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To mark World Breastfeeding Week on October 2, experts from the Medical Center - University of Freiburg are providing information about the benefits of breastfeeding for mothers and children

From October 2 to October 8, 2023, World Breastfeeding Week 2023 aims to encourage mothers to breastfeed. That is why a designated breastfeeding expert at the Medical Center - University of Freiburg is available to all mothers after birth to provide advice and support. The hospital's women's milk bank is also a valuable help in special situations. A breastfeeding congress will be held at the hospital on Wednesday, October 4, to focus even more on the topic of breastfeeding and to share the latest research findings.

"Breastfeeding is more than just food intake; it is an important building block for the development of the emotional bond between mother and child," explains Prof. Dr. Ingolf Juhasz-Böss, Medical Director of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Medical Center - University of Freiburg. "Breast milk provides all the nutrients that a newborn needs in the first six months. In addition, the antibodies contained in breast milk help to strengthen the baby's immune system." In addition, studies have shown that prolonged breastfeeding can reduce the risk of breast cancer later in life.

If the amount of breast milk is not sufficient for premature babies, for example, the little patients can be helped with a breast milk bank. At the Women's Milk Bank Freiburg (FMBF) at the Center for Pediatrics of the Medical Center - University of Freiburg, donated breast milk is collected, examined and processed for premature or sick children.

Breastfeeding in special situations

Under the motto "Breastfeeding in special situations", the 7th Breastfeeding Congress of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology will take place on Wednesday, October 4 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the lecture hall of the University Women's Hospital . The lectures and practice-oriented workshops are aimed at all those who promote and support breastfeeding in their everyday work: Pediatricians and gynecologists with their team, midwives, obstetricians, employees in early help and youth welfare offices. Experts will share their diverse knowledge on topics such as lactation in families with adopted children, breastfeeding with special oral surgery or inflammatory breast diseases during breastfeeding. All information about the congress and the registration link can be found at www.uniklinik-freiburg.de/stillkongress

For a good start in life

The teams in the obstetrics department, the maternity ward and the neonatal intensive care unit are specially trained to support new parents in all matters relating to breastfeeding. Naturally, women who do not want to or cannot breastfeed are also given advice on how they can give their child warmth and security with formula. At the courses and information evenings of the Parents' School of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, expectant and young parents learn what is important for the well-being of their baby. "Together, we want to ensure that our newborns have the best possible start in life," says Juhasz-Böss.

Caption: Breast milk provides all the nutrients that newborns need in the first six months. This is why donated breast milk is collected, examined and prepared for premature or sick babies at the Women's Milk Bank Freiburg at the Medical Center - University of Freiburg.
Image source: Medical Center - University of Freiburg