Mother breastfeeding her newborn baby
Parent & Child
12.09.2025 Ifenna Ekezie 3031

Breastfeeding start tips from NotdienstHebamme

For new parents, breastfeeding is a wonderful but often challenging phase that brings with it many questions and sometimes uncertainties. 

Midwife Katharina provides mothers and fathers with advice and support during this special time. With her online service "NotdienstHebamme", she shares her knowledge about pregnancy, birth, postpartum and recovery - both in online courses and in consultation hours. 

In this interview, Katharina reveals her most important tips for breastfeeding: What does she think is part of a successful breastfeeding start? What can mothers do if breastfeeding doesn't work right away? And how can partners provide emotional and practical support during this time? 

What you can expect in this article

Dear Katharina, what tips do you have for a successful start to breastfeeding immediately after the birth?

Midwife Katharina von Notdiensthebamme: A successful start to breastfeeding ideally begins in the so-called "golden hour". Skin-to-skin contact is key here: it stabilizes the body temperature, calms mother and child and stimulates the release of oxytocin - this binds, supports the involution of the uterus and facilitates the milk let-down reflex. 

Another valuable aspect is the "breast crawl " - the intuitive crawling to the breast. If the baby is allowed to follow this natural path, it strengthens its reflexes and makes latching on much easier. For many women, this intuitive start to breastfeeding is an encouraging experience that helps them to establish a loving breastfeeding rhythm right from the start. 

How do you provide support when breastfeeding is difficult? 

Ideally, there should be no breastfeeding problems. This means that I spend a lot of time preparing well for the birth, the time with the baby and breastfeeding. But of course this doesn't help to avoid every breastfeeding problem. Breastfeeding problems such as sore nipples, engorgement or uncertainty when latching on are common - and not uncommon. Midwives are an important source of support in such cases.  

I start by checking the breastfeeding position. A small adjustment can relieve pain and improve milk intake. Finding the right breastfeeding position often takes a little patience, but then the pain quickly subsides. 

In addition, frequent, correct latching onis crucial for sufficient milk production - especially in the first few days when the supply-rhythm principle is not yet stable. Gentle breast massages before breastfeeding can also stimulate the milk let-down reflex. It is worth practicing this during pregnancy. 

And if breastfeeding is not possible - what alternatives are there and how do you support mothers?

There are various reasons why women do not want to or cannot breastfeed. The medical reasons are really rare. Breast-milk substitute formula (infant formula) is then a safe, tested alternative: the decisive factor is correct preparation - clean water, precise dosage, hygienic handling. It is important to ensure that the food contains pro- and prebiotics to support the baby's intestinal flora. 

Bottle-fed babies do not have to do without closeness. That's why I encourage mothers who don't want to or can't breastfeed to give their baby the same closeness when bottle-feeding as would be normal when breastfeeding. 

Sometimes expressed breast milk is also a transitional or supplementary option. My approach is clear: decisions are made without judgment. Whether direct breastfeeding, pumping or bottle-feeding - the bond is created through closeness, warmth and care, not just through the type of feeding. 

Katharina's midwife mantra for breastfeeding: 

"Breastfeeding is an interplay of body, bonding and inner balance. When these components are in harmony, the experience becomes something wonderful - and if not, there are also loving ways beyond the breast." 

How can the environment, such as the partner, be supportive during breastfeeding?

Partners play an essential role - even if they are not breastfeeding: 

  • They can provide enormous relief with practical help such as food, drinks, housework or changing diapers.
  • Emotionally, an encouraging word or loving gestures are often worth a lot during the strenuous breastfeeding times. 
  • It is particularly helpful if your partner actively supports you: Passing water while breastfeeding, gently taking the baby after a meal or regulating visiting times. 

This support creates space for calm, self-confidence and a relaxed breastfeeding rhythm. Your partner can also be helpful when breastfeeding. It is therefore a good idea for them to familiarize themselves with the handling of breastfeeding before the birth. 


 

How important are the mother's nutrition and well-being for breastfeeding? Are there any taboos? 

Breast milk is a source of nutrition and protection in one - perfectly tailored to the child's needs and immunoprotective. It contains antibodies and supports the physical and emotional adaptation of both. 

