The endless benefits of breastfeeding

Life Springs Parkland Hospital hosted a free breastfeeding awareness event on Saturday.

Sister Nontobeko Sangweni says their maternity ward promotes breastfeeding exclusively for the first six months of a baby’s life.

They believe in the endless benefits for both mother and baby during breastfeeding.

“We do understand that there may be reasons a mother cannot breastfeed, but we would like you to exhaust all options before you decide to stop trying to breastfeed.

“If you are struggling to get milk in the first few days, you can ask your partner to suck on your breast.

“This action sends a message to your body to create milk and meet the demand,” she explains.

She adds that parents should be very careful of myths that could negatively affect the quality of breast milk.

“Drinking certain kinds of beer does not help you produce more milk.

“You are not supposed to consume alcohol at all.”

She also addressed concerns from moms who were worried about their milk supply when they return to work.

“Your workplace should give you an opportunity to pump and relieve your breasts during the day.

“Make sure you store the milk in the fridge or freezer.

“Then when decanting frozen breast milk, do not put it in hot water.

“Leave it to defrost slowly at room temperature and use tap water to submerge it.

“Only once it is completely unfrozen should you use hot water to warm it up,” explains sister Sangweni.

Sister Thobile Mabaso then encouraged mothers to take good care of themselves after giving birth.

“Nutrition is as important when you are breastfeeding as it was when you were pregnant.”

She encouraged the mothers and expectant mothers to fill their diet with fruit and vegetables.

“To stay properly hydrated you need to drink more than two litres of water every day,” she adds.

Sister Mabaso warned the women to be realistic about weight gain or loss after they give birth.

“Our bodies are not the same, so you need to accept that there are changes that may be permanent.

“But your body may also go back to how it was before you were pregnant.”

She says new moms can start exercising lightly after six weeks of delivering their baby, especially if a mother had a C-section.

“When you start driving, you need to pay attention to how your body responds.

“If you start to feel uncomfortable, then stop driving,” she says.

Emotional care is just as important as physical care.

“Your hormones changing can cause some mental anguish.

Some women get post-natal depression. If you need to speak to someone, a psychologist, please get help.

“Support groups can also be helpful.”