As a new breastfeeding mother, I am sure you have wondered if your baby is gaining enough weight? We know that all newborns lose weight in the first few days after birth. We also know that your baby’s birth weight may not actually be his true weight but somewhat hyperinflated due to fluids, epidurals and certain medications given during labour. Once your milk comes in on the third or fourth day after delivery, your baby should start gaining weight on a daily basis. We give babies up to 2 weeks to regain birth weight and would like to see an average daily gain of 20-30g for the first 4 months of life.

 During this time of COVID-19, I have supported many families that have yet to take their newborn baby to the Doctor for a post-delivery check-up. When I come to a home consult with my scale in tow, moms and dads are always super excited (and a little nervous) to see if their baby is gaining weight. Nowadays, some parents are nervous to take their baby to a clinic or office for fear of contracting some nasty bug or even COVID-19, so they are opting to just stay home. As a new breastfeeding mother, it can sometimes be hard to tell if your baby is getting enough to eat as you can’t measure how much the baby is drinking. There are also times when your baby appears to be breastfeeding well, has good output, appears satiated after feeds, but still isn’t gaining enough weight. Jaundice can also be a major factor for poor weight gain in the first week of life. Our public health system does a pretty fine job at supporting new mothers after having a baby either through a home visit or clinic support, but often 1 visit the day after you come home from the hospital isn’t enough.

That’s why Nourish is now pleased to offer a new service called Weight check please. If you feel that your baby is breastfeeding well but would like the peace of mind of knowing how well your baby is gaining weight this service is for you! Nourish will come to your home and weigh your baby using the highly accurate Medela Babyweigh scale. 

This service includes the following:

• 30 minute consult to check your baby’s weight and answer breastfeeding related questions 

• If your baby’s weight gain is of concern, the option of booking a follow-up consult will be discussed 

• A full lactation consult will be discounted to $100

The cost of this service is $75 which can also be claimed by your insurance provider and billed as a health spending expense.

So give yourself the peace of mind of knowing how well your baby is gaining weight without having to leave your home. Weight check please consults can be booked 7 days/week. Please feel free to fill out the consult request form on our Book Today page to schedule your appointment with Leanne Rzepa RN BN IBCLC. Leanne has been supporting breastfeeding families for over 20 years in Calgary and surrounding communities. Visit our Google business page to read 36 5 star glowing reviews from happy Nourish customers. The Nourish promise is ‘Happy Mamas and Babies Guaranteed’. 

Warmly,

Leanne Rzepa RN BN IBCLC

Owner and Founder