Many women want to breastfeed after the delivery. They often say that they want to do this “if it works”. Breastfeeding is basically a normal bodily function that works for almost all women and children. It is just something that the mother and/or the child will do for the first time, and everything you do for the first time takes some time before it all goes smoothly. On top of that you will start your breastfeeding just after giving birth, being tired and maybe a bit stunned. You have just become a mother, the world is turned upside down and your hormones are all over the place.
This is the reason we recommend learning about breastfeeding before starting to do it. We will give a book on breastfeeding to you during the pregnancy so you can start reading about it. If you have any questions about breastfeeding or if you expect problems with breastfeeding please talk to us about this during our consultation hours at the practice.
Our practice has been certified by the Care for Breastfeeding foundation (now known as: babyfriendlynederland.nl. This means that we comply with the requirements set by the World Health Organisation regarding guidance during breastfeeding. We will discuss breastfeeding during the pregnancy, guide you during the first feeding after the birth of your child and we are responsible for the policy on breastfeeding during the kraambed (the first week after the delivery). During the kraambed you will be guided by the kraamverzorgster (maternity nurse) that has a lot of knowledge about (guidance of) breastfeeding.
The World Health Organisation has set ten rules for optimum chance to succeed with breastfeeding. All organisations for mother- and childcare need to:
1. have a policy on breastfeeding written down, which by default is made known to all staff members involved.
2. teach all involved staff members the skills that are necessary for carrying out that policy.
3. educate and inform all pregnant women about the working of and advantages of breastfeeding.
4. help mothers breastfeed within the hour after giving birth.
5. explain to mother how to position their baby and how to maintain milk production, even if the mother and child need to be separated.
6. make sure that the newborn child does not receive any other food or drink, unless there is a medical indication.
7. arrange for the mother and child to able to stay together in a room during day- and night time.
8. look after that breastfeeding on request is being pursued.
9. make sure that newborns that receive breastfeeding are not being given pacifiers or soothers.
10. stay in contact with other organisations and disciplines about guidance of breastfeeding and refer the parents to breastfeeding organisations.
For more information on breastfeeding you can visit the following sites:
borstvoeding.nl
borstvoeding.com
lactation consultant Myrte van Lonkhuijsenlactation consultant Room Borstvoeding
flyer courses/renting pumps/cafés in the Amsterdam area
borstvoedingscentrum.nl
borstvoeding.startkabel.nl
Hand Expression Of Breast Milk (instructional video how to pump manually)
La Leche League