I calculate the baby lost 13%. It is generally now considered to be a 'red
flag' when baby loses 7% or more. Of course this is an arbitrary number and
one might say it is better for the baby to lose say 10% and never be exposed
to formula, if in fact the milk does fairly quickly come in and baby quickly
begins to gain and thrive. The problem is that the weight loss is usually a
symptom of a feeding problem, a breast problem, or a combination, and often
multifactorial. Once the baby begins to spiral down and does not get
adequate nourishment, he often continues on a downward spiral and so does
mom's supply.
So I would be very very concerned about this dyad. If the milk is abundant
and baby can latch as you say, then baby should now be gaining very well. He
needs to be weighed frequently a few times to ascertain this. If the milk is
abundant but baby is not gaining, then almost always it is a milk transfer
problem, meaning the milk is there but baby cannot access it for some
reason. Rarely, there is a metabolic problem or other physical anomaly or
infection causing increased metabolic demands. Is the baby voiding and
stooling plentifully? I agree with the poster who recommended frequent
weights and milk transfer weights. If the milk is there, the baby can be cup
fed, spoon fed, whatever to give him the milk. I would recommend mom express
regularly to maintain supply and provide ebm for the baby til problem is
identified and corrected.

Laurie Wheeler, IBCLC, MN, RN
New Orleans Louisiana, s.e. USA

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