The first breastfeeding: How to build a loving breastfeeding relationship

Congratulations on your pregnancy! You may have given a lot of thought to how you want to breastfeed your baby. Did you know that 90 % of pregnant women want to breastfeed, but only 57 % of mums actually fully breastfeed at the end of the postpartum period? This shows that many start out with the desire to breastfeed, but encounter obstacles that make it difficult for them to do so. Frequently cited reasons are pain, the feeling of too little milk or breast inflammation.

But that doesn't have to be the case! With the right preparation, you can avoid many difficulties and have a wonderful start to breastfeeding. After all, breastfeeding is not just about nutrition, but also about bonding, warmth and security - for you and your baby.

Why the first few hours are so important

Immediately after the birth, your baby is exhausted from its arrival in the world. It now needs a lot of closeness, warmth and your support. Ideally, it should lie directly on your chest after the birth. Skin-to-skin contact helps your baby to recover from the birth, feel your heartbeat and recognise your familiar smell.

After a short recovery phase, your baby will look for the breast. It will instinctively crawl to your breast and try to realise the first sucking reflex. This first latch-on is a crucial moment. It promotes milk production and strengthens the bond between the two of you.

Colostrum: a little treasure for your baby

In the first few hours, your body produces colostrum, the so-called "colostrum". Although it is present in small quantities, it is incredibly valuable: it contains lots of calories and important immunoglobulins that strengthen your baby's immune system. Your newborn's stomach is tiny at the beginning, so this small amount is perfectly sufficient.

How to master the first docking

To ensure that breastfeeding is comfortable right from the start, the correct latch-on technique is crucial:

• The right positionYour baby's nose should be level with your nipple. Gently touch your baby's upper lip with your nipple - this encourages your baby to open its mouth wide.
• Deep application techniqueThe baby should not only suck on the nipple, but take the nipple deep into the mouth. The lower lip should be turned outwards and the baby's head should not be overstretched or bent.
• No painCorrect suction should not be painful for you. If it does hurt, check the application technique or get help.

What to do if it's difficult at the beginning?

It is completely normal that the first breastfeeding does not work immediately for everyone. Your baby could be tired from the birth or still have amniotic fluid in its stomach, which inhibits the sucking reflex. Give you both time! If necessary, you can express a few drops of milk and give them to your baby with a small spoon.

If you have had a caesarean section and the first latch was delayed, you can start breastfeeding as soon as you and your baby are together again. Your partner can help you to hold and stabilise the baby if you still have limited mobility.

Frequency is the key to breastfeeding success

In the first few days of life, it is important that your baby goes to the breast regularly. This stimulates milk production and your baby learns to suckle better and better. Even if it sleeps a lot, you should wake it up gently so that it drinks and keeps its blood sugar stable.

Why the effort is worth it

Breastfeeding is much more than just nutrition. Breast milk is the best food for your baby and strengthens its health in the long term. At the same time, your health also benefits from breastfeeding - it supports your emotional bond with your baby and helps your body to regenerate more quickly after the birth.

Prepare for breastfeeding during your pregnancy and get support from a midwife, breastfeeding counsellor or the people around you. The more you know about breastfeeding, the more confident you will be as you embark on this special journey with your baby.

You can breastfeed your baby!

Breastfeeding can be a wonderful start to your life together. Give yourself and your baby the time you need and get help if you are unsure. With patience, love and the right preparation, you can build a strong breastfeeding relationship that strengthens and connects you both.

Use the first few hours after the birth to take the first steps towards a successful start to breastfeeding!