Breastfeeding Course

Everything you need to know about breastfeeding

(Preparation, latching, pumping, problems, storage)

Origin and Benefits

🩺 How and when breastfeeding begins

The body prepares during pregnancy
From around 16 weeks: the mammary glands start producing colostrum
After birth:

Prolactin → milk production
Oxytocin → let-down reflex

💛 Benefits of breastfeeding

Fully tailored to your baby
Contains antibodies → protection against illness
Always at the right temperature and immediately available
Lower risk of colic or allergies
Practical and environmentally friendly

Initiating Breastfeeding and Latching

🌿 First milk production after birth

Latching the baby onto the breast → triggers the let-down reflex
First milk = colostrum (rich in proteins & antibodies)
Baby seeks the breast when thirsty or hungry
Proper latching stimulates the milk glands

👶 Latching – how do you do it?

Bring the baby to the breast, not the other way around
Make sure the areola is also in the baby's mouth
Does it hurt? Gently insert a finger to break the suction and latch again

🪶 Different breastfeeding positions

Side-lying: a moment of rest, baby lying next to you
Sitting with a pillow: useful with small babies
Cradle hold: baby's legs on the same side as the breast
Semi-prone (laid-back): helpful for fast drinkers

How do you ensure (sufficient) breastfeeding?

⏰ Feeding on demand

The baby decides when to feed
Signs: searching/rooting or crying
This helps keep milk production in balance

🍼 Which breast, and when?

10–20 minutes on the first breast → hindmilk
Then offer the second breast
Switch breasts at the next feeding
Milk production naturally recovers after about 2 hours

⚙️ Pumping

Pump temporarily if milk supply is insufficient
Manual pump or electric pump
Choose what feels most comfortable for you

❄️ Storing breast milk

Use clean storage bags or bottles
Label with date and quantity
Freeze in small portions (50–120 ml)
Shelf life:

6 months (–18 °C)
12 months (–20 °C)

Never refreeze thawed milk

🧼 Breast care

Keep nipples clean with lukewarm water
Do not use soap or alcohol
Helps prevent thrush and cracked nipples

🥗 Mother's nutrition

Drink enough fluids
Eat a varied diet
Limit spicy foods (may cause cramps in baby)

🩷 Helpful tools

Nipple shield for cracked or inverted nipples
Nursing bra for convenience and comfort

Common Discomforts and Problems

🩺 Breast engorgement

Common in the first week
Cause: milk glands are not yet fully adjusted
Symptoms: swollen, warm, painful breasts

💧 Too little or too much milk

Milk supply may fluctuate during growth spurts
The body adjusts naturally
Continue feeding on demand

👶 Inverted nipples

Latching can be difficult
Tip: use a cold compress to help draw the nipple outward

💥 Cracked nipples

Caused by improper latching or thrush
Treat with nipple cream
Remove any residue before feeding

🍄 Thrush

Fungal infection in mother and/or baby
Symptoms: white patches or painful nipples
Cause: contamination via pacifiers or poor hygiene
Treatment: consult a doctor, antifungal medication

🌡 Breast infection (mastitis)

Milk remains in the breast → blocked milk ducts
Symptoms: redness, warmth, fever
Action: contact your doctor; antibiotics may be needed
Continue breastfeeding

Weaning from Breastfeeding

🕒 When to wean?

As long as you and your baby want
Often around 1 year of age or later
As solid foods increase, breastfeeding naturally decreases
Gradual weaning helps prevent engorgement

🔁 How to wean?

Replace one feeding with a bottle or solid food
Wait until breast fullness decreases (about 1 week)
Then replace the next feeding
Repeat until you reach the desired situation

🧊 If you skip a feeding

Massage or pump briefly if there is discomfort
Use chilled cabbage leaves
Avoid stimulating too often to prevent overproduction

⚖️ Important points to consider

Listen to your body
Drink slightly less than before
Seek advice if you experience pain or engorgement
Allow your baby to get used to a bottle or cup
If needed, initially mix formula with expressed breast milk