Does an infants weight gain have more to do with their metabolism or the richness of the mother's breastmilk?

Question

My friend's newborn eats around the clock, is 2 weeks old and is like 9 ounces less than his birth weight. My son ate every couple of hours and gained a pound in his first two weeks

Answer 1

Hello:

A baby's weight gain has to do with whether the mother is feeding the baby on demand instead of by the clock. I breastfed my daughter until she was a year old and she would go through growth spurts where all she wanted to do was eat like a little pig constantly,and then the next week she would nurse for say 15 minutes and then she was happy as a clam!

It could be that the mother's milk is not sufficient enough to satisfy the baby's hunger and it sounds like she is not nursing the baby long enough for him to get the hindmilk which is full of fat and full of the good stuff for the baby! Her doctor may recommend that she supplement with formula and pump to help build up her breastmilk supply.

A mother will only make however much milk the baby eats so that is why it is CRUCIAL that she lets the baby nurse as often and as much as he wants so he can get the hindmilk and that will satisfy his appetite and help him gain weight! The difference between breastmilk and formula is that breastmilk breaks down quicker than formula does,so that is why breastfed babies want to nurse alot more frequently,because breastmilk digests faster than formula does!

Answer 2

It's very common for infants to loose a few ounces in the first weeks of breastfeeding. It could be a situation where he's not gotten nursing down, and isn't able to draw enough hind milk out yet. Or, is more or less grazing rather than eating - so again not getting the hind milk (rich milk).

The pedetrican will keep an eye on it. If it continues they'll suggest some other remedies. Does the baby spit up a lot? Maybe reflux - even silent where no spit up is presant.

Answer 3

Chances are your friend's newborn is going through a growth spurt. He'll eat like a pig for a week or two then sleep soundly for a week or two. Infants (and kids) grow while they sleep, and they need that food to get them to grow.

An infant's weight gain has a LOT to do with demand and the body's natural growth. Breastmilk supplies the nutrients necessary for the growth.

Answer 4

There is no such thing as "rich breastmilk". The only thing that differs with breastmilk is the foremilk and hindmilk. It is important to know how breastmilk is produced and how the breast makes milk. It would be wise to go to www.kellymom.com and have a look there.

It could be the way baby is latched on and is not drawing enough milk from the breast, or your supply could be too low for the baby at the moment.

You could try massaging your breast while baby feeds to enable the hindmilk to let down easier.

Good luck.

Answer 5

Its usual for a newborn to lose wieght in the first few weeks. the mothers milk is not often adequate or even ready after a few days at the minimum. Your baby may well have lost wieght in the first week then gained it the next week. 2 weeks is to early to be worried.
as far as I know its normal for any newborn child to feed Hourly for the first few weeks and not gain wieght.

I would think that its both Meto and richness of milk. but richness will always give a gain to baby who sleeps well

"Only my opinoin Not Scientific"

Answer 6

I think it has most to do with how much the baby actually takes in at every feeding. Is the baby satisfied after nursing? That would tell if he has enough... My daughter was more like your son, but I don't think losing 9 oz is very much. However, she should probably check with a doctor and a lactation consultant to make sure the baby's sucking is efficient and the mother has enough milk. Good luck!

Answer 7

It is entirely possible that this mom is feeding 15 min. on one side and then 15 on the other instead of doing the entire feeding from one side. What happens is the baby gets all the foremilk (hydration) but little of the hindmilk (fat and calories). Most common mistake I've heard and usually has a lot to do with slow weight gain.

The 'richness' of mother's milk doesn't vary much between women.

Answer 8

It's really normal for a breastfed baby to want to nurse often for the first 6 weeks and then again when there is a growth spurt. For both of my babies- the 1 year old I am nursing now, the initial weight gain was slow but both caught up to her formula-fed counterparts.

IT IS NORMAL for a breastfed baby to want to nurse nearly around the clock. They usually fall asleep at the breast- and wake up hungry. Tell your friend to nurse on demand, nap and nurse, and comfort nurse. All this nursing is great for her supply and great for her baby as well!

Also- it is normal for a newborn to lose weight after birth- all babies do it-Formula fed and breastfed alike!

Answer 9

RE: How can someone with a fast metabolism gain weight? I really want to gain weight (as in fat) but my metabolism is quite fast. What can I eat and how much can I eat to gain a good amount of weight fast?

Answer 10

she should talk to her pediatrician about it there might not be enough fat in her breastmilk to help with the baby's weight gain. genetics also plays a part in a baby's growth weight but the baby shouldn't lose weight after birth.