DiscoverSpill the Milk Breastfeeding PodcastUnderstanding Baby Weight Gain: Insights from a Lactation Consultant
Understanding Baby Weight Gain: Insights from a Lactation Consultant

Understanding Baby Weight Gain: Insights from a Lactation Consultant

Update: 2025-09-15
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In this episode, Nicki, a registered nurse and lactation consultant, discusses the critical aspects of weight gain assessments for babies, particularly focusing on discharge weight, the impact of different scales, and the importance of accurate measurements. She emphasizes the significance of understanding weight loss percentages and the common misconceptions surrounding baby weight gain. Nicki provides practical advice for mothers on how to assess their baby's weight accurately and the expectations for weight gain in the early weeks of life.Takeaways

  • Nicki is a registered nurse and lactation consultant with over 20 years of experience.
  • Discharge weight is crucial for assessing a baby's health after birth.
  • A weight loss of up to 10% is generally acceptable for newborns.
  • Different scales can yield conflicting weight measurements for babies.
  • It's important to test the accuracy of home scales used for weighing babies.
  • Moms should focus on the number of wet and poopy diapers to assess breastfeeding success.
  • Weight gain expectations vary by age and should be monitored closely.
  • Understanding growth charts is essential for evaluating a baby's growth.
  • Moms often misunderstand the implications of weight loss percentages.
  • Accurate weight measurement is vital, especially in the first few months of life.
  • "Your baby's birth weight is great."
  • "We allow up to 10%."
  • "An ounce matters."

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Understanding Baby Weight Gain: Insights from a Lactation Consultant

Understanding Baby Weight Gain: Insights from a Lactation Consultant

Nicki Davis