Breastfeeding tips

Breastfeeding may take a while to really get going. Fortunately, that’s quite normal. In the first few days, your child will drink small portions of colostrum, a nutritious first milk. After a few days, your body switches to regular milk production.

• Skin-to-skin contact
  Expose your baby to your bare skin to stimulate milk production. Not only does this feel nice, but it also helps both of you relax.
• Put your baby to your breast frequently
  Allow your baby to drink as often as possible, even at night. 8 to 12 feeding sessions per 24 hours are quite normal.
• Stay positive
  Trust your body. Almost everyone can breastfeed, although some need a little more time than others.
• Supplement feeding by expressing milk
  If your little one does not latch on sufficiently, you can express milk with a pump between feedings to stimulate production.

Did you know that The Wonder Weeks app helps you better understand your baby’s cues? Find out why your baby sometimes drinks more during leaps and how to support your baby during leaps. Can’t you get your milk production going or do you experience any other problems? Then don’t hesitate to seek the help of a lactation consultant. Lactation consultants will work with you to discover what you need.

Breastfeeding is a learning process. We are happy to provide you with a few useful tips to make feeding more comfortable and enjoyable.

• Choose a comfortable pose
  Good posture prevents you from suffering from pain in your back, shoulders or neck. Use a feeding pad for support and make sure to sit or lie down relaxed. Allow your child to lie on your tummy facing your tummy.
• Make sure to develop a comfortable latching technique
  A proper latching technique is important. Your child’s mouth should be well open and able to encompass a large part of your areola. Are you in pain or uncomfortable? Try to reattach your child.
• Feeding on demand
  Look out for your baby’s cues: lip smacking, sticking out its tongue or sucking on its fingers are signs that your child wants to drink. By feeding on demand, you naturally regulate milk production.
• Give your baby the time it needs
  Some feeding sessions will take longer than others. Allow your little one to drink calmly and switch breasts. At the next feeding session, start with the breast you ended up with at the previous feeding.
• Take good care of yourself
  Breastfeeding takes energy. Eat healthy foods, drink plenty of water (at least two liters per day) and rest. Breastfeeding from a well-rested mom is much more fun.
• Avoid supplementary feeding and pacifiers during the first few weeks
  To avoid nipple/teat confusion, it is better not to give your baby a teat in the first few weeks. In addition, give your baby supplementary feeding only on medical advice and discuss alternative methods – such as cup or finger feeding – with a maternity nurse.

Breastfeeding is not always free from obstacles. Fortunately, there are a number of solutions to common problems. We have listed a few for you here.

• Engorged milk ducts
  Engorged milk ducts can cause painful breasts. Let your child drink more often and express a little bit of milk if your breasts feel tense. A warm compress before feeding and a cold compress after feeding can also provide relief.
• Cracked nipples
  Cracked nipples are often caused by an incorrect latching technique. Make sure your child latches on thoroughly and use lanolin cream to care for the skin. After feeding, squeeze a few drops of milk from your breast and coat your nipples with it. This has a healing effect.
• Clogged milk ducts
  This can happen if your breasts are not sucked completely empty. Massage your chest while feeding or try different poses. Heat helps the flow of milk, while cooling after feeding relieves the pain.

Unsure about your milk production
Are you unsure whether you have enough milk? Check your baby’s diapers: Six wet diapers per day and a cheerful child are good signs. Bring your baby to your breast more frequently to increase milk production.

Read more about what you should and shouldn’t eat when breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding is a unique experience. You are not only feeding your baby, it also provides a moment of bonding and of peace and calm. Be patient with yourself and your child as you discover together what works best for both of you. And remember, every drop counts. Do you have any questions or need assistance? Do not hesitate to seek help from a lactation consultant, maternity nurse or a childcare clinic. They will gladly help on your way to feeding your child with confidence and pleasure. Together, you will succeed.

Tip: In our app you will find a useful forum where you can share your tips and experiences with other new parents!