Breastmilk reserves critically low
The South African Breastmilk Reserve (SABR) has issued an urgent call for breastmilk donations as reserves run critically low.
December 20, 2019
leading breastfeeding advice
Shouldn’t It Be “Fed Is Best”?
This post is a little different to my others because it is personal. I want to share more of my momlife journey with you so where better to start than at the beginning, with one of the first challenges I had to deal with when becoming a mom.
October 10, 2019
BREASTFEEDING AND SLEEP
Often breastfeeding and sleep are thought to be part of two different worlds. Many people will tell you that your child won’t be able to sleep through the night until you stop breastfeeding. Tell that to my daughter who was breastfed until she was 12 months old, and slept through from when she was 4 months old!
September 3, 2019
August is breastfeeding month: Relax into breast feeding
Each new mum’s circumstances are different, and they help her decide on whether to breast or bottle feed her newborn. Whatever method she chooses, the hours cuddling her little one while feeding are a most precious part of motherhood.
August 6, 2019
The Medela Breastmilk Storage Bags Review
If you are planning on storing your breastmilk, then this is a product you definitely want. The Medela Breastmilk Storage Bags are compact, easy to store and incredibly durable. Read on below now to see why you should consider picking up a few of these incredible storage bags and how they will benefit your expression journey. What Makes The Medela Breastmilk Storage Bag A Must Have? Zero Leakage: Thanks to it’s design, the Medela Storage Bag guarantees you no leakage. This is thanks to the double zip found in the top of the bag. This prevents anything in the bag seeping out. No Tears: Another great plus to this storage bags is not only wont things leak from the stop, but nothing will spill from the sides either. This can be accredited to the construction of the bags. Their seams are all heat sealed, making this an incredibly durable product. Positioning: Your Medela Milk Storage Bags can either stand upright, from when you will be using them, or laid flat, making storage a dream. Storage: As previously mentioned, these bags make storage easy. Thanks to their flat shape when laid flat, you can store numerous bags of breast milk. As opposed to a few cumbersome bottles in your freezer. Safe Materials: The Medela team are passionate about keeping you and your baby safe. Thus, all of their products are made without the use of any harmful materials. The breastmilk storage bags are no different, being free from BPAs. Transportable: Building on all of the above mentioned points, it’s plain to see how these bags are easily transported. This makes them a must have for when you travel or pump in the office. Make The Medela Breastmilk Storage Bags Your Own Now Get your hands on these incredible, much needed breastfeeding products today. Stop over complicating your feeding/ expression process with the help of these storage bags now!
May 20, 2019
Tips For Pumping On the Road
If you are a pumping mother, and are planning a trip in the near future, you simply must read on below. This blog is dedicated to helping all travelling moms survive a long distance road trip. Get ready for the journey of your life with our help now! Plan Ahead Firstly, you need to consider whether you will need to stop or if you can pump on the go. Some moms may be able to express in their car – obviously only if they are a passenger. however, if you need to feed your baby, we strongly advise against feeding whilst in a moving vehicle. So, if pumping whilst in the car is not a viable option for you, you will need to plan your trip accordingly. Know which stopping stations will coincide with your pumping schedule. This is important as you do not want to interrupt either your pumping or feeding times. Therefore, plan out your trip, make note of what times you will need to express or feed and ensure there is a good stopping station somewhere in that period. Ensure You Have The Right Equipment When traveling, you will need to ensure you have three things to pump successfully: A portable pump: a breast pump such as the Medela Mini Electric is great for travel. It is small enough to fit into a handbag and is light weight. Cleaning Supplies: you will need either sterilization spray or cleaning wipes to help you clean your pump on the go. Storage Supplies: these are essential. You will need two sets of storage supplies: Storage for your milk: you will need either transportable milk bottles of something like the Medela storage bags Storage for the stored milk: here you will need a cooler bag. You will need to keep your milk chilled until you reach a fridge. Whilst milk can survive at room temperature for a few hours, it is not wise to risk this whilst travelling in a hot car.
