" 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
"I viewed a pamphlet about Milk Matters one day and I thought to myself wow can people actually do something like that.
My daughter was eight months old, I was breastfeeding and I thought to myself I have more than enough milk for my daughter so I might as well spare some for those small little angels."
Jacky R (breastmilk donor) - Claremont
"It is such a great priviledge and pleasure to be able to give what I can give. It is truly an honour."
Jaclyn, breastmilk donor - Kuils River
"Remember that your small effort can make a huge difference in the lives of babies that struggle for survival."
Michelle (breastmilk donor) - Cape Town
What about the sick or premature baby who cannot suck properly?
Kangaroo- also known as skin to skin care is essential for better weight gain and recovery of these babies. Cup feeding or tube feeding can be done with mother's expressed breastmilk. By giving her baby expressed breastmilk and doing skin to skin care a mother makes a vital contribution to helping her baby fight infections and grow better. Most private hospitals provide multi-user electric breast pumps. They are also available for hire from Milk Matters or the Breastfeeding Association (083 771 6230 or 021 6595599).
Learning to breastfeed is a gradual process for tiny premature infants. Allow him to spend time at the breast even if he does not suckle at first. It may take some time before he learns to suckle effectively.
Dad also plays an important role when giving skin to skin care to his little son or daughter.
Also see Dr Bergman's site www.kangaroomothercare.com