Bottle- or breastfeeding, the best start for your child

Several studies have shown that breastfeeding is the best start for your child. Mother milk contains exactly the right amount of nutrients that your baby needs. It also protects your baby, among others, against infections due to the antibodies that are found in breast milk.

borstvoeding Breastfed babies are also less likely to have allergies and they usually have a stronger immune system. Despite those benefits it is not self-evident for everyone to start breastfeeding. You can decide not to breastfeed your baby based on medical or personal reasons. Bottle feeding is a good alternative then. The most important thing is that you choose a way of feeding that you and your baby feel comfortable with. A way that fits you.

Preparation

The same goes for breastfeeding: well begun is half done! It is therefore recommended to learn more about breastfeeding during your pregnancy. By attending breastfeeding evenings or reading books and sites, you will be optimally prepared!

Breastfeeding: the benefits

for your baby

Breast milk contains all the nutrients that your baby will need in the first six months. Your baby will only need extra vitamin K and D.
Breastfeeding can help protect your baby against diseases. It contains antibodies and other important nutrients. Especially the milk (the colostrum) that your body produces in the first few days after labour contains large amounts of nutrients that protect against diseases. After this period, the milk contains a smaller amount of these nutrients, but since children drink more then, they take in the same amount of protective nutrients as in the beginning.
Babies experience less pain, for example when having the blood spot test done, when they are breastfed since birth.
Breastfeeding may protect your baby against obesity later in life.
Breastfeeding doesn’t cost anything and you always carry it with you.

for you

Breastfeeding reduces bleeding after labour.
Breastfeeding helps to lose any weight gained during pregnancy.
Breastfeeding helps to build a relationship between you and your child. Skin-on-skin contact when breastfeeding helps to produce the hormone oxytocine, which is called the ‘cuddle hormone’. It will make you and your baby feel calm and at ease.
There are indications that women who have been breastfeeding for a long time have a lower risk of certain types of breast cancer.

More about breastfeeding

Lactation consultant

Lactation consultants are specialised in breastfeeding and everything that comes with it. Breastfeeding means sometimes (especially during the first week) that you will have to invest, but it is often well worth it. To have a good start breastfeeding, it is sometimes necessary to get some extra help and advice. A consult with a lactation consultant can be of great help. In most of the cases it is reimbursed by your healthcare insurer.

Bottle feeding

flesvoeding Perhaps you’ve already decided that you would like to bottle feed your child. Then, it is useful to have bottles and infant formula at home. Most of the babies can start with the standard infant formula of any brand. Do not buy many bottles of the same brand. Sometimes it appears your baby drinks better from a different bottle. Make sure you have the smallest teat size.
More about bottle feeding