May 14, 2019
Tips For Flying Whilst Breastfeeding
With the Easter holidays having come and gone, many South Africans may have utilized that time for a much needed break. If you found yourself flying, but had no idea how to handle your breast pumping schedule with that, this is then the blog for you! We will take a look at a few key pointers to keep in mind when flying as a breast feeding mom. Before You Set Off Know Your Rights: read up on what you’re allowed to carry on whilst flying. As a rule, you should be allowed to transport over the standard 100ml of breastmilk. Get In Touch: contact the airline with whom you will be flying and let them know you are a breastfeeding mother. They may even make special arrangements for you to ensure your pumping or feeding on the flight is made easier. Furthermore, they may be able to give you tips on flying and breastfeeding. Pre-arrangements: If you will be staying in a hotel, ensure that your room comes equipped with a fridge. You will need this to store your pre-pumped milk. Whilst At The Airport If You’re Travelling With Your Milk: if you have already pre-pumped your milk, and intend on travelling with it, declare It at the security station and agree to let it be inspected. Not Allowed: Please note, not security office may taste your milk, they can ask you to remove the lid of your storage bottle or open the storage bag. Travelling With Your Pump: if you are travelling with your pump, you may take this with you on-board and stow it in the usual hand luggage section. Now That You Know How To Get Around Flying Whilst Breastfeeding No that you have your guide to flying whilst breastfeeding, you’re ready to take flight! Having a portable pump such as the Medela Mini Electric, can make pumping whilst traveling that much easier for you.
May 10, 2019
The Medela Mini Electric Breast Pump Review
If you are in the market for a breast pump, but looking for something that will not break the bank, the Medela Mini Electric is for you! This amazing little pump packs similar innovative technology as the larger pumps but comes at a much smaller fee. Furthermore, you can win this little pump for yourself this month with Parentinghub! Read on below now for features of the Mini Electric and more. Things That Make The Medela Mini Electric Stand Out Compact The Mini Electric is an incredible compact little pump. Its motor is housed on top of the actual breast shield. This makes it incredibly easy to carry and transport. Furthermore, the pump is incredibly light-weight, thus adding to its transportable appeal even more. Minimal Parts The Medela Mini Electric is only comprised of five various parts. This makes assembly incredibly easy. furthermore, it makes cleaning and maintaining the pump an absolute breeze. Tubeless Another pro of the Mini Electric is the fact that it is tubeless. There are no complicated tubes going from your pump to your bottle. Since the Mini Electric’s pump is located on top of the breast shield, this allows milk to flow from the shield straight into your bottle. Who Would Benefit From The Medela Mini Electric? There are certain moms who would benefit hugely from the Mini Electric, and others who would find no use for it. There are two main groupd of moms who would find huge use from this little singular pump. Moms Who Travel Mothers who find themselves traveling a lot for work or other reasons will benefit hugely from this pump. Thanks to its size and weight, taking it around with you is easy. The pump is small enough to fit into a conventional handbag and is a dream to use on the go. Moms Who Don’t Pump a Lot If you do not plan on pumping regularly, and mainly feeding your baby by breast, this pump is ideal for you. It will deliver everything you need and expect from a breast pump and allow you to express whenever you have to.
