"No matter how much milk I managed to donate (which at times wasn't much) it was gratefully received by Milk Matters. They were also very helpful and organised, making the whole process really smooth and painless. I definitely plan to donate again in the future."
Leigh M (breastmik donor) - Kirstenhof
"When I had my daughter I really battled with breastfeeding and thought, "Wow, I wish I could have donated milk." When I had my son I had plenty of milk to spare and decided to donate to Milk Matters. The entire process was so easy. I truly recommend becoming a breast milk donor to all mothers, it is such a rewarding experience."
Melanie (breastmilk donor) - Cape Town
"My little Gabe had the benefit of donor milk from Milk Matters! He was born at 27 weeks, 900grams (dropped to 750 grams) and he is now 2.3kg!! He has had very little serious health problems and it is my firm believe that it is due to the donor breast milk that he received!! "
Angelique - mom of baby who received donor milk
“As a mother and a registered midwife and nursing sister nursing premature and sick babies, I urge mothers to donate breast milk especially if you have plenty. Your milk gives these small babies hope and a chance at life.”
Lucile, NICU Nursing Sister & Recipient Baby's Mom, 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.