Are you faced with the decision of whether or not to breastfeed? This question is on the minds of many expectant mothers, and it is completely normal for you to be concerned about it.
The decision to breastfeed is very personal and influenced by many factors – from your professional situation to your health and your individual circumstances. While the WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, there are also other ways to feed your baby healthily.
This article will give you all the important facts about breastfeeding, its pros and cons, and practical alternatives. We will help you make an informed decision that suits you and your baby.
The scientific facts about breastfeeding
The scientific facts speak for themselves when it comes to the benefits of breastfeeding. Let's take a look at the latest research together.
Health benefits for your baby
The composition of breast milk is unique and perfectly tailored by nature to your baby's needs. Scientific studies show that breastfed babies suffer from 40-70% fewer infections in the first few months of life.
Particularly impressive are the long-term effects on your child's development:
- Lower risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes
- Better cognitive development and fewer behavioral problems
- Stronger immune defense against infections of the respiratory tract and gastrointestinal tract
Positive effects on your health
As a breastfeeding mother, you also benefit from numerous health advantages. For every year you breastfeed, your breast cancer risk is reduced by about 4%. The hormones that are released during breastfeeding accelerate the involution of your uterus and prevent uterine prolapse.
Research also shows that breastfeeding mothers are less sensitive to stress. This is due to the hormone oxytocin, which is released during breastfeeding.
What research says about emotional bonding
Science confirms that breastfeeding is more than just nutrition. When you breastfeed, both you and your baby release oxytocin, also known as the “love hormone”. Recent studies show that this hormonal process positively influences your baby's brain development.
What's also interesting is that the intensity of the brainwave interaction between mother and child is particularly strong when you communicate positively with your baby and maintain frequent eye contact. This neurological connection makes it particularly easy for your baby to learn from you.
Your personal decision-making process
Your personal decision to breastfeed is as individual as you are. After looking at the scientific facts, let's now look at how you can make your own informed decision.
Important factors for your decision
Studies show that five main factors influence your decision to breastfeed:
- Your personal views and experiences
- Advice from family and friends
- Recommendations from health professionals
- Social norms
- Media portrayal
It is important to know that you alone make this decision for you and your baby. Do not let yourself be influenced by external pressure.
Combining work and breastfeeding
If you go back to work, you have special rights as a breastfeeding mother. In the first twelve months after the birth, you are entitled to at least two 30-minute or one 60-minute breastfeeding break per day if you work an eight-hour day. This time is paid and does not have to be worked afterwards.
Practical tip: Talk to your employer early on about a suitable breastfeeding room and flexible working hours. Many companies today offer family-friendly solutions.
Consider your mental health
Your mental health plays a central role in your decision to breastfeed. Research shows that exclusive breastfeeding leads to a significantly lower risk of depression. However, if breastfeeding only causes stress, these stress hormones will also end up in the child through the breast milk.
Watch out for these warning signs:
- Excessive pressure and stress
- Lack of sleep
- Feelings of being overwhelmed
Remember: a relaxed, balanced mother is best for your baby, whether you breastfeed or not. Professional lactation support can help you find the right balance.
Practical alternatives to exclusive breastfeeding
If you decide not to breastfeed exclusively, there are a number of practical and safe alternatives available today. Let's take a look at the main options.
Choosing the right pre-formula
Pre-formula is a specially developed infant formula suitable for use from birth. Like breast milk, it contains lactose as the only digestible carbohydrate. Its composition is regulated by law throughout Europe and is based on scientific recommendations.
Important selection criteria:
- Choose pre- or stage 1 formula for the first months of life
- Look out for HA formula if there is a family history of allergies
- Note the purity criteria and nutrient composition.
Partial breastfeeding as an option
Partial breastfeeding offers you more flexibility and is a practical alternative to exclusive breastfeeding. It allows you to combine the advantages of breastfeeding with the practicality of bottle feeding.
