"I never knew the babies I donated to, but I am very happy in the knowledge that my body was able to provide for sickly newborns whose mothers were unable to breastfeed."
Nwabisa (breastmilk donor) - Pinelands
"I express and freeze my milk for donation as there is no better feeling than knowing we are helping other moms and babies."
Andrea (breastmilk donor) - Cape Town
"The incredible experience of Gabi’s premature birth gave us the unexpected opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of others by donating breastmilk."
Terri (breastmilk donor) Cape Town
"It has felt good to donate milk and be able to give something to babies who are not so lucky and are not blessed with a mother who can breastfeed them."
Debbie S. (breastmilk donor) - Plumstead
How long should my baby drink for at every feed?
The length of feeds may vary from feed to feed; allow your baby to drink for as long as he wants to. This allows your baby to get the milk with the highest fat content at the end of the feed. Should your baby's feeds consistently last for an extended time and he not settle well afterwards, have a lactation consultant or breastfeeding expert check your baby's latch.
NB. It is not possible for your milk to be too thin or too weak; even woman who are undernourished produce nutritious milk for their babies.
NB. You will always have sufficient milk for your baby while you feed exclusively and on demand. The number of feeds and length of feeds vary from one mother to another and one baby to another.
NB. Babies do eventually, some sooner, some later, settle into a reasonable pattern. If you and your partner agree, it is far less stressful to take the path of least resistance, in other words, go with the flow and demand feed by following your baby's feeding cues.
NB. If you baby appears to be consistently hungry, cries a lot, sleeps a little and posits all the time, please see a lactation consultant or breastfeeding expert. These symptoms can be alleviated. There is nothing wrong with your milk, your breastfeeding method may just need some adjusting. To start with, offer your baby one breast per feed and the other breast at the next feed.