There is no strict diet for breastfeeding mothers 

Rather, a balanced, varied diet (with proteins, vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids), combined with regular fluid intake, is key. Water or tea after thirst is sufficient - special lactation teas are not necessary. They have no proven medical effect. However, the EMA explicitly advises against drinking fennel tea, as animal experiments have shown that the estragole it contains can be carcinogenic. 

Alcohol and nicotine consumption, on the other hand, are taboo - medication only after consultation

Alcohol passes into the breast milk and has an effect on the baby. The parents' reaction speed should also be as good as possible. Alcohol inhibits the ability to react and is therefore taboo for this reason alone.

Nicotine should also be avoided. It is harmful to the baby in the air, on the clothes of the caregivers and also in breast milk. Some medicines also pass into breast milk. Medication should therefore never be taken without consulting a midwife or doctor. 

Otherwise, if you are relaxed and balanced, you will breastfeed more easily and for longer

Thank you so much for the interview, Katharina! 

 

Midwife service before and after the birth 

In cooperation with NotdienstHebamme, pme Familienservice offers professional support and supplementation to outpatient midwife care: 

1. tested online courses: With the tested tips and practical instructions , new parents and pregnant women receive comprehensive support in the online courses from NotdienstHebamme that can be accessed at any time - ideal for preparing for the new addition to the family.  

Online courses are available on the following topics: Birth preparation, baby care, regression, baby massage, breastfeeding.

Online course on breastfeeding from NotdienstHebamme

The online breastfeeding course from NotdienstHebamme contains comprehensive preparation for breastfeeding, an introduction to different breastfeeding positions and help with pain and breastfeeding problems. Incl. "Breastfeeding e-book" with over 50 pages and all topics again in written form.

 

2nd midwife consultation hour: With midwife advice from NotdienstHebamme via video chat, telephone or e-mail, parents receive quick answers and support, even with psychosocial stress such as mood swings and baby blues. 

Further information on the cooperation with NotdienstHebamme can be found in the service portal My Familienservice. Not yet a customer of pme Familienservice? Please contact us! 

 

FAQs on starting and maintaining breastfeeding

1. what is meant by the "golden hour" when starting breastfeeding? 

The "golden hour" refers to the first hour after birth, when skin-to-skin contact is established between mother and baby. This promotes the start of breastfeeding by strengthening the bond and supporting the milk let-down reflex.

2. how can I avoid breastfeeding problems such as sore nipples? 

A correct breastfeeding position and regular, correct positioning of the baby are crucial. Midwives can help to find the optimal position and thus alleviate pain. 

3 What to do if breastfeeding is not possible? 

Breast-milk substitute formula is a safe alternative. Hygienic preparation is important. Closeness and care during feeding are just as important as the type of nutrition.

4 How can partners support breastfeeding? 

Practical help in the household, emotional support and active participation, such as taking care of the baby after mealtimes, provide relief for the breastfeeding mother. 

5 What are the nutritional tips for breastfeeding mothers? 

A balanced and varied diet and sufficient fluids are important. Alcohol and nicotine are taboo. Medication should only be taken in consultation with a midwife or doctor. 

zero employee assisstance successfully | GIM-Forsight Study

Graphic with the text: Work-life balance is not a sure-fire success
Leadership & HR
07.11.2023 Daniel Erler 10377

employee assisstance successfully: EAP study

The futurologists at GIM-Foresight conducted the empirical study "EAP-Success-Factors" on behalf of pme Familienservice . The study explores how employee assistance programs (EAP) are perceived and which components have an influence on employee acceptance and satisfaction.

The new empirical study "EAP-Success-Factors" by GIM-Foresight shows what is important for the acceptance and use of employee assistance programs/employee assisstance (EAP). The study explores how such programs are perceived and which components have an influence on employee acceptance and satisfaction.

 

Many companies see a growing need for measures to increase employer attractiveness, both in the context of attracting new employees and retaining their employees.

Young employees in particular have far more differentiated expectations when choosing a company. Organizations should show more consideration for employees' private lives, offer more flexibility in the context of mobile working and also pay more attention to a sustainable corporate culture that also takes employees' physical and mental well-being into account.