May 9, 2019
5 Key Tips For All Moms Who Need To Practice Pumping On the Go
5 Key Tips For All Moms Who Need To Practice Pumping On the Go If you are a busy lady (and let’s admit it, in the 21st century who of us aren’t!) and need to practice pumping on the go, all you need to do is follow these five simple tips. For whatever reason, you may not always be able to express in your place of comfort. Whilst you may feel most at ease on your couch or in the confines of your own home, this isn’t always possible. Therefore, here is a quick guide to how to handle pumping on the go! #1: Get Yourself and Electronic Breast Pump Which Is Portable The last thing you need is a cumbersome pump with multiple pieces and the need for a plug point. If you travel frequently, finding yourself a compact pump with a rechargeable battery is key. The Medela Mini Electric is perfect for these situations. It is light weight and small enough to fit into a hand bag. #2: Privacy Is Key Even though breastfeeding is a natural, beautiful thing, some moms feel more at ease in a secluded pumping area. If you need to pump in your office, have a chat with your employer before hand and arrange a private room with a door which closes dedicated to you. If you’re out and about, and find yourself in a pinch, a place such as a family change room is great. Another thing to look out for internationally are breastfeeding pods. Many international airports and malls are beginning to place pods for moms to be able to feed their babies/ express. #3 Find Something TO Stimulate Your Senses Let’s be honest. Pumping away from your usual place of comfort can be difficult at first. Therefore, you may need to find a stimulant to encourage your let down. Pictures of their baby have been found to help a mom with this quite easily. Keep a blanket which smells like them, or better yet, record videos of your baby to have their cries and coos encourage your let down! #4: Keep Cleaning Products At Hand You will need to ensure that you have things such as disposable nursing pads, cleaning wipes and even possible a pumping bra available to streamline this process. Anything that will help you during and after your pump is essential for pumping on the go. #5: Make A Plan To Store your Milk After If you will be pumping away from your home, you need to make a plan to store your milk. Firstly, have the right storage materials on hand. Something like a portable milk bottle or the Medela milk storage bags would be ideal in this situation. Be sure that you will have access to a fridge, as well as a cooler bag to transport your milk when you leave your destination.
May 3, 2019
Medela Breastmilk Storage Bags
The Medela breastmilk storage bags are an excellent product for all parents to use. This product is perfect for all breastfeeding moms, as it will allow you to pre-pump and store any milk which you need to. Read on below for everything you need to know on the Medela breastmilk storage bags now. When You Would Use A Storage Bag A lot of moms begin to pre-pump their milk as they prepare to go back to work. This will allow your creche or care taker to feed your baby when you are not there. It will also allow you to maintain your milk supply, even though you may not be breast feeding. Milk storage bags give mothers many benefits in use: They are easy to store and do not take up too much space within your fridge They are easy to transport They can be frozen to preserve your milk for longer As you can see, these bags are the dream must haves for all pumping moms! Features Of The Medela Breastmilk Storage Bags The Medela breastmilk storage bags have a lot to offer to moms, however, how do you know you can trust them? Take a look at their full features below: Free From Harmful Materials: all Medela Breastmilk storage bags are made with no BPA in them, making them safe for you and your baby. Capacity: one bag is able to store 180ml of milk Double Zip: the double zipper feature of the bag ensures that it is sealed securely, preventing any leakage Durable: the bags are made from durable materials ensuring that they will last in your freezer Get The Medela Milk Storage Bags Now As you can see, the Medela milk storage bags are a great product for all moms out there. Whether you want to freeze and store your milk long term, or just express and store whatever baby doesn’t drink during a feed, these are the ideal storage products for doing so!
April 25, 2019
Chicco Manual and Electric Breast Pumps
With 61 years as global leaders in the world of baby products, Chicco has perfected the art of the quality nursing item. Whether breast feeding exclusively, or expressing for later feeds, there comes a time in every busy mom’s life when she will need to pump milk. Nutrition is key and with everyone knows breast milk is ultimately the richest form of nutrition you can give your child – yet sometimes one just needs a break from hungry mouths and little emerging teeth. Chicco has two of the best solutions for expressing moms. Whether using the high-tech electric breast pump, or the conventional, yet reliable manual pump, both items are essential nursery items – particularly if moms need to start working again. The electric breast pump is a mother’s best ally. With ten settings to choose from, there is a pressure that will work best for you. The pump has an LED light that enables night-time pumping without waking co-sleeping partners or children and the pumping mechanism is gentle on breasts, allowing nipple repair and reduced engorgement. The manual pump is an effective, delicate and practical device that is quiet and allows for mom to pump at work or whilst out and about as it is a small and discreet item. It connects directly to a 150ml milk container which can be popped directly into the fridge. Available at Baby City, selected Kids Emporium stores, Takealot.com, Loot.co.za and other baby retailers.
