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Bd de la Cluse 30
1205 Genève
Switzerland

Begoña Martinez de Tejada Weber
Professor
Begoña Martinez de Tejada Weber
Médecin-cheffe de service

Breastfeeding

Unless when medically indicated breastfeeding on demand is recommended for all babies. The timing and frequency of feeds vary from one newborn to another. During the first 4 to 5 months, your baby will double in weight. If your baby suckles correctly your milk production will adapt to its needs.

The first days

During the first days, we suggest you keep your baby with you in your bedroom, because the waking periods are short and rare. If the baby does not try to suckle, place it on your chest. Your body odor will stimulate the baby. You can also manually extract colostrum from your breast. In the maternity ward you will learn about the waking periods that show that your baby is ready to suckle.

A baby needs to suckle frequently, including at night. A feed may last between 10 to 45 minutes. Keep in mind that the duration and frequency of feeding differs from baby to baby and from one mother to another. Leave the baby on the breast as long as it continues to suckle effectively. You will learn to recognize the signs of effective suckling

The night

The sleep cycles of the newborn are unpredictable and take several months to settle down. In addition, the baby’s stomach is small, and breast milk is very digestible.

Our recommendations

You can find information about the most comfortable positions, the feeding process, the criteria for efficient suckling, how to express milk by hand and also breast massages on the internet at Breastfeeding (FR).

Our breastfeeding consultants are available to guide and reassure you. Breastfeeding consultation with appointment 022 372 44 00 or 079 553 23 69.

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Tips for night-time feeding :

  • Place the baby’s bed in your bedroom.
    Lie down Avoid turning on the light and only change the diaper if necessary.
    Try to keep pace with your baby by resting during the day.

Tips for successful breastfeeding

  • Breastfeed on demand, not according to a fixed schedule.
  • Do not limit the frequency or duration of breastfeeding.
  • Watch for signs of awakening.
  • Avoid giving the baby a pacifier before starting breastfeeding.
  • Breastfeed only without supplementing milk, unless medically indicated. In some cases it is possible to extract your milk and give it to your baby in a bottle.
  • Share your experience with other people who have had a positive experience with breastfeeding.
  • Contact breastfeeding support networks.
  • Listen to yourself and trust yourself.

During certain periods, your baby suckles more often than usual. Your breasts naturally produce more milk to meet the increased need.

Stool and breat milk

After the first month, the stools of breastfed babies are sometimes less frequent than those of bottle-fed babies. Some may even have no stools for several days. This is a normal phenomenon. It is due to the composition of breast milk, which babies can fully absorb. If the baby suckles well, continues to gain weight, has wind, urinates 5 to 6 times a day and behaves normally, there is no need to worry

Regurgitations

Many babies spit out milk after a meal. Regurgitations may be abundant, but they are most often temporary and not serious. To limit such occurrences, keep your child upright for a few minutes after breast. If the baby puts on little weight, has less appetite, sleeps badly and wakes up suddenly crying, consult your pediatrician

The difficulties of breastfeeding

Difficulties in starting breastfeeding – such as nipple sensitivity, pain, cracks or congestion – may occur. The midwifery team is available to assist you in this process.

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The brochure Allaiter pour bien démarrer dans la vie (Breastfeeding for a good start in life), will be given to you on leaving the Maternity.

What are the reassuring signs ?

  • Your baby wakes up spontaneously and often to suckle.
  • It suckles effectively 8 to 12 times a day during the first months. Swallowing is frequent and regular
  • At the end of feeding, the baby is calm and relaxed.
  • Around the 5th day of life, the baby has at least 3 stools (yellow and granular) a day and urinates 5 to 6 times a day.
  • The baby slowly regains weight and recovers its birth weight in 10 to 15 days.

What signs do you need to pay attention to ?

  • Feeding is rare (less than 5 to 6 per day) during the first stages of breastfeeding.
  • Swallowing is rare. Your baby is crying all the time.
  • Stools are rare.
  • The baby urinates little (less than 4 times a day).
  • Your baby is not gaining weight.
  • Your baby sleeps all the time.

In such cases, consult your pediatrician.

You are sick

Do you have a temperature, a cold, Covid-19, the flu or gastroenteritis? You can continue to breastfeed. Consult your doctor and do not take any medication without medical advice from a doctor or pharmacist. Common diseases, intervention must not mean stopping breastfeeding. Each situation should be evaluated with a breastfeeding professional (midwife, gynecologist, pediatrician or lactation consultant). Medical treatment can generally be adapted so that breastfeeding can continue.

Your baby is sick

It is strongly recommended to breastfeed your baby, especially if it is ill because of the antibodies present in the breast milk. If your child is hospitalized, the Division of General Pediatrics lactation consultants will give you all the information you need to continue breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding and work

Your maternity leave ends. If you want to continue breastfeeding your baby, contact your midwife or lactation consultant three weeks before you return to work. Ask your employer about the measures offered by your company to promote breastfeeding. Finally, be aware that a Swiss federal law protects women who breastfeed their children. You can also choose to stop breastfeeding. Your midwife will tell you about the transition to infant formula.

For further information :

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L’Organisation mondiale de la santé The World Health Organization recommends breastfeeding only until six months of age. Beyond that, it should be supplemented by a varied diet. It may also be that, for professional or personal reasons, you decide to end breastfeeding before 6 months. Progressive weaning is recommended to prevent breast pain and getting your baby used to bottle feeding.

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Last update : 12/11/2024