Breastfed Newborn Weight Gain
When comparing your breastfed newborn weight gain against that of formula fed children you may feel that your young one is not growing fast enough. Not to worry. Breastfed babies may not gain weight as quickly in the first few days when compared to formula fed infants but this disparity rapidly disappears.
While formula and breast milk generally average the same calories per ounce it is the other ingredients and the delivery system that make the difference. Most formula is based on cow’s milk, and that milk is designed to rapidly increase the mass of a young creature. Breast milk, especially the colostrum has a special blend of fats and proteins designed to encourage brain and body development. Also when your child begins to nurse the breast milk has a heavier concentration of proteins than later on in the breastfeeding session when your breast let-down and your child begins to consume hind-milk, which is much higher in calories than the protein rich foremilk. Formula fed babies only get the higher calorie milk throughout their feeding.
As in all things with your new child if you are worried about your breastfeed newborn weight gain talk to your doctor or lactation consultant.
