Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is a natural process, but it can also take practice, time and confidence. With us, you are never on your own. Our midwives and lactation consultants support you and your baby from pregnancy, during your stay on the maternity ward and whenever you have questions afterwards. Our hospital holds the BFHI label as a baby-friendly hospital.
famille maternité
Breastfeeding: 10 rules of thumb

Breastfeeding is a natural occurancy. Our maternity ward supports mothers in this proces to get the best outcome. We follow the 10 rules of thumb for succesful breastfeeding that are based on the statement of the World Health Organization (WHO). Our midwifes and lactation consultants are continuously taking additional training so they can help you with all of your questions. 

All activities related to breastfeeding are framed within these 10 rules of thumb. In doing so, we ensure that:

  • We have a written policy on breastfeeding and we communicate it to all staff involved.
  • We teach all staff involved the skills necessary to implement the policy.
  • We educate all pregnant women about the benefits and practice of breastfeeding.
  • We help mothers to start breastfeeding within an hour of their baby's birth.
  • We explain to mothers how to latch their baby on and maintain milk production even when mother and baby need to be separated.
  • Newborns are not given any food other than breast milk and no extra fluids unless on medical grounds.
  • Mother and baby may stay together in the room day and night (rooming-in).
  • We pursue breastfeeding on demand.
  • No breastfed newborn is given a pacifier.
  • Women at the end of their stay in the maternity ward are aware of the organizations that can provide assistance with breastfeeding problems.

Brochure

Why breastfeed?

Breast milk is tailored to your baby’s needs. Its composition changes as your baby grows and develops. In the first few days, your baby receives colostrum: a concentrated first milk that is rich in nutrients and protective substances.

Breastfeeding also supports the bond between you and your baby. It is completely normal to feel unsure or to have questions at first. Our midwives will guide you step by step.

The first feed after birth

Immediately after birth, it is important to get your milk production off to a good start and to keep it going. A good start makes a real difference. Our midwives and lactation consultant will patiently help you put your baby to the breast. You will receive plenty of advice and practical tips to reassure and support you during those first days.

It is important to get to know your baby well and to understand how breastfeeding works. Breastfeeding is a process and can be different from one feed to the next. This means you may receive different pieces of advice. The basics are always the same, but the guidance is always tailored to you and your baby.

Support on the maternity ward

During your stay on the maternity ward, our midwives will help you with:

  • Recognising hunger cues
  • Positioning your baby correctly at the breast
  • Finding a comfortable feeding position
  • Questions about milk production, engorgement or sore nipples
  • Expressing milk when needed

Your partner will also receive tips on how to support you and your baby.

Do you have specific questions about breastfeeding during your pregnancy? Feel free to ask our lactation consultant and/or register for our dedicated breastfeeding information session.

We help you get started

Breastfeeding works on supply and demand: the more often your baby feeds, the more milk your body produces. In the first few weeks, 8 to 12 feeds in 24 hours is normal. Do not wait until your baby cries before feeding. Instead, look out for early hunger cues, such as turning the head to search, licking the lips or bringing the hands to the mouth.

Has your baby not fed for a long time? You may wake your baby by holding them close for skin-to-skin contact or by changing their nappy. Because your baby’s stomach is still small and breast milk is digested quickly, your baby will want to feed often. The more your baby drinks, the higher your hormone levels and the more milk you produce.

A correct latch is important to avoid discomfort. You can tell that your baby is drinking by the movements near the temples. During feeding, you may feel drowsy or sleepy. You may also feel your womb contract, which can feel like afterpains or period pain.

Are you unsure whether your baby is drinking enough? Feel free to discuss this with your midwife, lactation consultant or paediatrician.

Click here to read the Kind en Gezin brochure (in dutch). It contains detailed information about breastfeeding and everything that comes with it.

What if breastfeeding is difficult?

Always ask for support from a midwife and/or lactation consultant. But if you choose to give your baby formula, that is perfectly okay too. We respect every choice. During pregnancy and after birth, we support all parents as well as possible with plenty of tips and information. Before you go home, the midwife will explain fully how to prepare a bottle of formula and you will be able to try it yourself. That way, you can go home well informed.

Breastfeeding information session

Under the guidance of a midwife/lactation consultant, you will receive clear information about breastfeeding, its benefits, how it works and what to expect in hospital and at home. It is best to attend this session from 30 weeks of pregnancy.

  • Duration: 45 minutes
  • Location: Aesclepion room, route 201
  • Registration: at the kiosk in the entrance hall
  • Who: group session, maximum 5 couples
  • When: every first Monday of the month at 5.00 pm and 7.00 pm
  • This information session is optional. You can register via the gynaecology secretariat on 011 69 94 85 or at dr_gynaecologie@stzh.be.

This session is fully reimbursed by your health insurance fund.

