Breastfeeding

The benefits of breastfeeding

Breastfeeding offers numerous benefits to you and your baby. Read more on how to give your baby the best possible start.

When and how often should I breastfeed my baby?

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.

How do I latch my baby for breastfeeding?

Tips on the best way to latch your baby for breastfeeding.

How do I avoid cracked nipples when 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.

How do I know if my baby has had enough while breastfeeding?

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.

Can my baby have a dummy when breastfed?

We do not recommend giving your baby a dummy during the first week after childbirth and during growth spurts.

Cramps, constipation or diarrhoea while breastfeeding

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

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.

Breastfeeding support

Any questions or issues? For additional support, you can visit the breastfeeding consultation, an independent lactation consultant or breastfeeding associations.

10 key steps for successful breastfeeding

We follow the ten key steps for successful breastfeeding from the World Health Organization and UNICEF to give every baby the best possible start.

Signs your baby is hungry

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.

Breastfeeding and working? Yes, you can!

Borstvoeding en werken zijn goed te combineren. Het is wel belangrijk om ruim op voorhand alles te plannen en jezelf goed te informeren om deze combinatie gemakkelijker te maken.