April 22, 2019
Chicco Bottle warmer and milk containers
With 61 years as global leaders in the world of baby products, Chicco has perfected the art of the quality nursing item. We all want convenience when it comes to feeding times, yet it’s not always easy when working, or bringing up other children. Chicco has a great solution for moms of newborn and younger babies when it comes to storing and warming food. The Chicco bottle warmer is a simple, fast and safe way to warm up feeding containers in a convenient and speedy fashion. The warmer keeps food warm for up to an hour and even comes with its own internal support system to help elevate smaller bottles and feeding containers. Another way to store food, especially milk, is with the simple Chicco 150ml milk container. With tight seal lids, food can be stored by expressing directly into the containers. Pureed foods are also easily store and frozen in these little jars. They come in packs of 4. Together this combo of convenience makes heating, storing and freezing food one less stress in a busy mom’s life. Available at Baby City, selected Kids Emporium stores, Takealot.com, Loot.co.za and other baby retailers.
April 15, 2019
Can Mom Drink Coffee When Breastfeeding?
Food and drink restrictions while pregnant are normal and expected. But how about after the little one arrives? After 9 good months of deprivation and caution, can you actually go back to your normal eating/drinking life? Most pregnant women pay attention to anything they take; wondering if that tiny bite of sushi or soft cheese will affect their little ones. The worry continues even for any breastfeeding mom. Just as you were restricted to taking certain foods/drinks when pregnant, the same restrictions still prevail even when breastfeeding. You might have heard some mom say that taking in cabbage made their baby gassy. Others say taking in coffee kept their little ones awake all night. The major question here is can mom drink coffee when breastfeeding? Does the baby sip some coffee through the breast milk? If so, is it safe for her/him? Well, to some degree, it is safe, mostly when the little one is more than 3 months old. Here is what happens when you take a cup of coffee when breastfeeding. Factors Determining The Caffeine Effects On A Baby There are several factors that determine how caffeine will affect a baby. Though it is not recommended for mom to take caffeine when pregnant, some still do it. Well, such babies are likely to have less caffeine reaction after birth. This means that if you are hundred percent sure you did not take caffeine when pregnant, your baby will have more reaction to caffeine after birth. Besides coffee intake, while pregnant, another factor that determines the effects of caffeine is the age of your little one. Babies below six months tend to react more to caffeine than older ones. So, you can skip taking coffee or other caffeine-rich drinks for these first 6 months. This will allow the baby to have a better excreting and processing of caffeine as they grow. According to the Australian Breastfeeding Association, newborn kids take around 160 hours to process caffeine. Those are 6 good days! On the other hand, when a baby is 6 months old, it should take them almost 3 to 7 hours. So, How Much Caffeine Is Too Much? Just 1% of caffeine intake goes into the breast milk through the bloodstream. The caffeine in your breast milk starts to peak almost one hour after consumption. On to the issue of how much caffeine is too much, that really depends on the mother and their little one. Some babies might process caffeine efficiently and quickly. Such a baby will have fewer effects of caffeine. Usually, pregnant or breastfeeding moms should not take more than 300mg of caffeine each day. Those are about two cups of coffee – based on the brew. According to Healthychildren.org, taking three cups of coffee or less throughout the day might show some or no caffeine in the kid’s urine. Can A Baby Be Sensitive To Caffeine Intake? If you consume over 300 mg of caffeine every day, then, the answer to this question is yes. Your baby will show symptoms of caffeine stimulation such as being fussy, irritable and fails to sleep for long. In such a case, a breastfeeding mom should substitute coffee with caffeine-free drinks at least for one or two weeks. Within these two weeks or after, you should notice a significant difference in how your baby behaves. If indeed caffeine stimulation was the cause, your baby will become less fussy after a few days – that is – when you eliminate caffeine. Can Caffeine Decrease The Supply Of Breast Milk? Fortunately, there is no research pointing out that caffeine can lower milk supply. However, the myth about caffeine and milk decrease is widespread. Most new moms take caffeine and none has stated any diverse impacts of caffeine on breast milk supply. In the light of this, no clinical observation or study that proves caffeine can reduce the supply of breast milk. In fact, a Nehlig & Debry study (1994) shows that caffeine intake can indeed stimulate the production of breast milk. Nonetheless, caffeine stimulation might make a baby jittery and fussy baby. Such a baby might not nurse properly. As a result, your milk supply can decrease with time. Take note, the mom’s intake of caffeine did not cause a decrease in milk supply. Rather it was caused by the decrease in nursing. Other Caffeine Sources Though coffee is a source of caffeine, it is not the only one. According to