Ammeveiledning

Ammeveiledning, or breastfeeding guidance, refers to professional and peer support provided to parents to facilitate successful breastfeeding, typically offered after birth and during the early weeks. It is available in hospitals, community health centers, and through home visits. The aim is to help mothers initiate breastfeeding, establish an effective latch, and maintain breastfeeding.

Content includes how to position the baby for latching, recognizing feeding cues, feeding duration and frequency, signs of adequate intake (such as six to eight wet diapers, regular stools, and steady weight gain), and managing common problems (latch difficulties, sore nipples, engorgement, and milk supply concerns). It also covers expression and storage of milk, use of pumping equipment, and when to seek further assessment.

Access and providers: Ammeveiledning is delivered by midwives, nurses, health visitors, and lactation consultants (IBCLC). In many settings, prenatal classes include ammeveiledning, and postnatal lactation support is offered in hospitals, clinics, or through home visits. It is often free or subsidized as part of maternal health services.

Guidance and limitations: The guidance often emphasizes exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months where possible, following national guidelines; it also acknowledges that not all families can or choose to breastfeed and supports informed choice and respect for feeding decisions. Professional advice should supplement medical care if there are health concerns for mother or baby.