Understanding Newborn Weight Changes: What Parents Should Know

Are you ready to unlock the secrets behind your newborn’s weight changes? I promise that by the end of our chat, you'll be equipped with the knowledge to navigate the early days of parenting with a little more ease. The initial weight loss and the subsequent gains are all part of your baby's natural journey, and there's so much to understand about it. Join me, Bob from Parenting Genie, as we address the emotional rollercoaster of newborn weight changes, the typical patterns of loss and gain, and the reassuring signs of healthy growth. Not only will you learn how to manage and monitor these changes, but you'll also discover the importance of proper nutrition and regular pediatric checkups.

I'll guide you through the highs and lows of monitoring your baby's weight, from keeping a feeding log to deciphering the meaning behind wet and dirty diapers. We'll discuss when it's time to seek help if your baby's weight gain isn't on track or if you're facing breastfeeding challenges. Together with expert advice from a lactation consultant, we'll ensure any feeding difficulties are swiftly and effectively managed. So gather 'round, as we provide you with the tools and confidence you need to ensure your little one's health and happiness during this precious and pivotal time.

Thank you for listening to Parenting Genie Podcast. For more parenting information, visit our website https://parentinggenie.com.au. or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and Twitter @parentinggenie.
We value your feedback, so please feel free to reach out to us via email at admin@parentinggenie.com.au.

Transcript

Speaker 1: 0:00

Hello wonderful parents and soon-to-be parents. Welcome to the Parenting Powerhouse podcast brought to you by Parenting Genie. I'm Bob, your guide on this incredible journey through pregnancy and parenting. We're thrilled to announce that we'll be releasing two episodes every week. Tune in every Tuesday for insights, tips and expert advice on pregnancy, and join us again on Thursdays as we explore the adventures and challenges of parenting and postpartum life. Whether you're eagerly awaiting your little one or are during parenting, you're in the right place.

Speaker 1: 0:41

Let's dive into today's episode Understanding Weight Changes in a Newborn. Welcome to the Parenting Genie podcast. In today's episode, we delve into a topic close to the hearts of many new parents understanding weight changes in a newborn. Parenting is full of ups and downs, and so is the journey of a newborn's weight, starting with the normal weight loss that occurs in the first few days, followed by the expected weight gain, and culminating in the significant milestone of returning to their birth weight. This episode is crafted to unravel these patterns, offering reassurance and guidance as you navigate the early days with your little one. Let's dive in and demystify the weight changes your newborn will experience, ensuring you feel supported and informed every step of the way.

Speaker 1: 1:38

It's natural for newborns to lose weight in their first few days. This weight loss can be due to several factors, including the shedding of excess fluid and adjusting to feeding outside the womb Normal weight loss. It's typical for newborns to lose 5% to 10% of their birth weight in the first few days after birth. This is a normal process, so there's no immediate cause for concern. The weight gain journey After this initial drop, babies start gaining weight as they begin to feed more effectively. On average, newborns might gain about 28 grams about 1 ounce, per day for the first month, returning to birth weight. Most newborns return to their birth weight within 10 to 14 days after birth. However, every baby is unique and some might take a little longer Managing and monitoring weight changes. As new parents, watching your baby's weight change can be an emotional experience. Here are some tips to manage and monitor these changes effectively.

Speaker 1: 2:51

Keep a feeding log, whether you're breastfeeding or formula feeding. Keeping track of feeding times and durations can be helpful. It gives you a clearer picture of your baby's feeding patterns. Watch for wet and dirty diapers. An increase in the number of wet and dirty diapers is a good sign that your baby is feeding well and gaining weight.

Speaker 1: 3:16

Seek support for breastfeeding If you're breastfeeding and concerned about your baby's weight gain, don't hesitate to seek support from a lactation consultant. They can provide valuable advice and reassurance. Regular checkups Pediatrician visits are key during this time. They will monitor your baby's weight gain, ensure they're on the right track and address any concerns you may have when to reach out for help. While weight fluctuations in newborns are normal, there are certain signs that may require extra attention.

Speaker 1: 3:55

Loses more than 10% of birth weight it's normal for newborns to lose some weight in the first few days after birth. However, if your baby loses more than 10% of their birth weight, it's important to consult your pediatrician to ensure they're getting enough nutrition. Slow weight gain If your baby isn't starting to regain weight after the first week or hasn't returned to their birth weight by two weeks, it's advisable to see your pediatrician. Feeding difficulties If you're encountering challenges with latching, if your baby seems to fall asleep during feeds or if they seem unsatisfied after feeding, these could be signs that your baby isn't feeding effectively and may need a professional evaluation. Lethargy or dehydration Any signs of lethargy in your baby or if they're producing fewer wet diapers less than six per day after the first week should prompt an immediate call to your health care provider. These can be signs of dehydration or not getting enough to eat. Prompt attention to these signs can help ensure that any issues are addressed early, keeping your baby on a healthy growth trajectory. Remember your pediatrician is there to support you and your baby through this journey, and no concern is too small to bring up Closing thoughts.

Speaker 1: 5:23

The early days of parenting are filled with learning and love and understanding. Your newborn's weight changes is part of that journey. Remember, fluctuations in weight are normal and with attentive care, your baby will grow and thrive. Thank you for tuning into the Parenting Genie podcast. Our journey through the parenting series is designed to arm you with practical advice and insights guiding you smoothly through the early stages of parenthood. For more tips, insights and tools to make your parenting journey smoother, be sure to explore parentinggeniecomau. If there's a particular parenting challenge or topic you want us to explore, don't hesitate to let us know.

Speaker 1: 6:10

In our next episode, we'll dive into an essential aspect of newborn care how often newborns need to be fed. It's a question many new parents have and we're eager to provide you with the answers and guidance you need have and we're eager to provide you with the answers and guidance you need. Until then, savor these precious moments with your newborn. Remember you're doing an incredible job. See you in the next episode. Thank you for tuning into Parenting Genie today. We hope our insights have enriched your journey through pregnancy or parenting. If you found value in our conversation, please subscribe to stay updated with our latest episodes. Your thoughts and feedback mean the world to us, so don't hesitate to leave your questions or suggestions for future topics in the comments below or connect with us on social media. Remember we're here for you every Tuesday with everything pregnancy related and every Thursday with tips for parenting and postpartum care. For more resources, visit us at parentinggeniecomau. Let's continue to support each other in this parenting community. Until next time, keep embracing the joy of parenting.