Dailycupo.com, Energy/sports drinks, soft drinks, and tea also contain caffeine. More so, some prescription and over-the-counter medications, any food containing chocolate or coffee also have caffeine. Further, green tea, herbal products that have Paullina/guarana cupana and yerba mate are sources of caffeine. Therefore, any mother worried about the caffeine the take should take note of these other caffeine-rich drinks and foods. The Takeaway There is no scientific study that states you should avoid taking a coffee when breastfeeding. However, it would be wise if you enjoyed your cup of hot coffee in moderation. Some of the strategies you can use to control your caffeine intake are: Paying close attention to your baby: some little babies are highly sensitive to caffeine. Thus, they may become restless or fussy in case your breast milk has excessive caffeine. Monitor how any other dietary option affects your baby; not just caffeine. A drink with high sugar concentration, for instance, can have similar effects to the baby as caffeine does. Acknowledge that your health, as a breastfeeding mom, matters as well. Here you should evaluate why you need caffeine in the first place. Do you want it to help you deal with regular nighttime wakeups? Or you want coffee to boosting or maintain your energy level?If your answer to either of these two questions, then you should take coffee in moderation. Take coffee immediately after a pumping session or nursing. This strategy becomes successful when you know how frequent your baby nurses. In doing so, the caffeine in your baby milk will have enough time to drop before your
April 12, 2019
Tips To Using A Manual Breast Pump
Using a manual breast pump is not as arduous as some moms think it should be. The beauty of manual pumping is that it is actually really simple to master. However, if you are feeling reservations to this type of pump and are unsure of how you will manage to operate it, read on below now. We will give you an easy, step by step guide to using a manual breast pump. Using A Manual Breast Pump – The Steps Every Mom Needs To Know Before pumping, ensure you have thoroughly washed the pump as well as your hands Read the provided instruction manual carefully to familiarize yourself with your pump Always pump in a room which is secluded and leaves you in a state of relaxation Have a picture of your baby on hand – this helps stimulate milk production in most moms Gently begin to pump and find a rhythm which suites you – if you do not express immediately, do not worry, it may take you a few minutes before let down occurs Once you do begin to produce milk, try different pumping tempos to try and best match your baby’s suckle Try to switch breasts consistently to allow each to express – ensure each breast has been pumped for 15 minutes minimum Tips For Using A Manual Pump Know What You’re Looking For: before investing in a breast pump, know what it is you are looking for. Research thoroughly into whether you want an electronic pump, a manual pump or would prefer to rent a hospital grade pump in the beginning. See which will best suit both your lifestyle and your budget. Practice Makes Perfect: try practicing with your pump for a while before you actually plan on pumping regularly. For instance, if you are planning on going back to work, and have mainly been breastfeeding, begin to pump two weeks before you plan on making it a regular routine. This will give you time to familiarize yourself with the machine and how long it will take you to express. Dress For The Occasion – make sure that what you wear is suited to pumping. Generally, more flowy pieces which button down in the front are ideal.
April 11, 2019
Everything You Need To Know About The Medela Harmony Manual Breast Pump
The Medela Harmony is a manual breast pump perfect for every mom. This little breast pump is packed with pros for every woman. Read on below now for everything you need to know about the Medela Harmony pump. About The Medela Harmony The Medela Harmony pump is one of the most innovative manual breast pumps on the market. This can be attributed largely to its 2-phase expression technology. This mimics a baby’s feeding pattern with two different pumping phases: Stimulation – this phase is dedicated to stimulate the breast to begin milk production. Expression – this phase is when you expresss the let down and you begin to express milk. Above this, the Medela Harmony has been designed in a way to be comfortable, safe and easy to use. This pump is small and lightweight, making it easy to transport for all moms on the go. Furthermore, the pump is free from any BPAs, making it safe for you and your baby to use! Features Of The Medela Harmony Breast Pump BPA Free: every part of this pump which come into contact with your breastmilk are completely free from BPAs Swivel Handle: this innovative handle is great for all moms, as it allows you to position the handle in a comfortable position whilst pumping 2-Phase Expression Technology: this incredible type of pumping technology ensures that you get more milk in less time during the expression phase Spill Less: the set comes with a bottle stand, allowing you to easily store your expressed milk upright once pumped to avoid spills Win The Medela Harmony Today! This month, we are bringing you the Medela Harmony as our monthly give away. Be sure to check out our competition page now. You could be walking away with this great, innovative little breast pump so don’t miss out!
