Many parents get an unwelcome surprise when their newborn's weight drops after birth. Since newborns are so small already, any weight loss can cause parents to worry about their baby's health. Although your child's pediatrician remains the authoritative voice, your child dropping some water weight after birth is normal. Most will gain the weight back within their first two to three weeks of life, according to international board certified lactation consultant Marie Davis.
Significance
Babies are born with extra fluids to help ease the stress of birth and to provide nourishment to the baby while she waits for her mother's mature milk to come in. Authors of the Kids Health website stress that doctors usually expect healthy newborns to drop this extra weight --- often composing between 7 to 10 percent of their body weight --- during the first few days of life.
Considerations
The use of IV fluids in the mother during the birth process can potentially increase a baby's water weight. On her website, LactationConsultant.info, Marie Davis notes that IV fluids can shift from the mother to the baby during labor, which can cause the baby to lose more weight than normal after the birth.
Prevention/Solution
Watching for signs that your breastfed baby is getting enough milk can help you determine whether the weight loss is due to excess water weight or your baby possibly needing more to eat. Listen carefully for swallowing sounds during your nursing sessions. Note the changes in your breasts --- they should be full and firm at the start of feedings and softer after your baby finishes. Keep track of your baby's wet and dirty diaper: After the first four days of your baby being born, MayoClinic.com suggests that breastfed babies should have six to eight wet and three or more dirty diapers each day.
Potential
Since breastfed babies need to wait a few days for their mother's milk to "come in" --- or change from the thick, yellowish pre-milk known as colostrum to the watery mature milk --- they will often lose more weight than formula-fed infants. Dr. William Sears, a pediatrician and author of "The Baby Book," offers reassurance that breastfed infants' weight gain soon catches up to their formula-fed peers.
Warning
Higher weight losses of 10 percent or more can be normal, but they can also indicate potential medical and feeding problems. If your baby loses 10 percent of her birth weight, lactation consultant Kelly Bonyata, the owner of the breastfeeding advice site Kellymom.com, suggests that you take her to the pediatrician for a five-day weight check. Your doctor can check your baby's growth and identify any underlying medical conditions or feeding problems that might contribute to the loss.
