As a new mother, your probably worry about a lot of things. You want to make sure your newborn is getting what she needs psychologically and physiologically. You try to make sure that she never is hungry and that she gets all the nutrition she needs. Still, it is normal for a newborn to lose some of her birth weight during her first few days of life.
Amount and Time Frame
According to the American Pregnancy Association, all newborns lose some birth weight in the first five to seven days of life. If you are breastfeeding, expect your baby to lose 7 percent to 10 percent of his birth weight. If you are feeding formula, expect him to lose 5 percent of his birth weight. Your baby should be back to his birth weight by day 10 to 14. However, if your baby is premature or sick, he might take as much as three weeks to get back to his birth weight.
Theories/Speculation
According to pediatrician Dr. Jay Jordan, if you receive intravenous fluid during the labor, your baby mighty have a higher birth weight because of fluid retention. In that case, the fluid loss during the first few days might be mistaken as weight loss. Weight loss also can be due to nursing problems, especially if you have no previous experience with breastfeeding. You might have problems with latching on, you might have low milk supply, your baby might fall asleep while nursing or not know how to suck. These problems can be frustrating to both you and your baby and can lead to her weight loss. Psychological burdens from going through birth and adjusting to the new environment also might lead to weight loss.
Prevention/Solution
If you are having trouble with breastfeeding, your pediatrician or a skilled lactation consultant can help. Your local La Leche League can provide a referral to a lactation consultant. Avoid supplementing your baby with water, especially if he is under 4 to 5 weeks old. Your baby can get all his fluid needs from the breast milk or formula he drinks. Supplementing with water can fill him up without adding calories, which can lead to weight loss.
Considerations
If you are worried about whether your baby is getting enough milk, you can use the diaper-count method. By week one, your breast-fed baby should have about five to six wet diapers and about three to four soiled diapers each day. If your baby is formula-fed, she should have fewer bowel movements, because formula has less water content than breast milk.
Warning
Although it is normal for a baby to lose weight after birth, if your baby loses more than 10 percent of his birth weight or does not regain the lost weight by the third week, you should talk to your pediatrician. Also, if you suspect your baby is not thriving or is having trouble getting enough milk or if you have difficulties breastfeeding, you should consult your pediatrician or a lactation consultant.
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