Breastfeeding and breast milk: tips for a healthy start in life
Breast milk always has the right temperature, it contains the optimal mix of nutrients, and it is available free of charge at all times. Breastfeeding is good for both the baby’s and the mother’s health. But what if you have trouble with it? This article provides advice on breastfeeding your newborn and information on its benefits.
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Short and simple
Breast milk is good for babies.
Breastfeeding is also good for the mother.
It protects babies against illnesses.
The mother should eat a healthy diet and drink plenty of fluids.
You can get advice on breastfeeding.
Healthy for the baby and the mother: the benefits of breastfeeding
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Breast milk boosts the baby’s immune system and protects them against infections.
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Drinking at the breast strengthens the muscles in the baby’s face and mouth.
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Breastfeeding reduces the risk of sudden infant death.
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If a baby is breastfed, the risk of obesity, cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure in adult life is reduced.
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Breast milk is beneficial for the baby’s bowel health.
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The various flavours it contains help the baby to develop their sense of taste.
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Breastfeeding promotes uterus involution, reducing the risk of bleeding after the birth.
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It helps the mother to lose her pregnancy weight after the birth.
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It reduces the risk of breast cancer and type 2 diabetes.
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Close skin-to-skin contact during breastfeeding promotes the emotional bond between mother and child.
How often should I breastfeed my newborn baby?
Newborn babies feed frequently – eight to twelve times per 24 hours is normal in the initial weeks of their lives. Try to follow your child’s needs rather than sticking to fixed feeding times. Breastfeeding is not just about consuming nutrients. Babies also feed to relax, calm themselves down and seek comfort.
Are you worried that your baby isn’t putting on weight fast enough? Wondering when you last breastfed your baby, which breast they drank from or how long the last feed lasted for?
Amidst all the stress of day-to-day life, remembering important details like these can be a challenge. There are a number of apps that can be a big help here.
The app Baby + Your Baby Tracker for example, will help you to keep track of breastfeeding and expressing times.
Breastfeeding on the go
Society should accept public breastfeeding as a matter of course. After all, it is a completely natural and necessary process. That said, breastfeeding in new places can still be a challenge at first. Noises and people moving in the vicinity can disturb both mother and child. Some mothers feel uncomfortable in certain locations or struggle to find a relaxed position. With the mamamap app, you can find publicly accessible places to breastfeed near you quickly and easily.
How long can I breastfeed my baby?
Nutrition during breastfeeding
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Drink at least two litres of fluid per day, ideally water or unsweetened herb or fruit tea
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Only consume caffeinated drinks in small quantities (e.g. one to two cups of coffee or four cups of black or green tea per day).
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Avoid alcohol, drinks containing quinine (tonic, bitter lemon) and energy drinks.
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Choose the wholegrain version of cereal products such as bread or pasta.
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Eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables per day.
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Consume three to four portions of milk and dairy products per day.
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Eat one portion of pulses, eggs, meat, tofu, Quorn or seitan per day.
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Use iodised and fluoridated salt.
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Use salt and spices/condiments (e.g. soya sauce, stock) in moderation only.
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Avoid weight-loss diets.
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Vegetarian and vegan diets
It is entirely possible to eat a vegetarian diet without any meat or fish while breastfeeding. Be sure to consume a varied and well-balanced selection of foods, as this is the only way to ensure that your body gets all the important nutrients it needs from a vegetarian diet.
Vegan diets are not recommended during breastfeeding. Vegans often do not consume sufficient quantities of important nutrients such as vitamin B12, iron, vitamin D and zinc. As a result, these substances are missing in their breast milk, which can impair the baby’s development. If you nevertheless opt for a vegan diet while breastfeeding, you should seek assistance from a qualified nutritionist (BSc) and talk to your doctor about whether you need to take additional supplements.
The partner’s valuable role during breastfeeding
Support and advice on breastfeeding
Sometimes, breastfeeding does not work as planned. Many women struggle with problems like sore nipples, feeding issues in the baby, insufficient milk production, breast engorgement or difficulties with expressing breast milk. The following are some of the questions that come up at various stages during the breastfeeding period:
- My child is refusing my breast. What can I do?
- What is the best position for breastfeeding?
- Does breastfeeding at night cause tooth decay?
- Dummies and breastfeeding – is this combination possible?
- Which breast pump is the right one for me?
- How can I store expressed milk?
- How often do I have to breastfeed my baby?
- What if I am unable or do not wish to breastfeed?
- How does weaning work?
Contact an expert if there is anything you are unsure about. Consult your midwife, go to a breastfeeding support centre or get advice from a mothers’ and fathers’ advice centre. Breastfeeding Promotion Switzerland provides comprehensive information and advice on day-to-day life with babies on its website.
Breastfeeding: what does the health insurance pay?
Which benefits are covered by your health insurance for maternity?
Checked by Pro Juventute!
Experts from our partner Pro Juventute have checked this text for factual accuracy.
