Mother breastfeeding her newborn baby
Parent & Child
12.09.2025 Ifenna Ekezie 3037

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 Post-stress syndrome: sick as soon as vacation arrives

A young man sits by the pool with a blanket wrapped around him and blows his nose
Psyche
20.06.2025 Kerstin Altrock 42405

Post-stress syndrome: sick as soon as vacation arrives

The summer vacations are just around the corner and then this: migraines, infections, stomach problems. As soon as you've packed your suitcase, you're already lying flat and your vacation is over before it's even begun. Post-stress syndrome - also known as leisure sickness syndrome - strikes stressed people whenever they switch into recovery mode.

At a glance: 

Post-stress syndrome often occurs when people under stress go on vacation and suddenly fall ill. Researchers at the University of Trier have found that people with high stress levels are particularly affected, which manifests itself in symptoms such as migraines, infections or stomach problems. The lack of noradrenaline during recovery is one possible cause.

According to a recent study by IU University, it can be directly linked to stress in everyday working life.

Strategies for coping include good stress management and regular exercise before going on vacation. A test called "Neuropattern" can help to determine the individual risk and take appropriate measures.

 

While others are well rested and tanned and talking about their vacation adventures, have you spent most of your time in bed? "Why does this always happen to me?" you ask yourself. In fact, it's usually the same people who regularly fall ill when their vacation is just around the corner.

This was discovered by a group of researchers from the University of Trier. They surveyed around 1,500 healthy test subjects and patients with acute physical or mental illnesses. The result: healthy people with little stress only very rarely suffer from post-stress symptoms (2.3 percent). In the mentally ill test subjects, the symptoms occurred in 20 to 35 percent.

Leisure sickness: high work pressure puts a strain on many

The phenomenon of "leisure sickness" or post-stress syndrome is not a recognized illness, but it is more than just a figment of the imagination. According to Prof. Dr. Stefanie André, an expert in health management at IU International University, it can be directly linked to stress in everyday working life.

In the representative study "Leisure Sickness: Exhausted instead of recovered" (2025), 1.9 percent of employees report so-called leisure sickness - i.e. physical complaints such as exhaustion or symptoms of illness that occur on days off or on vacation.

The results of the IU study clearly show what is bothering many employees:

  • High working pressure (33.7 %)
  • Lack of support from superiors and colleagues (30.0%)
  • Unclear distribution of tasks (23.4 %)
  • Unbalanced work-life balance (20.8 %)
  • Imprecise tasks (20.8 %)

In addition, long working hours (17.3%) increase the risk of the body rebelling at precisely the time when rest is actually needed - for example at the weekend or on vacation.

Stressed people fall ill four times as often

The most common complaints include tiredness or exhaustion, sleep problems, irritability, headaches and cold symptoms.

The test subjects who most urgently needed a vacation and rest were most likely to suffer from post-stress symptoms, say the Trier scientists. The risk of falling ill on vacation has been four times higher for people under a lot of stress than for people who are not stressed.

Why are you always sick when you go on vacation?

The scientists also investigated why these symptoms break out during the recovery phases.

Professor Dirk Hellhammer from the University of Trier explains:

"Stress mobilizes the neurotransmitter noradrenaline particularly strongly in our central and autonomic nervous system. If the demands are particularly intense and long-lasting, the consumption of noradrenaline exceeds the synthesis of new noradrenaline. During periods of rest, too little noradrenaline is then released, leading to a disturbance in the balance of functions in the nervous and immune systems, which causes post-stress symptoms."

Ways out of post-stress syndrome

95.5 percent of respondents say that leisure time is a useful break from the stress of work (IU study). Only 4 out of 10 employees in Germany stated that they are unable to find the necessary relaxation in their free time . 

Employers are also in demand here: according to the IU study, 63.6 percent of those surveyed would like more support from their company - for example through health offers or flexible break arrangements.

Well thought-out stress and break management can also help.

Relaxation exercises provide support, as do avoiding stress factors and good time management.

Plan small exercise sessions before your vacation

However, the best stress killer is still exercise. However, it's too late to start relaxing on vacation. It's best to incorporate small units of exercise into your daily routine weeks in advance and, for example, walk around the block during your lunch break. Exercising for 30 minutes three times a week should noticeably reduce our stress levels.

Test: Am I affected by post-stress syndrome?

Anyone who wants to know exactly whether they are suffering from post-stress symptoms can have this reliably measured using a diagnostic procedure ("neuropattern") developed by the Trier scientists. If such symptoms and complaints are detectable, a combination of medication and dietary supplements with stress and break management can be helpful.
 

Free online yoga: every Tuesday, 8 pm!

The free online yoga course takes place live on YouTube every Tuesday at 20:00 . With over 12,000 registered participants, it is Germany's largest online yoga course. You too can become part of our constantly growing yoga community.

More info: Online yoga on YouTube

 

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.