Feeding with tips from Fijnzwanger

Feeding Tips from Sabine de Groot—owner of Fijn Zwanger, one-day birth class instructor, and birth doula. Whether you’re breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, those first moments with your baby are magical—and can also take a little getting used to. That’s why I’d like to share a few tips to make feeding more enjoyable, calmer, and more relaxed—for both of you.

☁️ Make yourself comfortable

Feeding works best when you’re sitting comfortably. Find a soft spot, put a pillow behind your back, and have something to drink next to you (because you’re guaranteed to get thirsty). And yes, feel free to put on that comfortable maternity dress again. Thanks to the buttons, you can easily switch breasts or just sit back and relax while bottle-feeding. Practical and pretty—exactly what you deserve right now.

🧘‍♀️ Relax with a gentle touch

During Fijnzwanger’s one-day birth preparation course, you’ll learn various massage and breathing techniques that help promote relaxation during labor. You can also use these same techniques while breastfeeding. A gentle touch on your shoulders, calm breathing, or consciously feeling your body relax—these actions trigger the release of the hormone oxytocin, which not only supports milk production but also fosters a deep sense of connection between you and your baby.

🤱 Create your own feeding ritual

Feeding is more than just feeding—it’s also a moment of connection and slowing down. Put on some soft music, use a scent you like, or close your eyes for a moment while you feel your baby nestled in your arms. Little rituals make a big difference.

Sabine’s tip: Do you still have your maternity dress? Feel free to use it as a nursing dress! Thanks to the buttons, it’s super convenient, soft, and comfortable. And let’s be honest: you deserve to wear something pretty while breastfeeding, too. As the owner of Fijnzwanger, I often see women still looking radiant in their maternity dresses for weeks after giving birth. And rightly so—it’s not only beautiful to look at, but also so practical. Many women tell me later that they still wear their dress while breastfeeding and even while shopping. Simply because it’s comfortable and the buttons make everything just a little bit easier.

www.fijnzwanger.nl The One-Day Birth Course: Haven’t had time yet to prepare for your delivery? Because you have a busy schedule. But can’t you get your husband to attend a prenatal class either? Then this “one-day birth class” is perfect for you. Plus, the prenatal class is men-friendly. First of all, we don’t show any gory movies. And second, there are no scary stories that aren’t men-friendly. “This is the down-to-earth birth class that men can actually handle!” The One-Day Birth Class is a very comprehensive course that focuses on labor and delivery. You’ll learn the techniques of mindfulness, hypnobirthing, and powerbirthing in just one day! At home, you’ll get to work with the workbook and the exercises. This course is also ideal as a refresher if you’re pregnant with your second or third child and/or if your first pregnancy was difficult and you want to be better prepared. Guiding pregnant women toward a conscious birth is my mission and my greatest passion.

“Giving birth should be your greatest achievement, not your greatest fear”