HomeAnswersPediatricsweight gainWhy is one of my twin baby girl not gaining weight?

I have twin baby girls. One of them is not gaining weight. Please help.

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

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Published At March 21, 2015
Reviewed AtFebruary 2, 2024

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I had a month old twin baby girls. They were born in the 34th week of pregnancy. One baby was 2.2 Kg, and the other was a little weaker weighing 2 Kg. Since there is not enough mother's milk after several attempts, I had to go for artificial milk powder. Initially, as suggested by the hospital pediatrician, they were given Dexolac Special Care, but after 20th day when their weight was around 2.4 Kg, they were given to Dexolac Premium 1. Out of the 2 babies, the weaker baby is responding well and quickly gaining weight (taking around 75 ml milk every 3 hours). But the baby which was born stronger is not drinking sufficient milk (45 ml in one feed, at an interval of around 3 hours), and is taking around an hour to take one feed. Also, she is having issues of gas and constipation. Because of constipation, she keeps crying. Now, this baby is not gaining weight and seem to be weaker. Please suggest what we can do in this case and shall we switch her milk to Lactogen or some other company?

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Keep trying to give breastfeeds as much as possible till 6 months completion. Different brands of milk powder have different tastes. So, you can change what they like (as advised). Do not dilute more or give more concentrated milk. Usually, dilution mentioned on the package can be followed, that is, 30 ml for 1 scoop for most of the brands. But check with the manufractures' note. Do not use feeding bottle. Use bowl and spoon.You can use undiluted dairy milk (pasteurized). Check with your local pediatrician for supplements if needed. Check if there is adequate weight gain. Maintain proper hygiene while feeding, when using formula feed or top milk. Do not compromise on hygiene.

I would like to know the following:

  1. What supplement do you use now?
  2. How do you prepare it?
  3. How do you feed the babies?
  4. How much (quantity) do you feed them?
  5. How do you measure the quantity?
  6. How about the acceptability from both of them?
  7. Do you maintain a chart regarding the weight gain? If so, please attach it in the follow-up query.
  8. Do they have any other medical issues?

Finally, breastfeeding is the best for the babies.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Vijaykumar Mundeshi
Dr. Vijaykumar Mundeshi

Child Health

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