Breastfeeding counselling available to all young mothers in Estonia

At a time when more and more people are experiencing economic hardships, both doctors and the healthcare system emphasise that breast milk is the best start in life for a child.

“No product can fully replace breast milk,” says Marge Põldma, head of breastfeeding counselling at the Women’s Clinic of East Tallinn Central Hospital. “In addition to supporting the child’s immune system, breastfeeding has long-term protective effects against cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and obesity in children, and it also reduces the risk of breast or ovarian cancer in breastfeeding mothers. The longer the breastfeeding period, the lower the risk.”

“During the first six months of life, breast milk provides everything a baby needs to grow and develop, so babies do not need additional fluids such as water, tea or juice, nor solid food, until they are six months old,” continues Põldma. “This means that breastfeeding is not only healthy for both mother and baby, but it is also the most affordable and universally accessible way for everyone to provide the best to their child.”

Unfortunately, starting breastfeeding is not always easy for mothers. Without support structures like breastfeeding counselling offices at hospitals, many young mothers and families might give up breastfeeding earlier, opting for formula instead of breast milk and introducing solid foods sooner. However, the World Health Organisation recommends breastfeeding exclusively for the first six months and, if appropriate, continuing breastfeeding in the second and third years of life, as breastfeeding lays the foundation for a person’s health and development throughout their life.

According to Põldma, the concerns of Estonian mothers regarding breastfeeding are often similar: “The baby is not latching on properly, breastfeeding is painful, the nipples crack, there is engorgement, the baby vomits after each feeding, the baby is constantly eating and is still hungry, there does not seem to be any milk in the breast or the baby starts biting the breast. There are solutions to all these problems and it is essential to remember that both the mother and baby go through a rapid developmental stage during the first months, where professional advice may be necessary. A breastfeeding counsellor helps mothers achieve their individual breastfeeding goals and supports the WHO recommendation to continue breastfeeding until the baby is naturally weaned from the breast.” 

The East Tallinn Central Hospital Women’s Clinic, where every fourth child is born in Estonia, advises mothers to always go to the nearest breastfeeding counselling office for any breastfeeding concerns and to not give up on breastfeeding.  “When breastfeeding, a mother is never alone; she can always turn to the nearest breastfeeding counsellor with her questions and concerns,” says Marge Põldma. “Do not hesitate to seek additional help if you need it.”

Breastfeeding counselling is free for young mothers in Estonia and it is worth visiting your nearest breastfeeding counselling office. 

As part of International Breastfeeding Week, East Tallinn Central Hospital will organise a traditional breastfeeding picnic on 6 August from 12:00-14:30 on the hospital’s back green area (Ravi 18) to promote breastfeeding and thereby contribute to improving the health and well-being of society. Experienced gynaecologists and breastfeeding counsellors will talk about breastfeeding and women’s health at the picnic. Families with breastfeeding-age children and those interested are welcome as the success of breastfeeding also depends on the support of the community.