Baby Losing Weight – Now What?

Being a mother means constantly worrying about the many issues involved in raising your baby, from feeding and the clothes they should wear to the illnesses they may eventually have. And when you notice you have a baby losing weight, it can be truly alarming. Many mothers end up taking desperate measures out of fear that their child may become ill, but is this really a problem? Is it common for babies to lose weight? When should you seek a doctor?

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How to Know if Your Baby is Nursing Well?

There are a few details you can pay attention to in order to know if your baby is nursing well. The first is to notice if, when breastfeeding, your baby stops nursing voluntarily because they feel full, or if they keep looking for more milk. This lack of fullness may indicate that the amount of milk ingested by the baby is not adequate. Also, it’s important to pay attention to how many times the baby nurses per day¹. It’s common for newborns to seem constantly hungry and nurse between 8 and 12 times a day, a number that decreases as the baby grows and their diet changes. Another thing you can watch for is how many diapers the baby soils each day. If they poop less than usual and start losing weight, you need to pay attention to other signs to know if something is wrong with their health.

Causes of Weight Loss in Babies

There are several things that can cause a baby to lose weight, whether they are natural processes of their growth or actual health problems. Some of the main causes are:

• Natural Weight Loss;
• Breastfeeding Problems;
• Malnutrition

We’ll talk a bit more about each of these causes below and explain their main characteristics.

Natural Weight Loss

Within the first 5 to 7 days of life, it is very common to notice your baby losing weight. Even though this worries many mothers, it is a normal part of these early days. After the second week of life, the baby will start gaining weight normally. You don’t need to do anything other than breastfeed the baby as needed. After this period, the baby is weighed at every monthly pediatric appointment to ensure that they are developing as expected and feeding properly.

Breastfeeding Problems

There are various breastfeeding problems that can cause a baby to lose weight. Incorrect latch, an improper nursing position for the mother, and anything else that affects proper breastfeeding can all play a part.

Malnutrition

According to the WHO (World Health Organization), a baby should feed exclusively on breast milk during their first 6 months of life. If the baby stops receiving this type of milk, or if the mother tries to introduce another type of supplement to fill a need, the baby can suffer from malnutrition². Any type of food supplement should only be introduced to your baby’s diet if it is extremely necessary and prescribed by a medical specialist.

Possible Breastfeeding Problems

Having a baby losing weight can be directly linked to potential breastfeeding problems, and that’s why we need to discuss some of the most common ones here and how to address them. Some of these are:

• Incorrect Latch;
• Low Milk Production

Incorrect Latch

Incorrect latch is a very common issue, especially among first-time mothers. But the good news is that this problem has a relatively easy solution. Poor latch can cause cracked, sore, or even wounded nipples, depending on the situation. But the worst part is that the baby will not be nursing properly if the latch is not correct, which can lead to a baby losing weight. For a proper latch, the baby’s mouth should cover the entire nipple, with the areolas almost completely covered. Also, always make sure the baby is satisfied and observe how long they nurse and whether they can sleep peacefully after feeding.

Low Milk Production

If you’re producing little milk, your baby might not be getting enough to eat and may, in turn, lose weight. This problem can sometimes be solved with some natural remedies to help boost your milk production³. As a last resort, the pediatrician may recommend using formula or, depending on the baby’s age, beginning to introduce other foods such as fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, and meats.

When to Seek a Doctor?

Usually, cases of a baby losing weight are noticed by the pediatrician during the regular monthly check-ups that should happen throughout the first year of life. But if you notice any changes or anything unusual with your baby in between, see a doctor immediately. If this occurs at the same time as your baby not nursing well, the warning sign can be even more serious. It’s very important to pay attention to these details because if your baby does have a health problem, the sooner you seek a doctor, the easier it will be to treat. However, you need to be cautious and really be sure that it’s a real issue with your baby and not just your suspicion. Noticing you have a baby losing weight can be quite scary at first. Of course, mothers always want what’s best for their children, and not knowing certain information about normal weight loss in some babies can add to the worry. But in many cases, it’s also necessary to know the right time to see a doctor to check if there’s a problem with your baby or even with your milk. Being attentive to these matters means you know how to take good care and are watching out for your child’s health. It’s very common to panic in certain situations, especially when it comes to the health of those we love most. But still, keeping your feet on the ground and a clear head is always important for knowing exactly what actions to take and what will be healthiest for your baby. These are phases all mothers go through – and many more are sure to come. Also see: Should I Be Concerned About My Baby’s Sleep? Photo: Evan-Amos