Get Help!!!
If your baby is not gaining well, or if he is losing weight after the first few days, contact someone who is knowledgable about breastfeeding. Often, a La Leche League Leader or other breastfeeding specialist can help you improve your breastfeeding techniques and quickly resolve the situation. You will also need to be in close touch with your babies doctor, because in some cases slow weight gain may indicate a serious problem.

Nurse Frequently
Breastfeed every one-and-a-half to three hours, averaging about eight to twelve times in 24 hours, for as long as your baby will nurse. Do not time the baby’s feeding or cut him off if he is taking “too long.” A sleepy baby may need to be awakened and encouraged to nurse more frequently, especially during the night. Frequent breastfeeding helps to establish a plentiful milk supply. The more often the breasts are stimulated the more milk they will produce.

Offer both breasts at each feeding
This will ensure your baby gets all the milk available and that both breasts are stimulated frequently. Allow your baby to indicate that he is finished on the first breast, then offer the other breast. Do not try to limit the length of feedings.

Be sure that baby is positioned correctly and latched on well
Baby’s lips should be on the areola (dark area surrounding the nipple), well behind the nipple. You should be able to hear your baby swallow. If you are not sure your baby is sucking well, or if you feel any nipple soreness when baby is nursing, ask your La Leche League Leader or other breastfeeding specialist to help you.

Try breast compression
To keep your baby interested in nursing, squeeze the breast firmly with your thumb on one side and fingers on the other to increase milk flow. Keep squeezing until baby is no longer actively sucking; then release. Rotate fingers around the breast and squeeze again. Then switch to the other breast, using both breasts twice at each feeding. Squeeze firmly but be careful not to cause injury your breast tissue.

Give your baby only human milk
If your baby has been receiving formula supplements, do not cut these out abruptly. As you improve your breastfeeding techniques, and your milk supply increases, you will be able to gradually reduce the amount of supplement. But you need to watch baby’s wet and soiled diapers to be sure he is getting enough milk. Monitor baby’s weight gain and stay in touch with your baby’s doctor.

All your baby’s sucking should be at the breast. If some supplement is temporarily necessary, it can be given by spoon, cup, or with a nursing supplementer, a divice used to feed baby additional milk through a small tube while he nurses at the breast.

Pay attention to you own need for rest, relaxation, diet, and fluids. Taking care of yourself will help your milk supply and improve your general sense of well-being.

Consider taking medicinal herbs or prescription medications to increase your milk supply. Many mothers find that medicinal herbs can have a positive effect on their milk supply. Consult someone who is knowledgeable before using these on your own.

If you have any further questions or concerns be sure to get in touch with your La Leche League Leader You can also try the National 24 hour help line (877-4-LALECHE) (877-452-5324)