It is important for a nursing mother to get enough rest, drink plenty of fluids, and eat a well-balanced diet. Letting family members help with or take over the housework and meal preparation can help give Mom the time she needs to relax and nurse the baby for as long as necessary. Bottle-feeding comes with its own list of challenges and possible problems to watch for. Check the expiration date on all cans and bottles of formula, and don't use formula from leaky, dented, or otherwise damaged containers. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions exactly when mixing powdered formula or liquid concentrate.
Some babies are allergic to the protein in cow's milk formula.
Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, rash, and even some blood in the baby's stools. In some cases, a baby is lactose intolerant. This means the baby can't completely digest the sugar lactose, which is in cow's milk formulas. Symptoms of lactose intolerance may include excessive gas, abdominal swelling and pain, and diarrhea. Report any of these symptoms to your baby's pediatrician, and follow his or her advice on changing formulas.