Breastfeed your baby immediately after birth

According to a study cited by worldbreastfeeding.org, babies that did not start breastfeeding until after 24 hours of age are 2.5 times more likely to die than babies who started within the first hour of life, whether they were partially or exclusively breastfed.

Eat a balanced diet

A lactating mom needs about 2,000–2,700 calories per day. Eat high-quality, nutrient-rich foods from all the food groups and drink at least eight glasses of water per day to help you repair muscle tissue, keep your skin healthy, strengthen your immune system, and keep your energy. Also, watch what you eat as many things can be transferred through your breastmilk, such as alcohol, medications, and even some spicy food. Always consult with your doctor before you take any medications.

Initiate contact

Hold your breast with your thumb and forefinger behind the areola. Make sure the baby’s mouth is open and quickly insert the nipple in his or her mouth before s/he closes it. Holding the baby tummy-to-tummy will secure the baby in your arms so that s/he doesn’t tug at your breast or pull away from it. You can also try the football hold, tucking the baby under your arm so the baby’s tummy is against your side.

Supplement your diet

The local malunggay plant is said to be a "mother’s best friend’’ because it helps increase lactation in breastfeeding mothers. According to the Food and Nutrition Research Institute-Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST), malunggay leaves are an excellent source of vitamins A and B and minerals such as calcium and iron. Fortunately, mothers need not boil the leaves as no-additive, no-caffeine malunggay tea is now readily available to drink like the Sun Angel Malunggay Herb Tea, the first Filipino malunggay herbal supplement.