How can a newborn's weight be increased?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have two queries. My baby was born 23 days ago. Her birth weight was 7.35 pounds, and her weight at discharge was seven pounds. When I checked with a gynecologist, he advised checking with a pediatrician, as her weight should have increased. Her current weight is 7.30 pounds.

Today, she is opening her mouth again and again and not getting a good night's sleep. It feels like something is in the mouth, or maybe she is hungry. As of now, she has slept and is not showing any further signs.

Please suggest.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have read your query and can understand your concern.

As per the given history, your daughter is now 23 days old and not gaining weight.

Usually, babies lose weight for the first few days and regain birth weight by about the tenth day. Thereafter, they gain approximately 20 to 30 grams of weight per day. As she has not gained weight appropriately, we must look for a few things.

Are you getting a sufficient amount of milk?
Is she latching properly on the breast to feed, and do you feel emptiness in your breast after she finishes feeding?
How much is she taking in a day if she is bottle-feeding?
Is she passing motion regularly?
How many motions does she pass in 24 hours?
Is she passing urine well?
Does she vomit frequently?

Opening the mouth is usually a cue for hunger and a demand for food, provided nothing is in the mouth. So check for any whitish spots or redness in the mouth.

Firstly, check for a proper position during breastfeeding and ensure a good latch. You should have good food and plenty of fluids to increase your milk secretion. Weigh her for the next 72 hours, and weigh her again. Continue vitamin D drops. If she does not gain weight, then connect with me with more details as mentioned above, and I will advise you accordingly.

I hope this answers your query.

Let me know if I need to assist you further.