'ne Dosis Wissen | Der Medizin-Podcast für Menschen im Gesundheitswesen · Apotheken Umschau Pro & gesundheit-hören

Neue Leitlinie zum Stillen gibt klare Empfehlungen

March 6, 2026·12 min·1 clip

A new German guideline now gives clear recommendations on how long mothers should exclusively breastfeed.

The episode begins by framing breastfeeding duration as a widely debated societal and medical question. It introduces the new S3 guideline as providing clear recommendations for the first time in Germany. The hosts explain that S3 represents the highest evidence grade for guidelines, issued by relevant German medical societies. The guideline's two main recommendations are outlined: exclusive or predominant breastfeeding for the first six months and a total breastfeeding duration of at least twelve months. The episode contrasts this with the WHO's recommendation of breastfeeding up to two years or longer and Germany's previous vague stance from the Nationale Stillkommission. An interview segment with guideline coordinator Regina Ensenauer, a pediatric nutrition physician at Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, is featured. She explains the evidence base, describing the methodology as an 'umbrella review' that synthesizes multiple systematic reviews. Ensenauer clarifies that the twelve-month minimum was chosen due to sufficient evidence, while longer durations may have benefits but lack strong evidence. The episode details the definitions of 'exclusive' and 'predominant' breastfeeding, noting that predominant allows additional liquids like water but no formula or solid foods. It addresses the recommendation to introduce complementary foods only after six months, emphasizing this should be individualized. Health benefits are listed, including reduced risks of infections, asthma, and developmental disorders like ADHD or autism in children, and lower risks of osteoporosis, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes in mothers. Criticism from the Berufsverband der Kinder- und JugendärztInnen and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Pädiatrische Allergologie is presented, arguing the recommendations are too rigid or counterproductive for allergy prevention. The hosts conclude by summarizing the guidelines and stressing they should not create pressure but provide a framework for individual decisions in consultation with healthcare providers.

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