Breastfeeding: why, how long for, and «how»?

2. Why is breastfeeding important in the early months?

Breast milk contains proteins, important fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and iron. These nutrients provide the ideal combination for a baby’s physical and mental development. Breast milk also contains antibodies which help to prevent infections. Babies that were breastfed also have a lower risk of becoming ill in later life and are less susceptible to diabetes, heart disease and allergies. But breastfeeding is about more than nutrition. It strengthens the emotional bond between mother and child and provides affection and warmth.

3. Why is it dangerous to diet immediately after pregnancy?

Mothers should eat a balanced, varied and healthy diet while breastfeeding. Breastfeeding increases a woman’s energy requirements by about 500 kcal per day. The body takes this energy either from additional food or from reserves accumulated during pregnancy. Sudden weight loss, for example due to a strict diet, can put the baby at risk. In addition, toxins stored in adipose tissue are released from the body when you lose weight quickly, and can pass into the breast milk.

4. Can I eat anything I like while breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding mothers should be careful about eating some varieties of fish (e.g. swordfish, herring, salmon and tuna), which may be contaminated with dioxins and mercury. In addition, substances such as caffeine, alcohol and nicotine should be avoided, as these can pass into breast milk through the bloodstream and can harm the baby. Taking medication (including alternative medicine) can also be risky, so any medicines required should be discussed with your doctor in advance.

5. What vitamins does a nursing mother need? What do vegans need to bear in mind?

Breastfeeding mothers should consume plenty of folic acid (e.g. green vegetables), vitamin C (e.g. citrus fruits), vitamin D (e.g. avocados), calcium (e.g. nuts) and iron (e.g. legumes). It's important to get enough protein, because the daily protein requirement increases by about seven grams during breastfeeding. This is equivalent to an extra portion of dairy products, such as 200 ml milk or one yogurt per day. A vegan diet is not recommended without supplementary intake of vitamins and minerals found mainly in animal products.

6. Can I play competitive sports while breastfeeding?

Physical activity is important, but you should be careful not to overdo it. Breast milk can be affected in particular by anaerobic exercise, when the body produces lactic acid as a result of extreme physical activity (e.g. during a marathon). The blood carries the lactic acid into the breast milk and makes it taste sour and bitter, which can lead to the baby refusing the milk. Experts recommend slowly resuming exercise around six weeks after birth. Activities such as walking, light jogging, inline skating or swimming are ideal.

7. When can I start bottle feeding?

Breastfeeding is a learning process for both you and your child, so it can take some time to get used to. That's why you shouldn't give breast milk by bottle during the first six to eight weeks. After that, you can start using bottles to give your baby expressed milk, but if you intend to express milk regularly it’s worth investing in an electric pump. Many pharmacies, hospitals, midwives and breastfeeding specialists have pumps you can hire.

8. How long does expressed milk keep?

Breast milk keeps for up to eight hours at room temperature (between 17°C and 25°C), and less at higher temperatures. You can store breast milk for up to 72 hours in the fridge and if you freeze it in small amounts in sealed containers, it will keep for up to six months.