Let’s talk about one of the big surprises new parents face: baby weight loss. Yes, after nine months of growing your beautiful little human, you’re told that they’re going to lose weight once they’re born! It can be alarming, but I promise, it’s all perfectly normal.
In those first few days, many babies lose up to 10% of their birth weight. Before you panic, it’s not because they’re starving! It’s just part of their adaptation to life outside the womb. They’ve been living off room service for months (your placenta), and now they’re learning to feed on their own.
The Role of Amniotic Fluid in Development
Before we dive deeper into breastfeeding, it’s important to understand what your baby has been used to inside the womb. At term, babies are surrounded by 500 to 1000 millilitres of amniotic fluid, and they swallow approximately 200-450 millilitres of this fluid daily . Interestingly, colostrum, the first milk you produce, has a similar smell and taste to amniotic fluid, encouraging your baby to latch and suckle by providing them with a familiar scent .
Babies are born with glycogen stores, designed to be metabolised for energy in the early days of life. This means they are physiologically prepared for the initial weight loss they experience as they transition from relying on amniotic fluid to breastfeeding .
The Dreaded Scales: What to Expect from NHS Weighing
NHS midwifery services typically offer regular check-ups to keep an eye on your baby’s weight. These weigh-ins usually happen on day three, day five, and sometimes day seven. Then there’s the grand finale during the discharge appointment, where we cross our fingers and hope the scales reflect a happy, healthy baby.
But here’s where it can get tricky: while these check-ups are super important for making sure everything’s on track, there’s a danger in placing too much emphasis on those numbers. You know how stepping on the bathroom scale can make or break your day? Now imagine doing that while also trying to master breastfeeding and navigate life with a newborn. No pressure, right?
Weighing Woes: The Mental Impact on New Mums
When weighing becomes the focus, mums can feel like they’re in some sort of Olympic event for feeding. Anxiety, doubt, and frustration can take over if the numbers don’t rise as quickly as expected. And it’s not just the emotional toll—there’s a scientific impact too. Oxytocin, the "love hormone" that helps with milk flow, doesn’t do well under stress. And when oxytocin takes a nosedive, so can your milk supply.
Studies have shown that frequent weighing can fuel this stress, with mums questioning their ability to breastfeed. Dr. Amy Brown, an expert in infant feeding, puts it perfectly: "The obsession with weight gain can make new mothers feel like failures, even when everything is going just fine."
Colostrum: The Superfood You Didn’t Know You Had
In those early days, while you’re stressing about the scales, your baby is actually thriving on colostrum—also known as ‘liquid gold’. This incredible substance is packed with everything your baby needs in tiny amounts. Think of it like a superfood smoothie; they don’t need litres of it, just a few sips do the job!
As *La Leche League* says, “The small amounts of colostrum your baby is receiving are exactly what they need.” So, if you’re staring at your sleepy, satisfied baby wondering if they’ve had enough, the answer is usually yes. Babies are smart, and colostrum is designed to tide them over as breastfeeding gets fully established.
The Formula Question: Friend or Foe?
Of course, sometimes babies lose a bit more weight than we’re comfortable with, and that’s when formula is often suggested. Now, formula can be a lifesaver when needed, but introducing it too early can cause some hiccups in your breastfeeding journey. It’s like sending mixed signals to your body: “Wait, we’re using formula now? Should I slow down on the milk production?” And once that cycle starts, it can be hard to break.
Dr. Amy Brown (she’s a bit of a legend when it comes to breastfeeding research) points out that "early formula introduction can lead to a decrease in milk supply, which only adds to a mother’s anxiety about her ability to feed." It’s a bit of a vicious circle.
The Difference Between Full-Term Babies and Compromised Infants
Now, I’m not saying weighing is always the bad guy. For some babies, like those born prematurely or with medical complications, regular weighing is essential. These little ones need extra monitoring to ensure they’re getting enough nutrition and growing steadily.
But for full-term, healthy babies? They’re often just doing their thing, and a slight dip in weight is usually nothing to worry about. In fact, Professor Helen Ball of Durham University puts it simply: “For healthy newborns, weight loss in the first few days is often physiological and temporary.” Focus too much on the scales, and you risk overlooking all the other signs that your baby is thriving.
