The Joys of Breastfeeding

On this months letter we would to share some benefits of breastfeeding, correct positioning, soreness and tenderness.

“A baby nursing at a mother’s breast is an undeniable affirmation

of our rootedness in nature.”

David Suzuki

Benefits of breastfeeding

  • The nutrient balance in a mother’s milk is just right for her baby as he/she grows.
  • There are at least 12 anti-inflammatory agents in breastmilk which promote a healthy immune system.
  • Immunoglobulin-A in colostrum protects the baby against intestinal infection.
  • Lactoferrin prevents the growth of pathogenic organisms.
  • Breastfeeding decreases the risk of childhood asthma, bacterial infections, diarrhoea and allergies.
  • Breastfeeding has been linked to improved dental hygiene and speech development.
  • Breastfeeding reduces the risk of breast, ovarian and endometrial cancers in mothers.
  • Breastfeeding mothers return to their pre-pregnancy weight sooner than their bottle feeding counterparts.

Correct positioning

  • Both mother and baby should be comfortable.
  • Baby should be chest to chest, at the level of the breast, with mother’s arm well supported by pillows.
  • Mother should support the breast, but avoid lifting.
  • Hold the breast with one hand and the baby with the other.
  • Once the baby has opened the mouth wide enough, swiftly bring the baby to the breast.
  • Soreness v/s Tenderness

Soreness

  • Caused by poor latch, incorrect positioning or bad alignment.
  • Correct feeding techniques should be learned.
  • Use ointment (sparingly and only on the sore area).
  • Start the feeding on the least sore side.

Tenderness

  • Slight tenderness is normal.
  • Initial discomfort with latch should not last more than 30 seconds, max 60 seconds.
  • Mother should be encouraged to air-dry her breast.
  • Use of different positions may decrease tenderness.
  • Blisters, “lipstick” shape of the nipples, redness or any bleeding is not normal.
  • At the end of the feeding, nipples should be round and slightly elongated.
  • Hold the baby more closely with more of areola in the mouth.

A Note from the establishers of Milk Galore brand: 

As a mom myself who struggled to breastfeed my son my option was formula milk of which was not my desired option as I wanted the best for my son. We then researched natural stimulators that would assist not only a 1sttime mom like myself who was struggling to feed her baby but all mothers who faced the same struggle. We at Milk Galore understand and have a heart for both the mom and the newly born. The natural instinct and incredible feeling when a mom breastfeeds is a precious gift a mom can give her baby. Our desire is to ensure that all mothers have that privilege of sharing that gift with their newly borns.

Milk Galore has a solution that has incorporated natural herbs that may assist to stimulate lactation for breastfeeding women. It is rich in iron and thus very good for lactating mothers since they are more in need of iron than others. Moreover, cumin is said to help ease and increase secretion of milk in lactating women due to presence of Thymol, which tends to increase secretions from glands, including milk which is a secretion from mammary glands.

Milk Galore products can be bought online www.milkgalore.co.za

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Why should I breastfeed my baby, and what if this is not an option?

Breastfeeding is important to your baby’s health and is the safest and healthiest thing that you can feed your little one. It is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) you should feed your baby exclusively with breastmilk for the first six months. Unfortunately, some moms can’t breastfeed due to medical or health reasons.

Read on if you want to know the benefits of breastfeeding, or if you can’t breastfeed your baby, here are some healthy alternatives.

What are the benefits of breastfeeding? 

Breastfeeding is the perfect way to get all the nutrients needed to your baby, as well as being a special bonding experience between mom and child. Breast milk is optimally suited to babies providing all the right nutrients, vitamins and minerals, being easily digestible and helping protect your baby by providing important antibodies.

Baby’s who are breastfed have less ear infections, issues with diarrhea and respiratory issues. Benefits of breastfeeding include lowering your baby’s chance of getting infections and breastmilk can also help lower instances of asthma and eczema, and is thought to lower the risk of diabetes as well.

