Can Moms Really Afford to Breastfeed?

Let’s face it—new parents already juggle a million things, and the idea of breastfeeding on top of work, finances, and life can feel completely overwhelming. In South Africa, the laws say mums should get support. But do the laws match reality? And can moms genuinely afford to breastfeed? 

South African law gives new moms four consecutive months of maternity leave—usually starting around one month before the due date and extending to three months after the birth. It’s illegal to return to work within the first six weeks, unless a healthcare provider says you’re ready. 

However—here’s the kicker—employers aren’t required to pay salaries during this time unless it’s in your contract or a company policy. Instead, moms can apply for benefits from the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF).[1] UIF payouts range between 38% and 60% of your salary, depending on how much you contributed before leave[2]. Meanwhile, the application process can take 3–8 weeks, and you must reapply every month while on leave. 

The law also entitles mothers to two paid 30-minute breastfeeding or expressing breaks per day—on top of lunch or tea breaks—for the first six months of a baby’s life. And employers are encouraged to provide a private, hygienic space for this purpose[3]. 

But the reality often falls short. Many women return to work within three months due to financial strain. The lack of proper lactation facilities, supportive workplace policies, or even awareness of these rights means many stop breastfeeding entirely. Even worse, domestic and informal workers—who often need the most support—are the least likely to access maternity protections.[4]

South African moms are advised to exclusively breastfeed for six months, in line with WHO guidelines. Yet the statistics tell the real story: only around 32% of babies under six months are exclusively breastfed, averaging less than three months of breastfeeding overall[5]. 

These low rates are linked to higher risks of malnutrition, diarrhoea, pneumonia, and even infant mortality. 

Even in the system’s imperfect current state, here are some practical tips from Sr Londe – independent midwife and Vital Baby’s trusted advisor – to help moms make breastfeeding work:

  1. Start UIF early – Apply as soon as possible, and if your company delays or doesn’t pay you, get in touch with the Department of Labour or CCMA. 
  2. Talk to your employer – Explain your need for breastfeeding breaks and a private space to express. Sometimes simple understanding can spark supportive changes. 
  3. Plan financially – UIF coverage can be lean; build a budget for lower income, and explore supplements if your employer offers top-ups. 
  4. Build a support network – Teams like family, caregivers, or nearby daycare can make daytime breastfeeding or milk drop-offs possible. 
  5. Make expressing work for you – Learn to express efficiently and store milk smartly—room temp for up to 8 hours, longer if you have a freezer. 

Breastfeeding isn’t just about health—it benefits business too. Breastfed babies are generally healthier, meaning less absenteeism, more productivity, and better staff retention. Plus, it contributes to broader goals like gender equality, economic inclusion, and improved child development outcomes. 

Here’s the bottom line: Can moms in South Africa afford to breastfeed? Legally, yes—but practically, it’s often an uphill battle. Gaps in pay, awareness, infrastructure, and enforcement mean many moms return to work too soon. But with proactive planning, workplace conversations, and community support, breastfeeding while working is absolutely doable. 

[1] https://www.news24.com/Life/What-the-law-says-about-maternity-leave-UIF-and-going-back-to-work-20150826

[2] https://www.bbrief.co.za/2025/08/05/employee-maternity-leave-pay/

[3] https://www.news24.com/Life/What-the-law-says-about-maternity-leave-UIF-and-going-back-to-work-20150826

[4] https://www.saffarazzi.com/news/no-proper-maternity-pay-or-leave-for-domestic-workers-in-south-africa/

[5] https://internationalbreastfeedingjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13006-024-00634-z

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From Doubt to Confidence: How a Simple Device Could Have Changed My Breastfeeding Journey

When I became a mom for the first time, I thought breastfeeding would just happen naturally. But the reality was different. My baby would scream after almost every feed, and at just two weeks old, a close family member told my mom that she didn’t think my milk was “any good.”

She urged my mom to convince me to take my baby to a nurse, saying, “New moms should think about their baby, not themselves.”

Her words crushed me. I refused to go, but for days I lived in silent doubt, questioning whether I was failing my son. Was my milk not enough? Was I starving him without realising it?

Then came his scheduled follow-up appointment. To my shock (and relief) he had gained more weight than required on nothing but my breastmilk.

Looking back, I often think: if I’d had the MyLee Milk Sensing Device then, I wouldn’t have wasted those days feeling like a failure. I would have had proof; clear, objective reassurance that my milk was nourishing him. I would have trusted myself more.