Is breastfeeding difficult, or would you prefer a personal information session? Every first Monday of the month between 2.00 pm and 3.30 pm, you can book an appointment for an individual information session. You can register via the gynaecology secretariat on 011 69 94 85 or at dr_gynaecologie@stzh.be.

Frequently Asked Questions

For your baby:

  • The composition of breast milk is more easily digestible and always adapted to your baby.
  • It allows for better development of jaw and mouth muscles.
  • It provides greater protection against infections such as respiratory, urinary and intestinal infections, ear infections and meningitis.
  • Preventing obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease later in life.
  • It improves brain development and nervous system development.
  • You provide important antibodies that he cannot yet make himself.
  • Less chance of eczema and allergies.

For you:

  • It creates a stronger bond between mother and child.
  • You have less blood loss, your uterus contracts better during feeding.
  • Diminished risk of ovarian and breast cancer.
  • Faster return of weight after pregnancy.

Do you have a different preference anyway?

Then, of course, that's perfect! We respect every choice. Both during pregnancy and after childbirth, we assist all parents as best we can with lots of tips and information. 
 

The first milk your body produces when you start breastfeeding is called colostrum. It is rich in proteins, sugars and other essential nutrients, and offers many benefits for your baby.

Key benefits of colostrum:

  • Helps protect against infections
  • Supports your baby’s immune system and gut function
  • Helps reduce the risk of jaundice
  • Supports your baby’s growth and development

In the beginning it is only a few drops of milk but these give a bomb of energy. It is normal for your baby to lose weight in the first few days. His birth weight will be regained after an average of 14 days. If your baby drinks well you will hear him swallowing and sucking. He will be relaxed after feeding and fall asleep spontaneously. It is normal if your baby wants to drink more in the evening. Once home, he should have a minimum of six pee diapers a day. Your baby is satisfied when he is calm after feeding.

During growth spurts, your baby may want to feed more often. Feeding on demand helps your milk supply adjust to your baby’s needs. Make sure you get enough rest and drink plenty of fluids during these days. It is normal to lose a little weight.

During this period, your baby will prefer to stay close to you day and night. The more your baby feeds, the more milk your body produces. In the evening, your baby may want to breastfeed more frequently. Using a dummy can sometimes lead to missed feeds.

Breastfeeding is not always easy in the beginning. Talk to your partner so she feels supported and knows she is not alone. Show interest in breastfeeding and her feelings. It is nice to limit visits as much as possible in the beginning so you can adjust in peace. During breastfeeding itself you can't do anything but you can help change diapers, give a bath, play and cuddle with the baby to strengthen the bond. You may also definitely help be alert for hunger signals and watch to see if the baby is drinking properly. Be understanding to your partner and give compliments to boost her confidence. 

Manual expression can be a helpful technique throughout your breastfeeding journey. It can be particularly useful in the following situations:

  • During the first 48 hours
  • If your baby is not latching onto the breast
  • If your baby is in an incubator
  • If your baby has low blood sugar levels
  • To relieve engorgement and make latching easier
  • If you have flat or inverted nipples, to help draw the nipple out

How do you express milk by hand?

  1. Wash your hands
  2. Gently massage your breasts, moving from the chest towards the nipple using circular motions
  3. Use a C-hold
  4. Place your fingers 2–3 cm behind the nipple, on the areola
  5. Press your thumb and fingers back towards the chest, then together, and then forward towards the nipple
  6. Move your hand around the areola if the flow of milk slows down

Breastfeeding seems obvious, but problems often arise due to lack of knowledge. Prepare well for breastfeeding during your pregnancy so that you can prevent or solve the problems below. Always have the assistance of a midwife or lactation consultant.

The most common discomforts are:

  • Nipple clefts: This is a common problem during the first few days of breastfeeding and is usually due to incorrect positioning of the baby. Get guidance on this and also try to change your position for latching often. It may help to apply a little breast milk to the nipple after feeding and let it dry.
  • Regulated days: On these days, your baby suddenly wants to drink more. He is growing and thus also needs more milk. Regulator days occur around day 10, at 3 and 6 weeks and at 6 months. Take extra rest and drink enough during the control days. After 1 to 4 days, milk demand will be stable again and there will be more time between feedings.
  • Bulking: This occurs a few days after delivery. Your breasts feel heavy, full and tense. Put your baby on often and massage your breasts. Before feedings, you can use a warm gel pillow to stimulate milk flow. After feeding, you can use a cold ice bag to relieve the pain. You can also pump a little manually before the feed to relieve tension and make it easier for your baby to latch on.
  • Breast infection: This can have several causes. Before feeding, warm your breast with a compress and while feeding, massage the hard spot with circular motions towards the nipple. Let your baby drink from the sore breast first. You may take a painkiller for the pain. Symptoms disappear within 24h.

Need more information? Read the full brochure here (in dutch)

Departments

Would you like more information or to make an appointment? If so, please contact our maternity ward. 

Maternity

Contact

Telephone 011 69 98 41