Not only is breastfeeding good for your baby, but it’s also good for you. It helps your bond with your baby as your body releases the hormone oxytocin, which helps your uterus reduce to its pre-pregnancy size as well as lowers stress levels.

And it’s an added bonus is that breast milk is cost effective and easily available. The only thing lacking from breast milk is vitamin D, and you can supplement this to your little one from birth.

What are alternatives if I can’t breastfeed?

Sadly some moms aren’t able to breastfeed their babies due to not having enough breastmilk supply, being on medication that could damage their baby’s health and, infectious diseases such as HIV. Although it’s hard not to be able to breastfeed, remember this won’t stop you bonding with or providing nutrients for your baby.

The best alternative to your own breast milk is donated breast milk. However, if you are struggling to find adequate supply you can make use of baby formulas.

In South Africa, the South African Breastmilk Reserve and Milk Matters supports breastfeeding moms through the provision of donated milk.  SABR focuses on helping premature babies under the age of 14 days, and Milk Matters supports babies in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) in the Western Cape.

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Breastfeeding tips

Symptoms you may experience when not breastfeeding

The following information is to be used as a guide to and at the discretion of the end-user and should not replace a doctor’s opinion.

  • Your breasts may become sore, engorged or swollen and firm to touch.
  • You may develop a slight fever.
  • Your breasts may leak a significant amount of milk.
  • You may have some uterine bleeding during this time.
  • If you have any concerns or questions about the symptoms you experience during this time contact your doctor for more information.

Care for your breasts when not breastfeeding

The following information is to be used as a guide to and at the discretion of the end-user and should not replace a doctor’s opinion.

Try ice packs on your breast for 15-20 minutes at a time. If ice doesn’t help, try using a warm washcloth on your breasts.

Wear a well-fitting bra that is not too tight. Let your baby nurse at your breasts for a few minutes at a time.

Ask your doctor about methods to help release a small amount of milk from your breasts, which may relieve some of the discomfort.

Contact your doctor if you have any questions or concerns or you develop chills, or a fever and your breasts are still uncomfortable and swollen after 1-2 days.

Benefits of breastfeeding

The following information is to be used as a guide to and at the discretion of the end-user and should not replace a doctor’s opinion.

Breastfeeding is a skill and can take time to learn; don’t get discouraged if it’s not easy for you at first.  Breastfeeding educators are available and can be helpful in overcoming some of the hurdles.

Choosing to breastfeed your child provides many benefits for both you and your baby. Some of these include:

  • Decreased likelihood of baby getting sick from infectious diseases or having an ear infection
  • Decreased risk of breast and ovarian cancer for the mother
  • Aids in faster weight loss for the mother
  • Decreased postpartum bleeding
  • Facilitates in mother-baby bonding
  • Free and environmentally friendly
  • Decreased risk of obesity for the child
  • Breastfeeding is still possible after breast surgeries, piercings and tattoos; talk to your doctor about any concerns you may have

How to breastfeed

The following information is to be used as a guide to and at the discretion of the end-user and should not replace a doctor’s opinion.

Some simple tips on how to breastfeed:

  • Find a position that is comfortable for both you and the baby; use pillows to support your arms and prop your feet up
  • Feed your baby whenever they seem hungry or show any of the hunger signs- moving head towards your chest, pulling hands near mouth or sucking noises
  • Newborns need to eat at least every 2 to 3 hours; if your baby has been sleeping for 3 to 4 hours, wake them to nurse
  • Wait to introduce a bottle or pacifier until your baby is 2 to 4 weeks old to avoid nipple confusion. Waiting much longer can create problems getting your baby to accept something other than the breast.

Keeping your breasts healthy

The following information is to be used as a guide to and at the discretion of the end-user and should not replace a doctor’s opinion.

Keeping your breasts healthy during breastfeeding is important.  Here are some things to watch for:

  • Sore nipples are normal at first; use moist warm compresses, nipple creams made for breastfeeding or a bit of fresh breast milk
  • See your doctor if soreness continues or increases, you have a swollen or red breast or if you are running a fever

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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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