And that’s why I feel so passionate about bringing this technology to other moms.

Why Moms Doubt Themselves

I now know I wasn’t alone. Studies show that the most common reason moms stop breastfeeding earlier than they want to is due to milk supply-related concerns. Sometimes supply is absolutely fine, but doubt creeps in, while in other cases there may be genuine risks that are best addressed early. Either way, these concerns are real and deserve both attention and support.

The truth is, the early days matter more than we often realise.

The Crucial First Five Days

Recent research published in Breastfeeding Medicine (July 2025, Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine’s special issue) highlights just how important the first five to six days postpartum are.

This window is when your body goes through secretory activation — the transition from colostrum to mature milk and the process of building volume. If this process is delayed or impaired, it can affect long-term breastfeeding outcomes.

On the flip side, when secretory activation happens on time and milk volume comes in effectively, moms are much more likely to meet their breastfeeding goals.

The problem? Until now, there’s been no simple way for mothers at home to know if their supply is on track.

That’s where the MyLee Milk Sensing Device changes everything. Awarded as the Breastfeeding Support Product of the Year at the 2024 Baby Innovation Awards, MyLee is developed by MyMilk Lab and available locally through Mommy Material. This small handheld device brings cutting-edge lactation monitoring to moms at home. With just a few drops of milk (even colostrum), the device uses unique conductivity-based technology to analyse biomarkers that reflect electrolyte levels, particularly sodium, which research has shown is strongly linked to lactation progress. This provides real-time insights into whether milk production is progressing as it should.

This technology, once only available in research or NICU settings, is now accessible to everyday mothers. Instead of relying on guesswork or worry, moms can finally get answers.

Imagine knowing just days after birth whether your milk is on track. Imagine the confidence of being reassured, or the relief of catching a potential issue early enough to get the right support.

Backed by Global Research

This isn’t just marketing hype. MyLee was highlighted in a 2025 review in Breastfeeding Medicine exploring new point-of-care techniques to support breastfeeding.

Here’s what leading experts are saying:

  • “Since the most common reason moms stop breastfeeding earlier than they want to is due to milk supply–related concerns, it’s important to improve screening for the initiation of lactation… Better screening can help identify moms and babies who might need extra support early on, and also reassure those whose milk supply is developing well.”
  • “One of the most exciting developments is the use of probes to measure sodium in breast milk — a simple test that can tell clinicians whether a mother’s milk production is on track.”
  • “The first five days are crucial for the effective initiation of lactation… creating clear care plans for mothers with lactation risk factors is key to offering better, evidence-based support.”

As Dr. Angela Lang, Director of Clinical Education at Medela, summarises: “By removing the guesswork and providing targeted recommendations, we empower mothers to take control of their lactation journey.”

That empowerment is exactly what MyLee delivers.

A New Era of Personalised Breastfeeding Support

Every mother and every milk supply is unique. Some moms may only need to pump six times a day, while others may need eight. Generic advice doesn’t always fit and can even cause more stress.

MyLee allows breastfeeding professionals to give personalised guidance based on each mom’s unique milk biochemistry. That means targeted recommendations, timely interventions when needed, and reassurance when everything is progressing just fine.

It’s not about adding pressure. It’s about removing doubt. It’s about giving moms confidence.

From NICUs to Living Rooms

Much of the global conversation around milk biomarkers and early monitoring has focused on NICUs and preterm babies, but the truth is that these tools are just as valuable for mothers of full-term, healthy newborns.

Every mom deserves to feel confident in her milk supply. MyLee brings the same science-based insights used in specialised care settings straight into everyday homes.

More Than Just One Device

Breastfeeding is one of the most natural things in the world, but it isn’t always easy. For too many moms, doubt creeps in at the very moment when reassurance is needed most.

The MyLee Milk Sensing Device offers a new way forward; turning uncertainty into confidence, and helping moms trust their bodies again.

Because when mothers feel supported, babies thrive; and that is what truly matters.

Learn more about MyLee and our full range at www.mommymaterial.co.za or join our community on Instagram @mommymaterialsa.

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Sandton City creates family-friendly facilities- Iconic mall puts families first with thoughtful upgrades

Sandton City, Africa’s most iconic shopping destination, has elevated its shopping experience with a complete refurbishment of most of its bathrooms, ensuring ultimate comfort, convenience, and choice for visitors. The upgrades include dedicated nursing rooms and purified water dispensers outside each bathroom, promoting sustainability, by encouraging bottle refills and reducing single-use plastic.  

