Are you interested in learning more about breastfeeding before your baby is born so you can feel more prepared?
With the help of our partners we have put together an overview of courses and resources for us that you can use to learn more about the option of breastfeeding:
Global Media Project: Well made educational videos around breastfeeding in multiple languages (free of charge)
La Leche Liga: An international organization that provides information and support to those who want to breastfeed their babies.
English speaking local support groups and English speaking lactation consultant
Kietzee interview about La Leche League International with Katerina Koukaki, a volunteer leader for the organization
Gravidamiga offers online prenatal breastfeeding workshops
Boob School: Paid, antenatal breastfeeding course with eight 5-15 minute videos, a private Facebook group and weekly support calls ($197)
Their founder, Kelly also shares helpful breastfeeding tips in her Instagram
It's also important to know that breastfeeding support is part of the postpartum care provided by a midwife (and therefore covered by the public health insurance).
If you are based in Berlin you can also attend a midwife led, in person
Midwife Jana Dahms offers an in-person "Breastfeeding preparation" course in Charlottenburg
Hebammenzeit in Friedrichshain offers a Breastfeeding class for all pregnant people, with or without previous breastfeeding experiences
In cases where that support may be insufficient, you may reach out to an IBCLC Lactation Consultant (IBCLC stand for International Board Certified Lactation Consultant®). IBCLC lactation consultations are paid by some insurance companies in Germany like AOK Hessen or private insurances.
We can recommend Maggie Towe (IBCLC), who has written articles for Kietzee on the topics of breastfeeding and introducing solids to your baby.
Dr. Gabi Pimenta (IBCLC) offers prenatal breastfeeding workshops and 1-on-1 consultations (in English and Portuguese).
Katrin Bautsch, IBCLC, has also been recommended. She works directly with a IBCLC gynecologist at her practice as part of an emergency breastfeeding care center (and offers consultations in English)
Find an IBCLC Lactation Consultant in Germany (most of them are German but may speak English)
Finally, you can check if your chosen hospital is one of 100+ certified Baby Friendly clinics in Germany. Baby friendly clinics are meant to follow 10 comprehensive steps (including bonding support, space to arrive together and smart breastfeeding) as outlined by the World Health Organization (WHO).
However, a direct correlation between baby-friendly certifications and breastfeeding outcomes cannot always be established as was pointed out in this very good article by economist and ParentData founder Emily Oster, which you may find interesting.