The characteristics of EAP programs/employee assisstance

Against this backdrop, companies are increasingly offering support services that are particularly dedicated to employees' professional and private issues. In Germany, the focus is often on work-life balance, but comprehensive health management is also increasingly being offered, with sports and relaxation programs, health advice and psychosocial counseling and coaching in difficult life situations.

The benefits of employee assisstance

Numerous studies prove the benefits of EAP offerings for companies and employees:

  • Retention of staff: Savings are achieved through lower staff turnover and the retention of employees with children or dependents in need of care.
  • Recruitment: Qualified staff and managers can be recruited, as surveys show that work-life balance is an increasingly important criterion for choosing an employer.
  • Reduced absenteeism: The number of sick days taken by employees decreases as family bottlenecks and health difficulties are minimized.
  • Increased performance: By reducing stress factors, employees can concentrate better on their work and at the same time prevent health problems.

A meta-study by management consultants Deloitte shows that the average return on investment (ROI ) for employers who invest in health-promoting measures is 1:5.3, i.e. for every euro that employers invest in such measures, they achieve an economic added value of 5.30 euros (Deloitte, 2022).

EAP programs are not a sure-fire success

The added value of EAP programs for companies is widely accepted today. However, it is often underestimated that the impact of support offers depends heavily on the specific design and communication of such measures. It is therefore not enough to offer just any program. The "EAP-Success Factors" study therefore explores how such programs are perceived and which components have a less strong influence on employee acceptance and satisfaction.

The results of the study will be presented in detail on November 14(register for the livestream). We are anticipating some of the findings here.

Study findings: a preview

employee assisstance is important for employees

In general, employee assistance programs are highly relevant for employees, especially when it comes to work-life balance measures. More than two thirds (70%) of respondents state that EAP offers from the company are important to them. This figure is even higher for managers (77%) than for employees (68%).

Graphic shows how many respondents answered that EAP is important to them.

Managers are the main users

Managers make use of EAP services far more frequently (87%) than other employees (50%). This indicates that managers are better informed about the offers and at the same time take advantage of such services much more naturally. It can also be assumed that high potentials now have a certain expectation of EAP services and that such services are increasingly important for the recruitment and retention of managers.

Graphic showing how many employees state that they use or have already used EAP.

What focus do employees want from EAP/employee assisstance ?

When asked which focus the survey participants would place on the expansion of EAP services, the focus is relatively evenly distributed between mental (35%), physical (35%) and work-life (30%) services. However, these preferences vary substantially depending on age, gender and the presence or absence of children. It is therefore hardly surprising that women (36%) and men (38%) with children place much more value on work-life balance options than women (22%) and men (24%) without children.

It also shows that the importance of physical health services increases with age. In the 18-29 age group, only 25% focus on expanding such offers, while the proportion of respondents over 60 is 54%. Conversely, mental health and work-life balance services are more important for younger employees under the age of 40.

Graphic showing which priorities respondents would like to see in EAP.

Conclusion

EAPs and programs for employee assisstance can have a positive impact on both employees and the company's image: from reducing stress and absenteeism, to promoting enjoyment of work and satisfaction with the employer, to supporting the image as progressive, innovative and employee-oriented.

The use of EAP is very pronounced among managers, while only 50 percent of the employees surveyed had used EAP. The following factors are particularly important for employee use: cost coverage by the employer, a wide range of offers, individual and flexible access and usage options, and fast access.

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The study design

From the end of May to the beginning of June 2023, the market research institute GIM-Foresight conducted a quantitative online survey in Germany, which took an average of 15 minutes to complete. The sample comprised a total of 1,000 employees, including 382 managers. All participants had to be employed in companies with at least 200 employees at the time of the survey. The sample size was deliberately chosen to ensure a comprehensive and multi-layered data basis for assessing the impact of EAPs on employee satisfaction and well-being in German companies. Participants were recruited via online access panels.

References

Deloitte (2022), Mental health and employers. The case for investment - pandemic and beyond, London, UK.

Portrait of midwife Katharina

Midwife Katharina from NotdienstHebamme

Midwife and founder of "NotdienstHebamme", certified sleep coach, first aid trainer

As a state-approved midwife with extensive experience since 1999, Katharina offers professional support during pregnancy, in the postpartum period and in the infant and toddler period.  

Their aim is to accompany expectant mothers and fathers safely and well-informed through this special time.