April 10, 2019
Electronic vs. Manual Breast Pumps: Which Works For You?
Many people debate over whether they need an electric or manual breast pump. Truth be told, there is no right side to this discussion. Both manual and electronic breast pumps have their purpose within the breastfeeding world. Knowing which best suits your lifestyle is the key question one should be asking. We shall discuss this below, so read on ow to see which pump best suits your needs. Electric Breast Pumps The electric breast pump has been in production since 1991. This was introduced to the world by the Swiss company, Medela, who managed to produce the first ever electric-powered, vacuum operated breast pump. From then on, the electronic pump has grown exponentially, with hundred of suppliers and models available. But what are the advantages to having an electronic pump? The Pros Of The Electronic Breast Pump It is time efficient – taking less time than a manual pump to express This type of pump requires less effort to use than a manual pump There is a wider variety of models to choose from, including hospital grade pumps Offer you the option of hiring – please note however, only hospital grade pumps can be rented from a professional supplier The Cons Of The Electronic Breast Pump These types of pumps are a lot pricier than any manual The electronic pump is far nosier than a manual pump Some electric models can be intricate to sterilize Generally, these pumps are more difficult to transport than a manual If you buy a mains operated pump, you will be reliant on a plug outlet to do your pumping Manual Breast Pumps The manual pump has been around since the late 19th century, first being patented in the States. There is a reason this magical little appliance has endured through the century – even with the introduction of the electronic breast pump. The Pros Of The Manual Breast Pump Cost effective – this type of pup is far more affordable for the everyday mum The manual pump is light weight and compact, making it easy to carry on the go The manual pump is incredibly quiet to use The pump is also really simple to operate This pump requires no electricity, meaning you can use it any time, any where The Cons Of The Manual Breast Pump This type of pump operates slower than the electronic counterpart Sometimes finding a regular pumping rhythm can be challenging Manual pumping can tire your hands In Conclusion As you can see, both electronic and manual breast pumps have their pros and cons. If you are a mom pressed for time with a bust schedule, your best bet would be to invest in an electronic pump. However, if you’re looking for an affordable, easy t use and transport breast pump, the manual version will serve you just fine! Stand a chance to win a Medela Harmony Manual Pump this month! See our competition page for more now.
