"I have no doubt that donor milk saves premature babies' lives and helps prevent HIV infection."
Dr. Max Kroon, Paediatrician
I hope that this project keeps going for years to come- it is truly a fantastic initiative. What a great way to make a huge difference in the lives of those special little people…"
Megan (breastmilk donor) Blue Downs, Cape Town
"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
"I highly recommend donating breastmilk. Knowing that breastmilk may help to take these babies out of harms way definitely gave me a feeling of fulfillment."
Kariema (breastmilk donor) - Cape Town
There is a lot of debate regarding the best positions for breastfeeding - can you recommend any?
The best position for breastfeeding depends on the individual mother and baby and their particular circumstances.
Good latch, position and regular demand feeding will ensure:
- That the your nipples do not become sore or cracked
- Your baby gets as much breastmilk as he wants at each feed
- Your breastmilk supply builds up and is maintained
A few general principles apply to whatever feeding positions you may choose;
Hold your baby close to your body, with his knees, tummy and chin facing you. Preferably skin to skin or with minimal clothing and blankets.
Latch diagram pg 27
General principles of a good position and latch
- Support his shoulders and neck rather than his head,
- Bring your baby towards the breast, not the breast towards your baby
- Your baby's chin rather than his nose should be tucked into the breast
- Most, if not all, of the areola should be in his mouth
When in a sitting position -
Have your back well supported and your knees slightly higher than your hips.
Before putting the baby to the breast ensure that his mouth is level with your nipple without having to lean forward or lift your breast. A cushion or two may help to position him in this way.
The position a mother uses in the first few days may also differ from the position she uses in the longer term.
Good starting positions are:
Underarm or rugby-ball position:-
To feed on the right breast mom holds her baby under her right arm supporting her baby's body and head with her right arm and hand, baby's feet are towards mom's back. Useful after caesarean birth, for little babies, twins and larger breasts.
Crossover position:-
To feed on the left breast mom could simply bring baby across to the front of her body, in other words, from her right towards her left breast still holding her baby in her right arm and hugging him towards her body. Also an excellent position for the first few days or weeks.
Side lying:-
This position is also useful after caesarean birth or when mom would like to nap while breastfeeding. Mom lies on her side and her baby alongside on the bed facing her, tucked close to her body and supported by her upper arm.
Once breastfeeding comfortably most moms revert to the well-known Madonna position where baby lies in the crook of mom's arm or preferably mom's forearm but still tucked in close to her body.
on pg 22 or 21
Comfortable positioning is important for both mother and baby.
Pillows are useful to help support mom's lower back and arms.
Whatever position you choose, your baby needs to be held close to your body, facing you - face, tummy and feet.
When using a Madonna alternative position, support your baby's head by holding or rather supporting her neck and shoulders with your thumb and forefinger finger stretched out towards her ears.