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Feeding

Feeding your baby: breastfeeding or formula

As a parent-to-be you want the best for your little one. So think about how you want to feed your baby: breastfeeding or formula. Below you will find facts that help you make this important choice.

Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is the most natural and complete food for young children. Research shows that breastfed babies are ill less often and develop fewer allergies. Breast milk actively protects against illness. During pregnancy the mother passes on antibodies through the placenta. Breastfed babies receive extra protection through antibodies, other proteins and immune cells in the breast milk.

Painting of a mother with her baby in our consulting room

After the birth, milk production starts. Colostrum is the first breast milk: thick, creamy and yellow, rich in proteins and minerals. It is easy to digest because it contains little fat and carbohydrate. Its laxative effect helps pass the first stools (meconium), which can prevent jaundice. The composition of the milk varies per mother, per stage of breastfeeding and during a feed, to match the baby’s daily needs. The baby’s sucking movement stimulates the development of the jaw and speech. What is more, breast milk contains components that support the development of the brain and nervous system.

After a premature birth, breast milk is fully adapted to the needs of a premature baby. It is geared to optimal growth (short term) and neurological development (long term). Exclusive breastfeeding protects against allergies, and a longer period of breastfeeding strengthens this protection. Breastfeeding also has direct and long-lasting positive effects for the mother:

  • Less blood loss after the birth (lowers the risk of anaemia).
  • A lower risk of breast cancer (before the menopause).
  • A lower risk of osteoporosis.
  • A lower risk of ovarian cancer.

Taking care of yourself

To take good care of your little one, it is important to take good care of yourself too. While breastfeeding, your own diet is a basic diet with proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. Make sure you have extra calories (200-500 kcal) and extra fluids.

Breastfeeding is something you learn together

Breastfeeding is a learning process; good support is essential. Information, preparation and support make it a success. The first weeks are for getting used to each other and learning this process together. Do not give up too quickly, and ask for further support if it is difficult. The WHO and UNICEF recommend exclusive breastfeeding up to 6 months. Many mothers enjoy breastfeeding and continue for longer, which is good for both mother and child.

How do you start breastfeeding?

Newborns have a rooting reflex to find the breast, latch on and feed. Skin-to-skin contact with the mother keeps babies warm and helps regulate their breathing and heart rhythm. Breastfeeding straight after the birth can help the placenta come sooner, reduce blood loss and strengthen the emotional bond between mother and baby. Babies are often very active for up to two hours after the birth, after which they fall into a deep sleep.

For breastfeeding to go well:

  • After the birth: put your baby to the breast, preferably within an hour.
  • Imprinting: a strong sucking reflex.
  • Skin contact: a positive effect on hormone levels.
  • Breastfeeding on demand: watch for your baby’s signals.
  • Offer both breasts at each feed.
  • No supplementary feeding.
  • Let your baby sleep in your room (rooming-in).

Formula feeding

Breastfeeding is the first choice. The most important difference lies in the protective properties: living components can never be added to formula. If breast milk is not an option, formula is an acceptable alternative for healthy newborns. Formulas are based on cow’s milk or soya beans. Formula contains no antibodies, living cells or enzymes. The constant composition of formula differs greatly from the constantly changing composition of breast milk. Formula contains considerably more protein, and its proteins and fats are fundamentally different from those in breast milk.

Following the safety instructions carefully is essential. Formula as a supplement can be necessary for medical reasons. Find the right formula that suits your baby. If you are breastfeeding and your baby needs formula for medical reasons, choose a feeding method that is compatible with breastfeeding. Finger feeding or feeding with a special syringe are good alternatives. Support from an expert is recommended.

Help and more information

Lactation consultant

At the practice we work together with an independent lactation consultant and with the lactation consultant of the maternity care agency PKZ:

  • Cora Moerman, independent lactation consultant: 06-26024976
  • Lactation consultant through the maternity care agency PKZ: 079-3431314

Reading and useful addresses

Find out more about breastfeeding in these books and/or websites (in Dutch):

More about After the birth

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