Hi everyone,
I am a new mom and my 6-month-old baby girl has been having trouble gaining weight. She was born weighing 6.5 pounds, but at her last checkup, she was only at the 20th percentile for weight. Her pediatrician suggested I start supplementing with formula, but I really want to breastfeed exclusively if possible. I have been trying to nurse her more frequently and for longer periods, but she seems to get frustrated and pulls away after a few minutes.
I am wondering if there are any dietary changes I should be making or feeding techniques I should try in order to help my baby gain weight. Are there certain foods I should be eating more of to increase my milk supply? Has anyone else dealt with this issue, and if so, what worked for you?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Hi there,
When my daughter was experiencing difficulty gaining weight, my pediatrician recommended that I try cluster feeding. Cluster feeding is when you offer the breast to the baby more frequently for a period of several hours. This technique helps stimulate milk production and increase your baby's calorie intake.
During these sessions, I would keep my baby close to me as much as possible, offer both breasts frequently and for longer periods, and try to sit in a comfortable and relaxed posture. This helped keep my milk flowing and minimized disruptions.
Alongside cluster feeding, I also made some dietary changes by increasing my consumption of foods high in healthy fats and protein. Some examples include eggs, nut butter, avocados, and coconut oil. These foods helped stimulate my milk production and fostered my baby's healthy growth.
Additionally, I found that babywearing was also helpful in encouraging her to feed for longer periods by allowing her to feed on demand while I continued with my daily routine. The baby carrier helped me to keep her close to me, making breastfeeding more convenient.
Lastly, I worked with a lactation consultant who gave me personalized suggestions and recommendations to improve my breastfeeding skills and feeding technique.
I hope these tips help; know that every baby is unique, and what works for others may not work for your baby. Stay encouraged and keep trying different techniques until you find what works for you and your little one.