Lois says, " I just saw a Mom with a three week old baby who has
only gained back 4 ounces over his birth weight. "

And this is a concern because.......?   If we give baby 2 weeks to
regain birth weight (which is the usual expecttion around here) and
expect 4-7 ounces gain per week, then he seems to be on target.  At
the low end, to be sure, but the weight in itself doesn't seem like
a big concern at this point.  I would keep closer tabs on it and not
wait a month to check weight again, since it is at the low end of
"acceptable".  Other questions include,  How much was lost before
weight began to climb?  Was initial weight done before or after
first pee and poop?

Of course, the breast pain and pinched nipples post feed  do
indicate that latch could be better and improving that could
increase weight gain.  Is she presenting baby to breast so that the
nipple is aimed at baby's upper lip before moving breast or baby?
Is she keeping her fingers well out of the way of baby's chin so
there is room for a good deep latch?  Is she keeping her hands and
fingers off the back of baby's head so he can reach upward to place
the lower jaw well on?  With babies who are reluctant to open wide
enough, I find that mom's natural tendency is to push harder with
the nipple to get baby to open.  It seems, however, that lighter
tickles give better results.  By tickling the upper lip or even
underside of baby's nose, he is encouraged to reach for the breast
by leaning upward, opening wider and reaching with the tongue.  I
sometimes find that I can press the breast against the lower jaw and
get a wider mouth, but if it does work, there is usually only 1
chance.  Many babies will immediately clench the jaw if you try that
and if they don't clench the first attempt, they usually do with the
next one.  It is definitely not the first thing to try, but if
nothing else is working, it's worth trying once.

Winnie

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