Other Factors to Consider in Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding isn’t just about what’s going on with your baby—it’s about you too! Your health, any medications you’re taking, the type of birth you had, and even how you’re feeling post-birth can affect breastfeeding. It’s a whole-body experience, and we need to consider all the pieces of the puzzle, not just your baby’s weight.
For example, if you had a long or complicated birth, your milk might take a little longer to come in. Or, if you’re recovering from surgery or illness, that can also have an impact. So, if the scales aren’t showing the numbers you were hoping for, don’t panic! There are many other factors at play.
To Weigh or Not to Weigh?
Now, here’s the million-dollar question: should we be weighing babies so often?
**The Benefits**
Weighing has its place, of course. It gives us an easy, objective way to ensure that babies—especially those with medical conditions—are getting enough nourishment. It can help detect issues early, allowing healthcare professionals to intervene before a minor concern becomes a bigger problem.
**The Downsides**
However, for full-term, healthy babies, too much focus on the scales can become a bit counterproductive. When we obsess over those numbers, we risk undermining a mother’s confidence in her ability to breastfeed. This can lead to stress, which, as we know, can impact milk production. Plus, weight is just one piece of the puzzle. Other factors like the number of wet nappies, your baby’s alertness, and how they’re feeding are equally important signs that your baby is doing well.
So, what’s the answer? **Balance**. Yes, let’s weigh our babies to make sure they’re healthy, but let’s not make it the only focus. Instead, let’s look at the whole picture and trust that, in most cases, breastfeeding works just as it’s meant to—when mothers are well-supported with consistent, evidence-based advice.
Final Thoughts and Tips for New Mums
- **Trust your instincts**: You know your baby better than anyone. If they’re feeding well and seem content, you’re probably doing great!
- **Look beyond the scales**: Focus on other signs that your baby is thriving—like wet nappies and alertness.
- **Ask for help**: If you’re feeling unsure or stressed, don’t hesitate to ask for support from a midwife or lactation consultant. They’re there to help!
- **Don’t rush into formula**: If you’re concerned about weight loss, explore your options first. Sometimes simple things like feeding more often or adjusting the latch can make a big difference.
In the end, every baby is different, and so is every breastfeeding journey. Let’s remember that, most of the time, things work out beautifully with the right support.
If you're feeling overwhelmed or unsure about breastfeeding, or if you're struggling with concerns about your baby's weight, we’re here to help. As experienced midwives and women who have breastfed children (3 between us!), we know all too well the challenges of exclusively breastfeeding your newborn. Whilst we are led to believe that breastfeeding should be the most natural thing in the world; sometimes, it just takes time to establish and get it right!
At The Country Midwife, we offer personalised breastfeeding support tailored to your unique needs. Whether you’re just starting out, navigating challenges, or looking for guidance along the way, our goal is to help you feel confident and empowered in your breastfeeding journey. We provide one-on-one consultations to ensure you get the evidence-based advice and emotional support you need to succeed. Reach out today to book a session and let’s work together to make breastfeeding a positive and fulfilling experience for both you and your baby.
References
1. *MedlinePlus* - Amniotic Fluid Overview:
Provides detailed information about the role and volume of amniotic fluid during pregnancy.
[Amniotic Fluid - MedlinePlus](https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002220.htm)
2. *Global Library of Women's Medicine (GLOWM)* - Amniotic Fluid Physiology:
Offers a comprehensive view on the functions and volumes of amniotic fluid across different stages of pregnancy.
[Amniotic Fluid: Physiology and Assessment](https://www.glowm.com/)
3. *Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP)* - Amniotic Fluid Problems:
Discusses conditions related to amniotic fluid, such as hydramnios and oligohydramnios, and their effects on pregnancy.
[Amniotic Fluid Problems/Hydramnios/Oligohydramnios](https://www.chop.edu/conditions-diseases/amniotic-fluid-problems-hydramnios-oligohydramnios)
4. *World Health Organization (WHO)* - Colostrum:
Provides insight into the importance of colostrum in early breastfeeding.
[WHO - Breastfeeding](https://www.who.int/health-topics/breastfeeding#tab=tab_1)
5. Brown, A. (2016). *The Positive Breastfeeding Book*:
Discusses the impact of early formula introduction on breastfeeding.
6. *La Leche League International* - Colostrum and Early Breastfeeding:
Offers evidence-based advice on the benefits of colostrum and how it supports early feeding.
[La Leche League - Colostrum](https://www.llli.org)
Comments