Increasing breast milk supply

Question:

I want to breast feed my baby but my milk began to slack off and so I switched to formula which caused gas in my baby's tummy makeing her very fussy so I switched formulas again and it caused severe diaper rash. I can't bear for my baby to be uncomfortable so I want to return to breast feeding because she was doing much better on my milk and I had a lot at first but it as slacked off. What do I do to get my breast milk to comeing in better. She is 1 month old.

Answer:

Congratulations on the birth of your baby! Yes, it can be very frustrating at times to find a formula that will agree with your baby, and I think that feeding your infant only breast milk for the first 6 months of life is the ideal option if you can maintain a good supply of breast milk. By following the suggestions below, I think you will find that your breast milk supply will be plentiful.  And, I would encourage you to contact a lactation consultant and/or a La Leche league group leader at for additional breastfeeding support.

Here are some suggestions for increasing/maintaining your breast milk supply.
1. Feeding frequency: Be sure to breastfeed your baby at least every 2 hours.  Frequent feedings will prompt your body to produce more breast milk. Try to feed for at least 10 minutes at each breast at every feeding.
2. Avoid pacifiers and bottles: At least until your milk supply is reestablished, avoid giving your baby a pacifier or feeding from a bottle.  This will help ensure that the baby will suck at the breast successfully, and will avoid the possibility of "nipple confusion".
3. Rest and eat well: One of the most beneficial things you can do to help restore your milk supply is to be sure that you get as much rest as possible and that you eat frequent, healthy meals and snacks.  Breastfeeding moms need 250-500 extra calories a day to support breastfeeding, so you need to be sure that you are eating enough of the right kinds of foods.  And, don't forget about drinking water.  It is vitally important that you stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
4. Take a good vitamin/mineral supplement: Producing high quality breast milk requires extra amounts of most vitamins and minerals. As a result, most doctors suggest that nursing moms take a good multivitamin, like Nursing Blend, throughout the time they breastfeed. 
5. Use herbal galactogogues as necessary: For hundreds of years, nursing moms have been using herbal preparations (called galactogogues) to help improve breast milk production.  As you work to restore your milk supply, you might find it helpful to use Nursing Time tea. 

Very best wishes as you reestablish a successful breastfeeding routine  . . .the benefits are countless!