Feeding: Breastfeeding, Bottle Feeding, or Both?

It's great to have you reading along again!
With my blogs, I aim to support parents in parenting and child-rearing. Parenting is wonderful – but it can also be quite challenging at times. Those challenges are part of the journey. Don't see them as problems, but as normal aspects of parenthood. Enjoy the read!

Why Feeding Is So Important

Feeding plays a crucial role in your child's growth and development, especially in the early years. In this blog, I'll discuss breastfeeding and bottle feeding. You can read more about solid foods in a separate blog. You can always discuss your child's needs with a professional – for example, at the child health clinic. Every child is different, and your choices as a parent matter.

Breastfeeding: Natural and Nourishing

Breastfeeding offers many benefits. It is tailored to your baby's needs and contains antibodies that protect against illness. The milk is always at the right temperature, and many babies experience fewer colic symptoms or allergies. Breastfeeding is also practical: you don't need bottles, nipples, or formula.

However, extra vitamins are needed:

• Vitamin D: 10 micrograms per day until age 3
• Vitamin K: 150 micrograms per day for the first 12 weeks (important for blood clotting)

Challenges and Downsides

Breastfeeding can also be challenging. Consider:

• Only you as the mother can feed (unless you pump).
• It's not always easy to breastfeed in public.
• You need to produce enough milk.
• Possible issues like engorgement, cracked nipples, thrush, or mastitis.

These challenges can be stressful – and that's completely understandable. Many mothers stop earlier than they would like because of them.

How Breastfeeding Works

During pregnancy, your body already begins preparing for breastfeeding. Under the influence of hormones, extra glandular tissue develops in your breasts. From around 16 weeks of pregnancy, your milk glands already start producing colostrum—the first milk, which is rich in antibodies.

After birth, two hormones are released:

• Prolactin: stimulates milk production
• Oxytocin: triggers the let-down reflex, allowing the milk to flow

If you want to prepare well, a breastfeeding course can be a great way to build confidence. You will learn about latching, pumping, storing breast milk, growth spurts (cluster feeding days), and how to recognize and solve common problems. You can also view my own do-it-yourself Breastfeeding Course further on this website.

Feeding on Demand

Newborn babies have strong reflexes and instinctively know how to drink. They often drink small amounts at a time. You can breastfeed your baby when they cry, search with their mouth, or suck on your chest. This is called feeding on demand.

Note: some babies fall asleep quickly during feeding. You can help keep your baby awake by, for example, undressing them slightly or walking toward daylight.

Your baby usually drinks 10 to 20 minutes per breast. In the beginning, your baby may also want to drink from the second breast to help stimulate milk production. Make sure your baby empties the breast well so they also receive the richer, fatty milk.

Signs of Mastitis (Breast Infection)

• Fever
• Pain during feeding
• Red, warm spots on the breast

What can help:
Rest, cooling the breast, and continuing to breastfeed.

If it does not improve, contact your general practitioner (GP).

Also read: Everything you need to know about breastfeeding:

You can also view the online do-it-yourself course "Breastfeeding" elsewhere on this website.

Bottle Feeding: Practical and Flexible

Bottle feeding is a good alternative or addition to breastfeeding.

Advantages:

• Anyone can give the feeding
• You can see exactly how much your baby drinks
• The other parent can also build a strong bond with the baby

Just like with breastfeeding, you should give your baby vitamin D: 10 micrograms per day until the age of 3.

Possible disadvantages:

• More expensive due to bottles, formula, and teats
• A higher chance of colic, allergies, or spitting up
• You need to pay close attention to hygiene and quantities

Which Formula Is Suitable for Your Baby?

There are different types of infant formula:

Standard formula (type 1 for 0–6 months, type 2 afterwards).
For example Nutrilon, but you can also choose many other brands, as long as the packaging states "complete infant formula."

Based on: cow's milk, goat's milk, soy, or organic ingredients.

(Most formulas are based on cow's milk, but you can also choose other options, as long as the packaging states "complete infant formula.")

Special formulas: thickened formula for spitting up, easily digestible formula for colic, or special diet formulas for allergies.

Consult with the child health clinic about what suits your child best, especially in cases of ydigestive problems, allergies, or reflux.

You can also choose between different bottles and teats:

With a valve to prevent swallowing air.

Curved bottles for more comfortable drinking.

Materials such as natural rubber or BPA-free plastic.

How Much Does Your Baby Need?

A simple guideline is: 150 ml per kilogram of body weight per day.

For example:
A baby weighing 3.5 kg drinks 3.5 × 150 = 525 ml per day, divided over about 7 feedings, which is approximately 75 ml per feeding.

Always make sure to get proper advice about this from the child health clinic.

My Personal Experience

I breastfed all three of my children. With my first son, it happened very naturally. He immediately searched for my nipple, and it felt familiar and natural.

When I returned to work after three months and wanted to switch to bottle feeding, he initially refused. It took three daysbefore he accepted the bottle.

With my other two sons, I chose a combination with bottle feeding sooner. That worked well, although breastfeeding stopped earlier once I went back to work.

In my work with parents, I always emphasize that there is no right or wrong. Choose what works for you and your child. I don't judge whether parents choose breastfeeding or bottle feeding; instead, I explain the options.

After giving birth, you are often more emotionally sensitive as a parent and want the very best for your child—even if you are not always sure what that is. Trust yourself. Your feelings matter.

In Conclusion

Whether you choose breastfeeding, bottle feeding, or a combination:

Take good care of yourself. Be gentle with yourself. Be yourself. And care for your child with love—in your own way.

See you in the next blog!

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