Breastfeeding

Most parents who give birth can breastfeed their babies. Breast milk is sufficient as the sole food for infants for the first six months after birth. It not only satisfies hunger, but at the same time provides exactly as much liquid as the baby needs. It is also rich in substances that promote your baby’s growth and overall health. Breastfeeding your baby strengthens their body's defenses against disease, and better protects them against allergies and infections. Your breast milk passes antibodies and cells that your immune system has formed on to your child. Artificial milk does not contain these important ingredients. Also, the close skin contact during breastfeeding strengthens the emotional bond between you and your child. Last but not least, many parents find breastfeeding convenient. Breast milk is always at the right temperature and is always available. You will have these benefits even if you are only partially breastfeeding your baby.

Breastfeeding is the best form of nutrition for your baby. The physical closeness is good for them and breast milk is the healthiest food you can provide. If you want or need to bottle feed your baby, it's best to feed them expressed breast milk. Ready-made infant formula is available for purchase, but it does not offer an equivalent substitute. If you want to buy a pump for expressing your breast milk, you learn about the different devices beforehand. It's important that you find a model that you're comfortable with. Breast pumps are also available for rent. Ask your midwife or a breastfeeding consultant where you can rent a device, or ask at your pharmacy. If you have a doctor's prescription, your health insurance will cover the cost.

Breastfeeding is often called the most natural thing in the world. But that doesn't mean it always works out right away. Difficulties breastfeeding occur quite often, especially in the beginning. This is due to the fact that newborns have a very small mouth. Some of them don't get the nipple deep enough into their mouths yet because of this. This can cause the baby to accidentally squeeze the mother's nipple too hard and hurt it. In other cases, the baby does not yet manage to drink at the breast and suck the milk properly. You may also feel that you are producing too little or too much milk for your baby. Have an experienced midwife or lactation consultant show you how to help the baby latch on properly. Then the problem is usually solved quickly. If that's not the case, there are plenty of tools out there to help you breastfeed successfully. For example, a midwife or lactation consultant might advise you to pump milk from the breast for a while and give it to your baby with a bottle.

In principle, both HIV and hepatitis viruses can be detected in breast milk. However, the baby’s risk of infection depends on various factors and is different for each pregnant person. However, detecting HIV or hepatitis early can help reduce the risk of your baby getting these diseases. The most important thing is to talk to all your doctors about your condition. In addition, you should look for a paediatrician's practice before the birth and confide in the staff there. This way your child can be well cared for and extensively examined after birth.

When you are breastfeeding, your diet should be similarly healthy to your pregnancy diet. Then your breast milk is the perfect food for your baby and contains everything they need to grow and develop in the first weeks and months. Problems usually only occur with malnutrition, alcohol or drug use, and certain diseases. These are, for example, severe diarrhea and vomiting. It is good to know that some foods change the color, aroma and taste of breast milk when you eat corresponding dishes. This applies to beetroot, carrots and seaweed, as well as garlic, curry, asparagus and eucalyptus. But there are no disadvantages for your baby.