"I LOVE donating milk, especially since I have far too much of it, and love knowing I can give other babies a nutritious start in life"
Dena F. (breastmilk donor) - Noordhoek
"It was a very rewarding experience knowing that I could make such a difference."
Tracy (breastmilk donor) - Devil's Peak
"I remember with fondness the year when I was able to help with my milk I pumped every morning. Talita is now 4 years old, and she feels very proud of sharing her 'lolo' with sick babies in South Africa."
Laetitia (breastmilk donor) now living in Saudi Arabia
"Remember that your small effort can make a huge difference in the lives of babies that struggle for survival."
Michelle (breastmilk donor) - Cape Town
Milk Matters
What can be done if a baby suddenly refuses the breast?
Breast rejection can occur in the first weeks - often for unknown reasons - but also in older babies and toddlers. The mother may want to try the following suggestions:
- Make sure the baby is healthy and well. His mouth may be sore due to teething or thrush, or his nose may be blocked or he might have earache.
- As baby gets older so he feeds for less time at the breast. He is stronger therefore he drinks quicker.
- Try different feeding positions. Holding your baby in an upright sitting position rather than lying down, often encourages feeding.
- Cuddle your baby before feeding and try to relax while feeding. Severe tiredness and tension may slow the release of milk and the baby may become frustrated. Try massaging the breasts before and during the feed.
- Don’t force baby to feed.
- Try feeding when baby is still drowsy after a nap or as he goes off to sleep.
- Express a few drops of milk onto the nipple before starting to feed or offer expressed breast milk from a spoon or dropper to whet his appetite.
- Feeding in the bath could also be helpful.