newborn growth
neonate growth
The physiological weight loss is mainly due to the low intake of calories in the first days of life (the milk supply arrives after about 3 days after birth) and to the loss of meconium and pee.
A weight loss of up to 10% of the initial weight is normal.
With early breastfeeding, exclusive breastfeeding and on demand, the weight will tend to increase gradually until, around the tenth day, it regains its initial weight.
Subsequently, it will increase by about 150 grams per week (120 grams according to the latest O.M.S. revision).
Generally, the newborn will double its birth weight around the 5th month and triple it around the 1st year of life.
weight control
evaluated the trend of weight gain after the physiological decline,
observed signs that an infant is receiving sufficient breast milk,
equaled or exceeded the birth weight at day 10,
the newborn can be weighed once a week, noting the weight; an increase of about 150 grams is satisfactory
(120 grams according to the latest O.M.S. revision).
Avoid double weighing unless expressly indicated by the pediatrician
Signs that an infant is receiving sufficient breast milk
(evaluation to be done after the arrival of the milk supply)
- latch on at least 7 times in 24 hours
- has a daily weight gain of about 20 grams or about 140 grams weekly
- can be heard or seen swallowing
- wets at least 6 diapers and poops at least 3 times in 24 hours
- has a good sleep-wake rhythm, good muscle tone and healthy skin
- the mother feels changes in breast volume after breastfeeding
Signs that an infant is not receiving enough breast milk
reliable signs that require medical evaluation
- insufficient weight gain
- weight less than birth weight after 2 weeks
- growth of less than 400 grams in the first month and 500 grams in the following 2 months
- infant who wets less than 6 diapers (urine and/or feces) in 24 hours with concentrated urine (yellow and strong smelling)
possible signs
- infant dissatisfied after feeding and crying often
- Too long and frequent feedings
- evacuation of hard and dry stools
- main causes of low milk production
- the baby does not latch on effectively
- infrequent or short feedings
- night feedings interrupted too early
- the baby is given other liquids or foods
how to increase milk production
- making sure your baby latches on effectively to the breast (see breastfeeding)
- breastfeed more frequently and for longer
- stop using teats and pacifiers
- stop the newborn's intake of other liquids or foods (unless expressly indicated by the pediatrician)
- for the mother, increase the intake of liquids and food, if scarce, and get more rest