"Having had a baby almost 8 weeks early myself, it meant a lot to help other prem babies, without milk from their moms, by donating milk to Milk Matters, a very special organisation that is very close to my heart."
Michelle S. (breastmilk donor) - Greenpoint
"It is awesome to be able to do so little but make such a big difference!"
Natalie, breastmilk donor - Kraaifontein
"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
" I was told of the milk bank and immediately decided this was a brilliant idea and started donating my extra breastmilk."
Andi (breastmilk donor) - Dieprivier
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.