When bottle feeding, it is important that you:
- Only offer the bottle to your baby when they show interest
- Hold your baby as upright as possible
- Use smaller portions (under 170ml) to avoid overfeeding
Expressing and storing breast milk
Expressed breast milk is a valuable alternative if you are unable to breastfeed directly. The shelf life depends on the storage temperature:
| Temperature | Shelf life |
| 16-29°C | 4-6 hours |
| 4-15°C (cool bag) | 24 hour |
| 4°C (refrigerator) | 3-5 days |
| -18°C (freezer) | 6 months |
Important note: Thawed breast milk will keep for a maximum of two hours at room temperature and must not be refrozen. Never heat the milk in the microwave, but gently in a water bath.
Finding and accepting support
Support with breastfeeding can make all the difference – whether you decide to breastfeed exclusively or use an alternative. The right support services can give you more security and success on your chosen path.
Professional help from a lactation consultant
Studies show that mothers who receive adequate breastfeeding support before and after the birth are significantly more likely to be successful at breastfeeding. Professional support is particularly valuable for:
- Insecurities when latching
- pain or sore nipples
- questions about milk supply
- reconciling work and breastfeeding
- special challenges such as premature births
Important: Most health insurance companies cover the costs of midwife care, while special breastfeeding counseling often has to be paid for additionally.
The role of your partner
The support of your partner has a demonstrably strong influence on your breastfeeding success. Studies show that the likelihood of successful breastfeeding is 1.8 times higher when the mother is actively supported by a partner. After six months, the number of mothers whose partners have been involved in breastfeeding counseling is even five times higher.
Your partner can support you practically by:
| Type of support | Examples |
| Emotional support | Encouragement, listening, reassurance |
| Practical support | Baby care, household, meals |
| Organizational support | Coordinating appointments, managing visits |
Exchange in breastfeeding support groups
Breastfeeding support groups offer you a safe space for exchange and mutual support. These meetings are led by qualified breastfeeding counselors and usually do not require registration.
Advantages of breastfeeding support groups:
- Sharing experiences with other mothers
- Professional advice in a relaxed atmosphere
- Building a supportive network
- Empowerment in your role as a mother
You can join breastfeeding support groups while you are still pregnant to get the best preparation. The social interaction is particularly valuable if you don't have anyone around you who has experience breastfeeding.
Conclusion
The decision to breastfeed is an important milestone on your journey as a mother. As you have seen, scientific facts support breastfeeding – from health benefits to emotional bonding. At the same time, reality shows that there is no single right way for all mothers.
Your personal situation, your job and your well-being play a central role in this decision. Whether you choose to breastfeed exclusively, partially or opt for an alternative, with the right support and information, you can make the best choice for you and your baby.
Remember: a relaxed, content mother is the most valuable thing for your baby. Take all the time you need to make your personal decision about breastfeeding and don't be afraid to accept help. With the right preparation and support, you will find your way to optimally nourish and care for your baby.
References & Literature
- Bundesanstalt für Landwirtschaft und Ernährung: "Wie klappt es mit dem Stillen? Tipps für die Stillzeit", unter www.ble.de
- Bundesinstitut für Risikobewertung: "Fragen und Antworten zur Risikobewertung von kosmetischen Mitteln", unter www.bfr.bund.de
- Bundesverband Deutscher Laktationsberaterinnen IBCLC e. V.: "Mythen zum Stillen - Ammenmärchen", unter: www.bdl-stillen.de
- Deutsche AIDS-Gesellschaft e.V.: Deutsch-Österreichische Leitlinien zur antiretroviralen Therapie der HIV-1-Infektion, AWMF 055-001, Version 8 vom 03.09.2020, unter www.awmf.org
- Deutscher Hebammenverband: Praxisbuch: Besondere Stillsituationen, 2. Auflage, Hippokrates Verlag, 2021
- Europäisches Institut für Stillen und Laktation: "Stillprobleme", unter www.stillen-institut.com
