Worried about my babies losing weight?

Question

I had twin girls 8 days ago, and at their first pedi visit (6 days after birth), one gained 1 oz. and the other maintained her weight from the day they were discharged from the hospital (at 3 days old). I'm so scared that I'm not feeding them enough... I let them eat on demand, unless one or the other has gone without for over 4 hours, but still... I worry that I'm not feeding them enough for some reason. From my calculations, they eat about 16 oz. each in formula per day. Is this OK for a week-old baby?

Answer 1

Take your babies weight and multiply it by 2.5. This should be the amount of formula consumed in a 24 hour period.

2.5 ounces per pound.

Answer 2

Hi there mom of 5 month old twin girls as well!!  i know what your talking about I FREAKED the first few days because I thought they where not eating enough but babies usually loose weight first before gaining and yours are maintaining and gained 1 oz which is AWSOME!!!!  mine were in the hospital for 2 weeks and 2 weeks and 4 days both came home weighing about 1 pound more than what they did at birth which was 4p 7o and 5p 2o they where born at 33 weeks so yeah fun stuff....but your doing great don't stress if they are hungry they will let you know even when they are that small!!  lol good luck sweetie and congrats yoru in for a real treat!!  

P.S. if you need any help please don't hesitate to contact me I've already added you :  )

Answer 3

All babies loose a few ounces shortly after birth but they should be back up to birth weight at their 2 wk checkup.  They should be eating about 2 oz every 2 hrs (that is just an average).  

Answer 4

Alot of babies lose weight in thier first week. when they were inside you they had food on tap and didnt have to regulate their own body temperatures. There is alot they have to get used to- body temp regulations, digestion etc. So it can take alot out of them. sounds like they are doing well! congrats

Answer 5

It's common for babies to lose weight at first after birth. Don't worry, just keep feeding them whenever they're hungry, and don't let them go more than 4 hours without a feeding. If you're still worried, or if they start to act weak and sickly, call the pediatrician. Congrats on your twin girls.

Answer 6

I think my daughter ate about 18-20oz at that age, so were not off by much.  Was the doctor worried? If your feeding on demand then theres not much you can do.  Just keep feeding them, im sure everything will be fine.