My baby isn't gaining weight don't know why,am giving him formula bcoz my breast doesn't produce milk why? - #15035

Hello Lesedi By going through your history and evaluation of your health status I must say that I can understand how stressful this situation must be for you, especially when it comes to your baby’s health and weight.

Hello Lesedi By going through your history and evaluation of your health status I must say that I can understand how stressful this situation must be for you, especially when it comes to your baby’s health and weight.

Here are a few things to consider:

1. Milk Production Factors: Sometimes, milk supply can be affected by various factors like stress, hydration, nutrition, and even how often you’re breastfeeding or pumping. It’s important to try to relax and create a comfortable environment for breastfeeding. 2. Hydration and Nutrition: Staying well-hydrated and eating a balanced diet can help. Foods like oats, fenugreek, and garlic are often recommended to support milk production. Rooibos tea is great, but make sure you’re also getting enough calories and nutrients. 3. Consult a Lactation Consultant: If you haven’t already, consider reaching out to a lactation consultant. They can provide personalized support and techniques to help with breastfeeding and milk production. 4. Alternative Feeding Options: If breastfeeding isn’t working out, it’s okay to explore other feeding options, like formula. The most important thing is that your baby is getting enough nutrition. 5. Stress Management: Stress can impact milk supply, so finding ways to relax—like deep breathing, gentle exercise, or even talking to someone about your feelings—can be beneficial.

This will help you out and hope you get positive results soon …

Thank you

Hydration: Aim for 2–3 L of fluids/day (water, milk, soups, etc.) Diet: Include protein (eggs, lentils, chicken, fish), oats, fenugreek seeds, fennel, garlic, and leafy greens. Sleep and rest: Rest when your baby sleeps; stress directly suppresses oxytocin (milk let-down hormone).

Hello Lesedi, You’re doing your best, and it’s understandable to feel stressed. Many new mothers face the same concern. Here is my advise -

1. Try to stimulate milk production by: Putting the baby to breast every 2–3 hours (even if milk seems little, the sucking helps trigger more milk). Doing gentle breast massage before feeding. Keeping yourself well hydrated and eating balanced meals (vegetables, dals, milk, eggs, fruits). Reducing stress and getting rest when possible.

2. Avoid depending only on rooibos tea, it doesn’t help milk production much.

3. Kindly visit a certified Pediatrician or a Gynecologist or a Family Physician for prescription of medicines which will start your brest milk production.

4. Continue giving formula milk as advised by your doctor, so the baby continues to gain weight.

5. If the baby is not gaining weight despite formula, see a paediatrician or a family physician, they can check for feeding problems, infections, or digestive issues.

Feel free to reach out again.

Regards, Dr. Nirav Jain MBBS, DNB D.Fam.Med

Your concerns with infant feeding and weight issues are certainly important, and it’s key to address them accurately to ensure your baby gets the right nourishment for growth. When formula-fed infants aren’t gaining weight adequately, it’s critical to assess a few things. First, evaluate if the formula preparation and feeding volume are appropriate. Infants typically need around 150-200 ml per kilogram of body weight per day, but individual needs can vary. Make sure you’re preparing it according to the instructions and feeding him frequently. Sometimes, infants might be feeding more frequently or showing hunger cues but still not gaining weight due to incorrect mixing of the formula, potentially leading to an imbalance in calorie intake. Observe for signs of intolerance or allergies that can affect digestion, such as frequent spit-ups, irritability, or gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea. Discuss these signs with a pediatrician promptly as they might require a switch to a different formula or investigation into potential allergies or intolerances, like cow’s milk protein allergy. For your own milk supply concerns, lactation issues could be due to hormonal imbalances, previous breast surgery, or insufficient glandular tissue; addressing stress can also improve milk production as well. Consulting with a lactation consultant could provide additional strategies for boosting milk supply if desired. Meanwhile, focusing on reducing stress through practical support and rest, where possible, may help. It’s crucial to seek further medical evaluation from a pediatrician if your baby’s weight gain remains poor despite adequate formula intake, as this could point to an underlying metabolic or absorption issue, and timely diagnosis is important. If you sense any red-flag signs, like lethargy, poor feeding, or dehydration, immediate medical attention is required.

Hi Dear Lesedi, I can understand your concern totally First of all stress decreases Milk production Kindly donot panic Milk production happens through hormonal changes Giving formula feeds doesnt harm your child if your breast milk production is not adequate Kindly use this tablet for milk production LACTOFERRIN capsules twice daily for 1 month it will increase your milk production and SHTAVARI POWDER if u can get it mix it in milk and kindly drink once daily Take care