Feeding and weight gain are among the most common concerns parents discuss with me during the first few weeks of their baby's life. Questions such as, "Is my baby drinking enough milk?", "Why does my baby stop feeding quickly?" or "Why is my baby not gaining enough weight?" are very common. As a Neonatologist and Paediatrician in Kozhikode, I encourage parents to look at feeding, growth and the baby's overall wellbeing together rather than focusing only on one weight measurement. Regular growth assessments help us understand whether a baby is following an appropriate growth pattern.
What Is Normal Weight Gain in a Newborn?
It is normal for babies to lose some weight during the first few days after birth. Most healthy newborns gradually regain this weight as feeding becomes established.
However, every baby grows differently. Premature babies, low birth weight babies and newborns who have experienced medical problems may require closer monitoring.
Why Is My Newborn Not Feeding Well?
Newborn feeding difficulties can have several causes. Some babies may have difficulty establishing an effective latch or suck. Others become sleepy during feeds or tire quickly. Prematurity, low birth weight, jaundice, respiratory problems, infections, reflux and other medical conditions can also interfere with feeding.
When I assess a baby with feeding difficulties, I look at much more than how often the baby feeds. The baby's feeding technique, weight pattern, hydration, activity and general health are all important.
Bloating, Gas and Vomiting During Feeding
Parents frequently worry about bloating, gas, crying and occasional milk spit-ups. Many of these symptoms can occur during normal infancy.
However, persistent abdominal swelling, repeated or forceful vomiting, poor feeding, unusual stool patterns or failure to gain weight require medical evaluation. The objective is to distinguish common newborn digestive concerns from problems that need treatment.
Signs Parents Should Not Ignore
Seek medical attention if your newborn has significant difficulty feeding, repeatedly refuses feeds, appears unusually sleepy, has fewer wet nappies, develops breathing difficulty, has persistent vomiting or is not gaining weight as expected.
Very young babies can sometimes become unwell quickly, so noticeable changes in feeding or activity should not be ignored.
Supporting Healthy Growth from the Beginning
As a newborn specialist in Kozhikode, my approach is to understand why a baby is struggling rather than simply concentrating on increasing feeds.
Appropriate feeding support, growth monitoring and timely treatment of underlying medical conditions can help babies establish healthier growth patterns. For parents, the newborn period brings many questions. Regular paediatric and neonatal follow-up can provide reassurance when development is progressing normally and help identify concerns early when additional care is required.
To book a consultation with Dr. Nihaz Naha K at Aspire Children's Specialty Centre, 2nd Floor, Vee Pee Space, Wayanad Road, Eranhipaalam, Kozhikode, Kerala 673020, call +91 8848 003 009 or visit author.linqmd.com/doctor/nihaz-naha-k. WhatsApp: +91 8861191019.
Written by Dr. Nihaz Naha K, MBBS (Government Medical College, Kozhikode, University of Calicut), MD Paediatrics (Jubilee Mission Medical College and Research Institute, Thrissur, Kerala University of Health Sciences), Fellowship in Neonatology (Indian Academy of Pediatrics), Consultant Neonatologist and Paediatrician, Aspire Children's Specialty Centre, 2nd Floor, Vee Pee Space, Wayanad Road, Eranhipaalam, Kozhikode, Kerala 673020. 10+ years. 10,000+ patients. Phone: +91 8848 003 009.
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