Additionally, upgraded floor and wall tiling provides a sleek, modern aesthetic, while improved lighting creates well-lit and inviting spaces. The size of the toilet cubicles has been increased for added comfort and accessibility. Push-activated taps have been installed to accommodate individuals with upper limb disabilities. Privacy screens strategically placed in male bathrooms now provide added discretion.

As an extension of its commitment to family-friendly shopping, Sandton City offers a full baby care lounge featuring a kitchen, baby change area, feeding rooms, and a play zone, making parenting on the go more convenient. This lounge is situated on the lower level, at entrance 4 near Checkers, and is free-to-use. For easy access to this facility, dedicated mom and tots parking bays, located the centre’s main near entrances, are marked in bright colours for easy identification, adding another layer of convenience. 

Sandton City thrives on being an unparalleled, world-class retail destination. With over 374 stores, the centre houses an array of highly sought-after local and international brands. To cater to evolving shopper needs, Sandton City recently welcomed Mio Mondo, South Africa’s first luxury kids and baby store, offering a curated selection of designer brands such as Kenzo, Moschino, Karl Lagerfeld, all geared for ages 0 – 16. Parents can also shop a host of family-focused retailers including Dis-Chem Baby City, Koco Bino, Cotton Kids, Keedo, and Naartjie, offering special baby and kids’ apparel and lifestyle products.

“At Sandton City, we are always looking for ways to enhance the shopper experience, ensuring that every visitor, whether they’re parents with young children, business professionals, or international tourists, enjoys a world-class environment,” says Dimitri Kokinos, General Manager of Sandton City. “These latest upgrades reflect our commitment to comfort, convenience, and sustainability, reinforcing Sandton City’s position as Africa’s most prestigious retail destination.”

For more information and regular updates go to www.sandtoncity.com or follow Sandton City on social media @sandtoncitymall. 

Vital Baby
Latest posts by Vital Baby (see all)
Post Views: 34,943
Sandton City creates family-friendly facilities- Iconic mall puts families first with thoughtful upgrades

Sandton City, Africa’s most iconic shopping destination, has elevated its shopping experience with a complete refurbishment of most of its bathrooms, ensuring ultimate comfort, convenience, and choice for visitors. The upgrades include dedicated nursing rooms and purified water dispensers outside each bathroom, promoting sustainability, by encouraging bottle refills and reducing single-use plastic.  

Additionally, upgraded floor and wall tiling provides a sleek, modern aesthetic, while improved lighting creates well-lit and inviting spaces. The size of the toilet cubicles has been increased for added comfort and accessibility. Push-activated taps have been installed to accommodate individuals with upper limb disabilities. Privacy screens strategically placed in male bathrooms now provide added discretion.

As an extension of its commitment to family-friendly shopping, Sandton City offers a full baby care lounge featuring a kitchen, baby change area, feeding rooms, and a play zone, making parenting on the go more convenient. This lounge is situated on the lower level, at entrance 4 near Checkers, and is free-to-use. For easy access to this facility, dedicated mom and tots parking bays, located the centre’s main near entrances, are marked in bright colours for easy identification, adding another layer of convenience. 

Sandton City thrives on being an unparalleled, world-class retail destination. With over 374 stores, the centre houses an array of highly sought-after local and international brands. To cater to evolving shopper needs, Sandton City recently welcomed Mio Mondo, South Africa’s first luxury kids and baby store, offering a curated selection of designer brands such as Kenzo, Moschino, Karl Lagerfeld, all geared for ages 0 – 16. Parents can also shop a host of family-focused retailers including Dis-Chem Baby City, Koco Bino, Cotton Kids, Keedo, and Naartjie, offering special baby and kids’ apparel and lifestyle products.

“At Sandton City, we are always looking for ways to enhance the shopper experience, ensuring that every visitor, whether they’re parents with young children, business professionals, or international tourists, enjoys a world-class environment,” says Dimitri Kokinos, General Manager of Sandton City. “These latest upgrades reflect our commitment to comfort, convenience, and sustainability, reinforcing Sandton City’s position as Africa’s most prestigious retail destination.”

For more information and regular updates go to www.sandtoncity.com or follow Sandton City on social media @sandtoncitymall. 

Vital Baby
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Post Views: 34,943
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