What to pay attention to when breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding is the most natural nutrition for your child. But just like the right breathing techniques during birth, breastfeeding has to be learnt. If you are unsure about breastfeeding, it’s best to have a midwife visit you at home, which is granted to you by the health service.

Midwives are specially trained to help with breastfeeding problems. In the first 10 days after the birth you can make use of this help daily at the cost of the health service. Addresses of established, independent midwives can be found in the yellow pages, or ask friends with children or your doctor.

Important:

  • Breastfeed your baby whenever it is hungry. That signals to your mammary glands to produce more milk. This way, the amount of milk adapts to the needs of the child.
  • Always let your child empty one breast first: if it is nearly empty, the fat content of the milk increases. Your baby needs this milk rich in calories in order to put on weight. Always offer the other breast afterwards, though.
  • Be careful that your child doesn’t just suck on the nipple – it will easily become sore – but really only offer the breast when it is hungry. The mouth should cover most of the areola when drinking.
  • Don’t pull the child away from the breast – mostly it will hurt you. Push your little finger between mouth and nipple to break the vacuum. Then the child can easily be taken off the breast.