Breastfeeding is the ideal way to nourish an infant, although the process itself might involve problems that lead to excessive weight loss in the baby. Early identification of excessive weight loss in a breastfed infant can help pinpoint the cause of the weight loss. Preventing or resolving the cause of weight loss in breastfed babies requires a commitment to breastfeeding as well as assistance from professionals.
Time Frame
Doctors or nurses weigh babies several times after their delivery at the hospital in order to track whether the infant is gaining weight in the desired time frame. Once a mother's milk comes in, babies typically gain 1/2 to 1 oz. daily. A pediatrician checkup around day five and again around day 14 can identify whether excessive weight loss has occurred in a baby. According to AskDrSears.com, a loss of more than 5 to 7 percent of birth weight is not typical; loss of more weight might be considered excessive weight loss in a breastfed baby.
Identification
According to AskDrSears.com, fewer than four to six wet disposable diapers or six to eight cloth diapers a day by the fourth day after birth could indicate inadequate milk intake and weight loss. Urine that is dark in color or contains red crystals is another indication of excessive weight loss. Measuring the baby's weight on the same scale at each pediatrician checkup and noting a decrease or drop off from the baby's previous growth curve is another way to identify excessive weight loss in a breastfed baby.
Causes
A complication in the baby, mother or breastfeeding interaction can cause the excessive weight loss. Premature babies and babies with medical complications such as a cleft lip, cleft palate or tongue tie often have trouble producing the suction needed to stimulate the mother's milk to let down. Mothers might have low milk production or flat or inverted nipples that make latching difficult for the baby. Poor positioning during breastfeeding or limiting the frequency or duration of nursing sessions might not allow the baby to intake sufficient amounts of milk.
Considerations
Illnesses in the mother or baby might contribute to excessive weight loss in breastfed infants. According to the Kellymom website, babies with ear infections, thrush, acid reflux, anemia, allergies or urinary tract infections might lose weight until the illness resolves. Food poisoning, dehydration or stress in the mother can decrease the milk supply and also lead to excessive weight loss in breastfed babies.
Prevention/Solution
To prevent excessive weight loss in breastfed babies, mothers should allow their infants to nurse on demand throughout the day and night. Assistance from a lactation consultant can help with correction of latch and suck problems. Adequate nutrition, fluids and rest for mothers can also help prevent excessive weight loss in breastfed babies. Mothers might consider pumping or hand expressing after nursing and then offering the expressed milk to the baby, and those with insufficient milk production might need to temporarily supplement with formula until weight gain improves.
