If you are worried that your baby is not gaining weight while breastfeeding or How to Help Baby Gain Weight While Breastfeeding, consider your options to address the problem. Many times, you can solve the problem by increasing your baby’s caloric intake. Depending on the cause, you may need to supplement breastfeeding with formula or introduce more high-calorie foods. Some good options for gaining weight are whole milk products, eggs, avocado, whole-wheat breads, pastas, mashed potatoes, and hot cereals.
The first thing to remember is that breastfeeding requires extra calories from you, which is what the milk is made of. But you can avoid derailing your diet by eating healthy food. Keep in mind that fats and carbohydrates sneak their way into the breast milk. Choose foods high in fiber to fill the stomach without overfilling it. Drink plenty of water and nutritious drinks. You may be surprised to find out that drinking too much water can make you gain weight as well.
You can also try introducing single-ingredient foods like bananas and peanut butter, which your baby can tolerate. When your baby gets used to these foods, you can add more flavors as they get older. High-calorie meats like pork and chicken legs are also good sources of calories. If your baby has a hard time latching, try giving him mashed banana or peanut butter. He will appreciate the taste.
Besides breast milk, you should also consider the quality of food that you consume. Try to include three or more servings of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains every day. Drink water to quench his thirst. Remember that you are a woman who is still healing her body. Eat the right foods and supplements to keep yourself in tip top shape. The more nutrients your body has, the more likely your baby will gain weight.
The health care professional should be experienced with breastfeeding. Advice to pump, switch to infant formula, or exclusively pump will not solve the underlying issue. If your baby is not gaining weight, the advice to limit breastfeeding will undermine your breastfeeding efforts and increase the likelihood of early weaning. If you’re not sure about breastfeeding, talk to a lactation consultant or a dietitian. They can help you choose the best food plan for your baby’s needs.
Another healthy food to consider is yogurt. Yogurt contains nine calories per serving. You can even drizzle a bit of olive oil over baby’s pureed vegetables. Lastly, you can add nuts to your baby’s diet. They are high in healthy fats and are easy to digest. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, nuts are a good addition to your baby’s diet, so consider adding them to yours.
While your baby may be interested in solid food as early as four months, it’s best to wait until he or she reaches the six-month mark to introduce it. You’ll find that your baby gains between three and five ounces per week (85 to 140 grams), which is double their original weight. Eventually, your baby will triple that amount by the time he or she is one year old.
