I am expecting my first baby in 4 weeks. Do you have any advice as how best to give my baby a good start?

"I firmly believe that the practice of Milk Banking is still in it's infancy, globally and especially in South Africa. I expect it will steadily increase in profile and will progressively gain support until it overshadows blood transfusion both in the public and medical eye.

Donating breast milk is an act that involves the least pain and the most gain, compared to any other human tissue or organ donation. It is potentially life-saving and is worth more than equipment or staff. Together with KMC, it is an intervention that most doctors themselves cannot give, but most mothers can - it completes medical care."

Dr Alan Horn - Neonatologist (Cape Town, South Africa)

"It is awesome to be able to do so little but make such a big difference!"

Natalie, breastmilk donor - Kraaifontein

"It was a very rewarding experience knowing that I could make such a difference."

Tracy (breastmilk donor) - Devil's Peak

" I am so thankful that my babies got the best by receiving donor milk, and that I was given a bit of leeway to get my own milk going without too much stress. My twins are four months old now and still breastfeeding."

Cathy S (breastmilk recipient) Cape Town

Milk Matters

I am expecting my first baby in 4 weeks. Do you have any advice as how best to give my baby a good start?

It has been scientifically proven that holding your baby skin to skin and allowing him to breastfeed, when he is ready, will give your baby the best start possible.

Check and negotiate with the hospital and your obstetrician that your baby can stay with you after birth. Should your baby be born via caesarean section your husband could do skin to skin care until you are able to do so yourself.

It would be preferable if your baby were bathed after having breastfed.

Should your baby need medical treatment in the nursery be sure to let the staff know that you want to practice skin to skin care as soon as your baby's condition is stable.

Skin to skin care is particularly beneficial to you and your baby if you are planning on not breastfeeding.

If you are going to breastfeed your baby, skin to skin care will give him the ideal opportunity to feed successfully.

To learn more about Skin to skin or Kangaroo Mother Care as it is also know visit Dr Nils Bergman's website www.kangaroomothercare.com.

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