The presence of a letdown reflex is another indicator of good milk production. It also occurs in the opposite breast while your baby is nursing. If your letdown reflex is not present yet, take extra naps and ask your husband and friends for more help. Also consider calling the local chapter of La Leche League, a support group for nursing mothers. Supplemental Bottles Do not offer your baby any bottles during the first 4 to 6 weeks after birth because this is when you establish your milk supply.
Supplemental bottles take away from sucking time on the breast and reduce a baby's appetite.
If your baby is not gaining well, see your physician or a lactation specialist for a complete evaluation. After your baby is 6 weeks old and nursing is well established, you may want to offer your baby a bottle of expressed milk or water once a day so that he can get used to the bottle and the artificial nipple. Once your baby accepts bottle feedings, you can occasionally leave your baby with a sitter and go out for the evening or return to work outside the home. You can use pumped breast milk that has been refrigerated or frozen. Extra Water Babies do not routinely need extra water.