Babies who are exclusively breastfed tend to gain weight slower than formula fed babies. This is as nature intended and it is perfectly normal for your breastfed baby to be gaining weight slowly. However, if you are concerned that your baby was gaining weight at a faster rate previously then it is always wise to check with your doctor. There are a number of reasons why a baby may not be gaining weight; in some cases illness in the baby can play a factor. If your baby is sick there is absolutely no sense in supplementing breastmilk with formula to stimulate weight gain. It may rob the baby of the beneficial effects that breastfeeding exclusively has to offer.
 
   If your baby is latched on correctly and is not getting enough milk it could be as a result of a decrease in your milk supply. This can happen for a number of reasons:
 
  • You are taking the birth control pill
  • You could be pregnant
  • You may have been trying to space feedings out or are trying to get your baby to sleep through the night: This can reduce milk supply so you should always feed your infant when he is hungry.
  • You may be doing too much: sleep when your baby sleeps, lie down while you breastfeed and remember to take time for yourself when you can.
  • You may be ill: illnesses like mastitis can result in a depleted milk supply.
  • You may be taking medication: some medications like antihistamines can cause milk supplies to decrease.
  • Supplementing: supplementing can lead to low milk supply as your body thinks your baby needs less milk.
  • Pacifiers-can cause nipple confusion which again decreases the amount your baby feeds thus decreasing milk supply.
  • Nipple shields: can also lead to nipple confusion and can cut down on milk supply
 
Milk supply can be increased by feeding your baby more frequently as the more your baby feeds the more milk your body will produce. 

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