Important steps to gain weight

Healthy birth of a child is the first prayer of every parent. However, in some cases, the baby’s weight at birth is less than normal, which can cause concern for parents. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), newborns whose birth weight is less than 2.5 kg are called low birth weight babies (LBW). About 20% of newborns in India fall in this category. This problem is not limited to babies born prematurely, but even after completing the gestation period, sometimes babies may still be underweight.

Low birth weight babies need special care and proper nutrition. Let us know, what steps can be taken to increase the weight of these babies.

1. Mother’s milk: nutrition like nectar

• Mother’s milk is precious for every baby, but for underweight babies it is like nectar.
• It provides nutrients and antibodies, which enhance the growth and immunity of the baby.
• Breastfeed such babies frequently because their ability to drink milk at one go is less than normal babies.

Uses of Fortified Breast Milk:

• Mother’s milk can be fortified by adding proteins and other nutrients to it.
• This increases the nutritional capacity and calories of milk, due to which the child’s weight increases rapidly.

2. Regular checking and monitoring

• The weight and physical development of low birth weight babies should be checked at regular intervals.
• It is very important to analyze their progress under the supervision of a doctor.

3. Protection from infection

• Low birth weight newborns are more prone to infection, which can hinder their weight gain.
• Keep the child and his surrounding environment clean.
• Keep them away from sick people and take proper precautions to prevent infection.

4. Kangaroo Mother Care

• Skin-to-skin contact of a newborn with his mother helps in his development and weight gain.
• It not only gives the mother warmth to the child, but also makes him emotionally strong.

5. Take advice from a trained expert

• If your baby is having difficulty breastfeeding, seek help from a lactation consultant or feeding therapist.
• Make sure that the child is getting adequate nutrition.

6. Use of calorie supplements

• If mother’s milk is not able to meet the child’s calorie needs, use calorie supplements as per the doctor’s advice.
• These supplements help the child gain weight by providing necessary energy.

7. Avoid haste

• The weight of a newborn should increase slowly and in a healthy manner.
• Avoid any unnecessary or unscientific measures in an attempt to gain weight quickly.

8. Mother’s diet should also be nutritious

• The diet of a lactating mother should be nutritious and balanced.
• The mother’s proper diet affects the child’s nutrition and weight.

Understand the reason for underweight

There may be several reasons why some babies may have low birth weight:

• Premature birth (premature delivery)
• Improper nutrition of the mother during pregnancy
• Improper development of the baby in the womb (IUGR – Intrauterine Growth Restriction)
• Infections or other health problems during pregnancy