Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding gives your baby the best possible start. However, breastfeeding also offers the mother numerous benefits. For additional support, you can attend the breastfeeding consultation, an independent lactation consultant or breastfeeding associations.
Baby drinkt aan borst van mama
Breastfeeding offers numerous benefits to you and your baby. Read more on how to give your baby the best possible start.
Breastfeed your baby as often and for as long as they want. Breastfeeding promotes milk production and gives your baby the necessary nutrients. For the first few days after delivery, feed your newborn between 8–12 times a day.
Tips on the best way to latch your baby for breastfeeding.
You can hardly prepare your nipples during the pregnancy for the hard work to come. This is why tender or slightly sore nipples from breastfeeding are normal at first. In addition to a good latching technique, there are a few useful tips to prevent nipple cracking.
Allow your baby to nurse for as long and as often as he wants. If you feed your baby about 8–12 times a day during the first few days and they drink well, he has probably eaten enough.
We do not recommend giving your baby a dummy during the first week after childbirth and during growth spurts.
These cramps tend to be short-lived. The bowel movements of breastfed babies vary greatly. Some babies have a bowel movement after each feeding, while others have only one bowel movement every 3 or 5 days.
Expressing breast milk—manually or with an electric breast pump—may be a temporary solution if your baby is unable or not allowed to breastfeed and you still wish to provide breast milk.
Any questions or issues? For additional support, you can visit the breastfeeding consultation, an independent lactation consultant or breastfeeding associations.
We follow the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding developed by the WHO and UNICEF to give every baby the best possible start.
Pay close attention to your baby's cues to see whether the child is hungry, and calm your baby with talking, cuddling and stroking as well as skin-to-skin contact.
Last edit: 26 September 2023