World Breastfeeding Week 2024

“Breastfeeding-friendly structures. For everyone.” – the motto of this year’s World Breastfeeding Week emphasizes the importance and necessity of a supportive and inclusive environment for expectant and breastfeeding mothers. World Breastfeeding Week takes place every year during the 40th calendar week, this year from September 30 to October 6, 2024. “Our goal is to create a society where every mother, regardless of her background, has access to the resources and support she needs to successfully breastfeed” (Aleyd von Gartzen, spokesperson for National Breastfeeding Promotion).

We midwives at St. Josefs Hospital wholeheartedly support this. Not just once the baby is born (and wants to be breastfed).
During pregnancy, midwifery support can address questions about previous breastfeeding experiences, as well as physical and mental preparation. Realistic expectations for the time after birth are discussed in the childbirth preparation course and are also addressed in our information evening. When you come for your birth registration, feel free to bring your birth plan, where you can outline your wishes for breastfeeding support in the delivery room and postpartum unit.

A solid foundation for breastfeeding is laid through reliable information—both for families and healthcare professionals—and the Golden Hour. Taking time for bonding right after birth, making initial attempts at breastfeeding, and providing support where it’s needed are essential. Babies born smaller than expected for their gestational age or those born 3-4 weeks before their due date require a bit more attention and more frequent feedings. Additionally, gestational diabetes can affect the baby, so early feeding of colostrum is recommended.

Many spend the first days after birth at St. Josefs Hospital in the postpartum ward St. Anna, sometimes in family rooms. This allows for professional support to be available around the clock. Plenty of skin-to-skin contact with the baby is encouraged and helpful for learning how to care for the baby and recognizing its early signs for wanting to breastfeed. Upon request, bonding wraps and nursing pillows can be used.
Of course, there are babies who cannot be (exclusively) breastfed. In these cases, empathetic guidance leads to a breastfeeding-friendly approach to extra feeding and loving feeding methods that work well for the family.

In the postpartum period at home, we are happy to support you through the many challenges of everyday life with your new family member. A significant portion of our work usually focuses on providing excellent breastfeeding support. Thorough examinations of both mother and baby, observing an entire breastfeeding session, and addressing both small and large concerns about the baby’s well-being require attention. Often, simply reassuring the family about what they are doing is enough. Occasionally, some additional support is needed to ensure that breastfeeding goes smoothly.

Until the end of the breastfeeding period, you are entitled to midwifery support for breastfeeding and feeding difficulties. Your (statutory) health insurance covers the costs for your midwife to provide advice on issues like blocked milk ducts or other difficulties, even if your child is already 8 months old—or even two years.
As breastfeeding children grow, their needs change, as do the needs of the parents. Breastfeeding groups led by midwives or lactation consultants offer a safe space for sharing experiences and provide professional support.

In case of medical issues that exceed the “normal range,” your midwife will consult your gynecologist or pediatrician, depending on the situation.

Every family must be aware that the success of breastfeeding is not solely the responsibility of the person who is breastfeeding!
Partners, grandparents, friends (with and without breastfeeding experience, but definitely with opinions on the matter), personal and health circumstances, media in the broadest sense, and breastfeeding-friendly environments… The “bubble” in which the family operates can either create immense pressure or make things significantly easier.

We midwives are aware of our responsibility and stay up-to-date through participation in training, workshops, professional literature, and interdisciplinary exchange.
And do you know which other professions need to be knowledgeable or must stay informed? Gynecologists, pediatricians, (children’s) nurses, anesthesiologists, general practitioners, dentists, dermatologists, physiotherapists, rheumatologists, internists, educators in nurseries and kindergartens, trainers, psychotherapists/psychologists, staff at poison control centers… this list is far from complete.

We support you on your individual (breastfeeding) journey!