Every new mother quickly discovers that, along with the joy of having a new little person in the world, parenthood comes with a flood of unsolicited advice and some impossible standards to meet. How a baby is fed is almost always the topic of discussion, with loved ones, society and even strangers weighing in on one of the most personal decisions a parent can make.
Mothers are encouraged to exclusively breastfeed, then questioned for feeding in public. Some are told they’re feeding too often, others not often enough. Well-meaning advice comes from every direction, and no two opinions seem to agree.
“We’ve become very good at telling women that breastfeeding is best and how to do it, but we’ve spent far less time asking what they need to make it possible,” says Dr Themba Hadebe, Clinical Executive at Bonitas. “What often gets left out of the conversation is that breastfeeding doesn’t come naturally to everyone.”
There’s no question that breastfeeding offers significant health benefits for both mother and baby. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, with breast milk providing optimal nutrition while supporting a baby’s developing immune system. Mothers also benefit through improved postpartum recovery and a lower risk of certain cancers later in life. While breastfeeding offers many benefits, every mother deserves understanding, encouragement and support, whatever her feeding journey looks like.
“Every mother deserves support that recognizes her individual circumstances,” says Hadebe. “It’s important to remember that there are many different kinds of mothers, just as there are many different kinds of babies, and expecting every breastfeeding journey to look the same isn’t realistic.”
For some women, breastfeeding settles into place within days. Others face weeks of pain, uncertainty and exhaustion. A poor latch, tongue or lip tie, concerns about milk supply, mastitis or a baby who simply struggles to feed are all very real challenges many new mothers face, and these can quickly chip away at a mother’s confidence.
Finding support and community
In addition to the nursing staff at hospitals, who are often a great source of help and encouragement, there are many support platforms and groups available to help new mothers at the start of their breastfeeding journey. La Leche League International offers peer support and breastfeeding education via a very active social media presence, as well as local support groups that meet regularly across the country. Mothers can also search the South African Certified Lactation Consultants (SACLC) directory for International Board-Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) across South Africa, making it easier for mothers to find qualified support.
Accessing that support, however, isn’t always straightforward. Knowing where to turn, who to trust and when to seek help can feel overwhelming for new parents already navigating the demands of a newborn. Having readily available access to trusted healthcare professionals and maternity support programmes, including those available through medical schemes such as Bonitas, plays an important role in helping mothers find evidence-based guidance when they need it most. What’s more, having access to the appropriate maternal mental health support and wellness offerings is just as essential.
“Supporting mothers means looking beyond feeding alone,” says Dr Hadebe. “Healthcare professionals, partners, families and employers all have an important role to play. Something as simple as paying attention and listening to her when she shares how she’s feeling or that she is struggling goes a long way towards helping mothers and babies get the best possible start on this often-trying new journey.”
Early access to professional guidance, practical help at home or a private space to express milk at work can make the difference between a mother giving up and being able to continue breastfeeding for as long as she chooses. Whether that means offering flexible working arrangements, listening without judgement or helping a new parent access reliable healthcare advice, every form of support matters.
World Breastfeeding Week reminds us that breastfeeding success takes a whole village. When mothers are supported with empathy, trusted information and access to the right care, they’re far more likely to achieve the feeding goals that are right for them and their babies. And if breastfeeding is best, supporting mothers should be too.
For 2025 we have a renewed Female Health Programme:In collaboration with CareWorks, it’s accessible to all female members aged 18 and above, with an emphasis on preventative care and early detection of female-specific health issues. In addition, we have an enhanced Maternity Programme to support expecting mothers. This includes early identification of and weekly engagement for high-risk pregnancies, post-childbirth care and associated mental health follow-up calls for new mums, given the prevalence of pre and postnatal depression. Also, milestone reminders for children under 3 and cover for antenatal vitamins through savings, day-to-day benefits or the Benefit Booster
Bonitas Medical Fund
0860 002 108
View Website: www.bonitas.co.za
- If breastfeeding is best, mothers deserve better support - August 5, 2026
- Reasons why your baby is crying - July 22, 2026
- Mental health vs mental illness: Why knowing the difference matters - July 17, 2026
1 thought on “If breastfeeding is best, mothers deserve better support”
Great article!