Feeding your baby

Breastfeeding or formula?

Your baby needs milk for growth and healthy development.

Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is the most natural source of nutrition for your child. In addition to antibodies, breast milk contains all the nutrients a baby needs to grow and develop. Breastfeeding provides protection against allergies and various diseases, both for yourself and your baby, for now and later.

There are several ways to prepare for breastfeeding. You can attend a breastfeeding information evening. There are also several ways to learn more on the internet. On the website of the Voedingscentrum (Dutch Nutrition Centre) there are videos about preparing for breastfeeding and starting breastfeeding.

If you have questions or experience difficulties while breastfeeding, you can contact a lactation consultant or breastfeeding expert. There is breastfeeding support from Naviva along with breastfeeding practices.

Lactation consultants in the region:

Anneke ten Hove, Borstvoedingspraktijk Voor jou Deventer

Erna Klein Hofmeijer, Praktijk voor Borstvoeding Schalkhaar

Breastfeeding and work

If you want to breastfeed and you are back at work you have the right, until your baby is nine months old, to pump or breastfeed at work.
During the first nine months of your child’s life, you may breastfeed or pump as often and for as long as necessary. With a maximum of a quarter of your working day or shift, and in consultation with your employer. During these breaks, you will be paid as usual. It is important to know whether you are working with hazardous substances during this period, as these may pass to your baby via breast milk.

Formula

If you cannot or do not want to breastfeed, formula is a good alternative. Choose a formula for 0-6 months. There are various brands available, each of which is certified as safe by the Dutch Commodities Act. Bottles and teats are also available in various types and sizes. It is often a matter of trying out several options to see which is best suited to you and your baby.

Information and advice

There is an informative session about feeding your baby and the postpartum period and there is an informative session about breastfeeding. You can register for these free of charge. You may also schedule an appointment with a lactation consultant during your pregnancy for personal advice.

Various websites and brochures are available about feeding the baby
More information is available on the following websites:
| Voedingscentrum formula |