Breastfeeding - the most natural thing in the world

Occasionally, but nowadays rather rarely, there are discussions about how long a mother should breastfeed her baby. More often, society is concerned with whether or not mothers should be allowed to breastfeed their children in public. These are not earth-shattering questions in view of the fact that breastfeeding is the most natural thing in the world. Many mothers today realise that they are giving their baby the best possible nutrition if they breastfeed for the first six months or even longer.

Breast milk is a natural product

It consists of 88 per cent water and contains proteins, fats, carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins and iron. Breast milk is healthy and always available at the right time and at a pleasant drinking temperature. It provides the child with immune and defence substances and thus protects it from illnesses and allergies. Breastfeeding also promotes the relationship between mother and child, creates closeness and provides warmth. According to Nadja Stöckli-Rauner, nursing specialist and IBCLC breastfeeding counsellor at Bethesda Hospital, breastfeeding is "health prevention for mother and child and the best thing for the child's organ, brain and intestinal development". Mothers who breastfeed also have a lower risk of breast cancer, adds Tanja Katzensteiner, deputy head of the nursing department and breastfeeding counsellor at Bethesda Hospital. "And they reduce the risk of their children becoming overweight." Industrialised substitute products cannot offer all of this.

Is my baby getting enough food?

Although hardly anyone questions breastfeeding today, there are always uncertainties among mothers that give rise to questions: What can I do if I have too little or too much milk? Is it possible to breastfeed and work, or what can I do if my nipples are inflamed? Many women make use of the counselling service, especially when problems arise during breastfeeding. "This can be pain, but also a child that no longer wants to feed at the breast," says Nadja Stöckli-Rauner. The breastfeeding counsellors at the outpatient breastfeeding clinic at Bethesda Hospital have the right answers to these and other questions. "On the one hand, we advise women in labour, and on the other, external women who register with us."

Individual offer from our breastfeeding outpatient centre

Five breastfeeding counsellors work in the outpatient breastfeeding clinic. During the week, one breastfeeding counsellor is always present. They all have an international certificate, which is obtained on a part-time basis. According to Tanja Katzensteiner, the basis for this is "that you work in the puerperium". The training guarantees professional counselling, for which many mothers are grateful. Outpatient breastfeeding counselling is of great importance, not least because the time in the postnatal period is becoming less and less. "The three or four days that mothers spend with us after the birth are often far too short to practise breastfeeding properly and learn the different positions. That's why this counselling service is very much appreciated and is even paid for by the health insurance company".