Are you interested in learning more about breastfeeding before your baby is born so you can feel more prepared?
Our partner Agata Gaertner put together an overview of courses and resources for us that you can use to learn more about the option of breastfeeding.
Agata is the founder of Stillie, where she is on a mission to make prenatal and postpartum lactation care more accessible and accurate through the use of digital innovation. They just launched their prenatal breastfeeding assessment, which we have included in the list below.
Stillie Prenatal Breastfeeding Assessment: Gain valuable insights to understand and address potential factors that could influence your milk supply, so you can prepare for your breastfeeding journey.
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
Midwife Jana Dahms offers an in-person "Breastfeeding preparation" course in Berlin Charlottenburg
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
Stillie article "10 Essential Tips for Successful Breastfeeding"
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).
In cases where that support may be insufficient, Agata recommends reaching 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.
In Berlin, Agata highly recommends Katrin Bautsch, IBCLC, who works directly with a IBCLC gynecologist at her practice as part of an emergency breastfeeding care center (and offers consultations in English)
We can also recommend Maggie Towe (IBCLC), how has written articles for Kietzee on the topics of breastfeeding and introducing solids to your baby
And finally, Dr. Gabi Pimenta (IBCLC) offers prenatal breastfeeding workshops and 1-on-1 sessions.
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.
