“Breastmilk comes in excellent packaging, it’s available on-demand, always fresh, the perfect concentration for a growing baby’s needs, at the right temperature and overall is packed with amazing, nutritious and protective elements for baby,” says Dr Noluthando Nematswerani, Head of the Centre for Clinical Excellence at Discovery Health.
“For baby, the benefits of breastfeeding include a lowered risk of infections such as diarrhoea, ear infections, pneumonia, and of childhood obesity, sudden infant death, and hospitalisation.
“Mom’s antibodies are passed on to the baby to offer protection during the very vulnerable, first few months of life, while baby is developing its own immune system.”
Midwife, internationally certified lactation specialist, and CEO of Belly Babies(online antenatal class), Sister Hannah Visagie adds:
“Colostrum is the first form of breastmilk that a mother makes after giving birth. Colostrum is nutrient-rich and high in antibodies and antioxidants.
“It contains immunoglobin A, which seals the baby’s gut, protecting it from viruses and bacteria. Colostrum changes to mature breast milk supply within three to five days after birth.”
“Breast milk is also very easily digested by baby ensuring their access to all of its benefits. This is important, especially in the early stages when the baby’s digestive tract is still getting going.”
And, breastfeeding has a host of benefits for mom!
Breastfeeding helps with weight loss after giving birth, stimulates the uterus to contract and return to its normal size, lowers the risk of breast and ovarian cancer, osteoporosis, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and more.
Plus it’s free and really importantly, it enhances bonding between the mom and baby, especially when done skin-to-skin.
“It really concerns me that our country is reported to have one of the lowest breastfeeding rates on the African continent.”
“The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that children are breastfed exclusively (feeding the baby breastmilk only, no other liquids or solids are given – not even water) for the first six months of life,” says Dr Nematswerani.
“Also, that breastfeeding continues along with appropriate complementary foods up to 24 months of age or further. It really concerns me that our country is reported to have one of the lowest breastfeeding rates on the African continent.”
Education is needed
Visagie points out that breastfeeding education as well as the proper support for breastfeeding mothers is vital for a successful breastfeeding relationship and journey. For example, many moms think they have low milk supply.
“They expect breasts that are full and gushing with milk from the beginning. That’s not how it works. They’ll see the little bit of yellow, watery substance – colostrum – produced when baby is born and incorrectly think their milk supply is weak or insufficient.
“A baby’s stomach capacity is only around 6ml at birth, which means that all they need is a teaspoon full of colostrum to satisfy them,” she says. “Fuller breastmilk supply comes in a few days later and adapts as baby grows.”
“This confusion may mean formula is introduced as an intervention. However, that worsens the situation as it reinforces the mother’s doubt about her milk supply and ability to breastfeed, and also lowers the demand for breastmilk which means the mom’s supply will decrease too.”
“Educating moms is crucial. If the right habits are formed at the beginning of breastfeeding, the chances of success and longer-term feeding are much higher.”
“Mothers also need the right support from the healthcare professionals, partners, family, and their workplace. If moms face challenges to breastfeeding, it is really key to get support from a professional, such as a lactation consultant.”
For more information about the South African Breastmilk Reserve or on how to donate breastmilk, visit www.sabr.org.za or phone 011 482 1920
