Breast and bottle feeding

The choice between breastfeeding and bottle feeding is up to you as parents. Research has shown that breastfeeding is the best nutrition for a newborn. This does not make bottle feeding a bad diet. The most important thing is that, based on the right information, you choose a way of feeding that you feel comfortable with.

During the pregnancy we will discuss with you which food you want to give. Some people absolutely do not need to think about this, others may still have doubts.

We would like to explain why we think breastfeeding is so important and are willing to put in all the energy it takes.
However: if you decide that you do not want to (or cannot) breastfeed, we respect your choice!

Breastfeeding has been scientifically proven to be better than bottle feeding. Bottle feeding lacks a number of important substances that the manufacturer cannot add to the diet. Below we have listed some of the benefits of breastfeeding.

Benefits Of Breastfeeding:
  • The composition of the milk adapts to the needs of the baby. For example, the composition of breast milk for premature babies is different than for babies born around 40 weeks.
  • Breastfeeding offers protection against diseases. Antibodies made by the mother reach the baby through breastfeeding. As a result, the baby is better protected against diseases. From about 6 months, the baby's immune system is ready to make all these antibodies.
  • Allergic reactions are less common or are often less severe. If you or your partner are allergic, we strongly recommend breastfeeding. Allergic reactions in babies are manifested by abdominal cramps, eczema, respiratory infections and colds. These symptoms are often less severe with breastfeeding and occur later.
  • A baby's teeth and jaws develop better when a baby is breastfed.
  • Breastfeeding promotes mother/child bonding. Babies feel safe and comforted when they are breastfed.
  • The fat reserves that are built up in the mother during pregnancy are completely or partially used up during the breastfeeding period. So you often lose your pregnancy calories faster.
  • You always have breast milk with you in the right amount and at the right temperature.
  • Breastfeeding is free.
Breastfeeding is recommended by all health organizations in the first months after birth. The general advice is to breastfeed completely for six months.
WHO and UNICEF developed Ten Rules of Thumb for Breastfeeding Success. All institutions for mother and child care must ensure that:
  1. that they have a breastfeeding policy on paper, which is made known as standard to all employees involved.
  2. that all employees involved learn the skills necessary to implement that policy.
  3. that all pregnant women are educated about the benefits and practice of breastfeeding.
  4. that mothers are helped with breastfeeding within an hour of the birth of their child.
  5. that women are taught how to latch on to their babies and how to maintain milk production even if the baby has to be separated from the mother.
  6. that newborns do not receive any food other than breast milk, nor extra fluids, unless on medical indication.
  7. that mother and child can stay in one room day and night.
  8. that breastfeeding is pursued on demand.
  9. that breastfed newborns are not given a teat or pacifier.
  10. that they maintain contacts with other institutions and disciplines about breastfeeding counseling and that they refer the parents to breastfeeding organisations.
Of course we work according to the rules of thumb of the WHO and we will do everything we can to make breastfeeding a success. For this we also have the necessary tools that you can rent or purchase from us, so that we can respond immediately to problems if necessary. Think of a stock, nipple shields, etc.

Despite all the benefits that breastfeeding offers, we realize that breastfeeding isn't always a breeze. Breastfeeding (sometimes) takes a lot of energy and time in the beginning, but once it works, breastfeeding is very pleasant and easy.
Practical tips for breastfeeding:
  • Put on your baby (or ask them to do so) within an hour of birth.
  • Breastfeeding is a matter of supply and demand. The more often a baby drinks (and therefore asks) the more food the mother makes.
  • Feeds on demand in the beginning to get the feed going as quickly as possible. Try to put your baby on at least every three hours (more often is always allowed!).
  • Take the baby into your room for the first few weeks, so that you can immediately respond to his request for a drink.
  • By applying often in the beginning, breastfeeding will start faster, so that the baby is more in a rhythm.
  • Do not bottle feed or pacifier the baby.
  • The latch may be painful at first when the baby sucks, but this pain should subside. Otherwise, put the baby on again.
  • For the first few days, give both breasts with every feed.
  • When you take the baby off the breast, first release the vacuum by putting your little finger between your baby's jaw.
  • Try a different position during the maternity week (together with the maternity nurse), this will prevent breast infections.
  • If you have undergone a breast reduction, it is often more difficult to breastfeed. You can ask your doctor which surgical techniques he has used and whether breastfeeding is possible for you.
If you would like to know more about breastfeeding, you can of course contact us with any questions or visit one of the websites below. However, you can also choose to attend information evenings. Both the ZuidZorg (www.zuidzorg.nl), the Maxima Medical Center and the Natural Breastfeeding Association (www.borstvoeding natuur.nl) organize information meetings in the region.

Websites:
There are also situations where parents would do well to choose bottle feeding. For example, in case of certain medication use, or when the mother is very reluctant to breastfeed. Ultimately, the most important thing is a mother who feels comfortable with what she is doing. If you decide not to breastfeed, it is useful to already have a bottle, teat and food at home. If you have any questions about the type of bottle or teat, please discuss this during the consultation.
But which food? In principle, normal infant formula, which has a 1 on the packaging, is fine from all brands. It is also important to always buy the same brand of formula. This prevents taste changes and intestinal colic as much as possible.
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