newborns weight loss is very common in the few days after birth. An average newborn weight loss of 5-6% in the first 5 days is usual but if the loss of weight is 7% or more within 72 hours of birth then the breastfeeding needs to be observed.

The technique of breastfeeding should be proper. First time mothers can get trained from professional for milk transfer. If the baby appears healthy, nurses well, has proper stool patterns and passage then another weight check should be done after 2 days of observation.

Neonates are born with extra weight to help with the stress caused by labor. Also the breastfeeding leads to newborn weight loss in the beginning days. This is because the baby only takes small amount of colostrum until the milk is supplied.

If the newborn weight loss is more than the newborn's average weight, it is important to take assistance from the health care provider or your doctor. This will help come out with solutions to underlying medical conditions. As the neonate is not fitting to the new food supply i.e. milk, proper supplementation is required as your neonate's weight reduces almost 14% of total body weight.

Giving babies water during the neonatal period can also contribute to weight loss of neonates. Breastfed infants usually regain weight by their second or third week from the birth day. After this, the newborn weight will increase from an average of 4-8 ounces each week during the next 6 months.

Newborn's weight loss should not stop the mother from breastfeeding. An average newborn weight loss of 5-6 % in the 1st week is natural. Consult lactation experts and follow guidelines while breastfeeding.