Q&A: Baby Not Back To Birth Weight At 3 Weeks

Milkology Q&A

Question:

At our 3 week checkup our baby was still under his birth weight. I’m nursing every 2-3 hours. What are ways I can get his weight up and ensure he’s getting enough breast milk without resorting to formula? We recently started pumping yesterday, giving him an extra once every 3-4 hours. Any guidance you can provide would be appreciated!

What to do if baby is not back to birth weight at 3 weeks

Answer:

Hi! It’s so hard when babies aren’t gaining weight. You are doing the right thing by pumping and feeding your baby your milk. That’s exactly what you should be doing. I would recommend meeting with a lactation consultant, who can tell you how often to pump and how many extra ounces you should be feeding your baby. The bottom line is that it’s important that your baby gain weight. In fact, if you want him to be a good breastfeeder, he needs calories and energy to breastfeed effectively. So definitely supplement as much as needed so he starts to gain. Your lactation consultant can also help you determine why he’s had trouble gaining weight. There are several possible reasons, and it’s important to understand the cause – this way, you’ll know how to address it. You can do this! But please do reach out for in-person help and make sure your baby is well fed. Keep getting your baby’s weight checked at regular intervals so you know you’re on track. Be well.