Average Baby Weight Gain

Birth to 1 month: 4 1/2 oz per week

1 to 2 months: 6 1/2 oz per week

2 to 3 months: 4 1/2 oz per week

3 to 4 months: 4 oz per week

4 to 5 months: 3 1/2 oz per week

5 to 6 months: 3 oz per week

6 to 12 months: 2 1/4 oz per week

“I’m still doing it because I know it’s great for his health. He’s only had one ear infection,” she notes. “I believe breastfeeding does help you bond with your child. It’s amazing to see your child thrive o your breast milk and know that you’re nourishing your own child. It makes you feel like a super mom.”

The mother of four children ranging in age from 7 to 18, Tadamika Reyes (Tada for short) has nursed all of her children.

She chose to breastfeed primarily for the health of her children but was also happy that it was so much more economical than formula.

With each child, she found that they weren’t sick as often as their peers once they started attending preschool and beyond.

With her first child, Tada recalls that she had trouble with the baby latching on during the first few days.

“I talked with someone at the hospital, and they helped me,” she says. “It was an easy fix; they recommended more skin-toskin contact, as this calms the baby and they latch on better.”

Expect Challenges

Just because something is natural, doesn’t necessarily mean it’s easy from the start.

“Learning about breastfeeding and actually doing it are di erent. Even though I’m a certified lactation counselor, I asked