April 2, 2019
BANKING YOUR BREASTMILK SAVES LIVES
The breastmilk bank is probably the most altruistic banking system in the world. Healthy, lactating moms express and donate their excess breastmilk. The milk is tested and pasteurised, and then distributed to neo-natal intensive care units around the country, where it is used to feed the most vulnerable babies. Every year, donated breastmilk saves the lives of thousands of vulnerable babies in South Africa. Eight out of one hundred babies in the country are born prematurely and, every year, approximately 11 000 premature babies die from preventable infections and complications. “All babies have immature immune systems,” says Abby Courtenay, a Registered Dietitian and spokesperson for ADSA (The Association for Dietetics in South Africa), “Breastfeeding plays a vital role in transferring not just nutrients but antibodies and other immune-boosting properties to an infant to strengthen the immune system and protect them against infections. This is why breastmilk is the perfect first food, and why the World Health Organisation recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life.” Many mothers giving birth to premature babies in neo-natal intensive care units don’t produce milk immediately, or enough of it. Some mothers experience health complications and cannot breastfeed. If their babies can be fed donated breastmilk instead of formula, it dramatically increases the baby’s chance of survival and offers greater protection against life-threatening infections such as the intestinal infection – necrotising enterocolitis. Donated breastmilk also helps premmies to gain weight and grow faster. This is why donated breastmilk is the next best option when the mother’s own milk is not available. Breastmilk banking was pioneered in South Africa sixteen years ago by the South African Breastmilk Reserve (SABR) and, today, they have a network of 27 banking facilities across the country. The breastmilk movement in South Africa has since grown to include several other initiatives such as ithemba Lethu milk bank and children’s home in Durban, the KZN Breastmilk Bank Initiative and Milk Matters in the Western Cape. Every year, more than a thousand South African moms help save lives by donating their milk. “What we would like to see is breastmilk banking being used far more frequently,” says Executive Director and SABR founder, Stasha Jordan. “Expressing breastmilk has become the norm for many new moms who have to return to work while still breastfeeding. Some women have an abundant supply of breastmilk and can easily express more than their baby needs. That surplus can literally save the life of another child. Our donor moms are real heroes helping the most vulnerable in our society to survive.” SABR and ADSA have partnered to raise awareness of breastmilk banking, which is supported worldwide by both the World Health Organisation and UNICEF. Who can bank their breastmilk? A healthy, lactating mom with an excess of breastmilk can make donations. It’s important that you have not received a blood donation in the past year; that you are a non-smoker; that you do not consume alcohol regularly and that you are not on any medication. Donor mothers do need to undergo blood tests to be screened for HIV and hepatitis B. How does banking my breastmilk work? Donor moms complete an online screening questionnaire SABR contacts you telephonically to refer you to your nearest sign-up facility. Arrangements will be made for the necessary blood tests. You will receive all the information you need for the safe storage of your expressed milk, which will be collected from you. Your breastmilk will be screened, pasteurised and distributed to help save the lives of premature babies in neo-natal intensive care units. Every drop counts and small donations can also be used, so don’t be put off from donating if you don’t have a particularly excessive supply. To find out more visit https://www.sabr.org.za
March 4, 2019
The Taboo Topic Of High Allergen Foods And Breastfeeding
The topic of high allergen foods being consumed while breastfeeding has been a long debated one. However, we have some interesting developments on the subject! Read on below to see why you, in fact, should be upping the ante by eating high allergen foods whilst breastfeeding. Don’t Believe Us? Believe The Science! In a study published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine today, research suggests that a mother’s diet while breastfeeding can help the baby build certain tolerances against allergic foods. Conducted by teams from Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, they researchers show how introducing allergic foods to your child’s digestive system from an early age actually help them build tolerance against these foods later in life. This results in them not developing full blown allergies to the foods in question. How To Introduce High Allergen Foods Into Your Diet Whilst Breastfeeding You know the good old saying, less is more? this is definitely true in this instance. When introducing the foods to your diet, do so slowly so as to not risk giving your child a reaction. For example, start with a handful of nuts a day. Go for sushi one weekend. All the while, monitor how your baby reacts to the new exposure to these foods. What Not To Do In The Process By no means should you jeopardise your own well-being. If you are highly allergic to a certain food, eating these foods will do you no good. As a result, this will definitely not benefit your baby either. Therefore, only introduce foods which you can safely eat yourself into your and your baby’s diet. Making High Allergen Foods And Breastfeeding Work In Unison From now on, do not be afraid to experiment a little with what you are eating. Who knows, it could actually benefit them highly later on in life!
February 19, 2019
Breastfeeding Do’s And Don’ts: How To Lead A Healthy Breastfeeding Diet
The Do’s Of A Breastfeeding Diet The importance of leading a healthy diet whilst breastfeeding is really important. Therefore, knowing what you should do to help you lead a healthy life style is crucial. Read on below for the do’s of a healthy breastfeeding diet below! Do Drink A Lot (But Only The Good Stuff!) When you are lactating, you will be losing a lot of fluids on a daily basis. Therefore, you need to keep yourself hydrated. Always keep a water bottle on hand. Ensure you drink at least at least 8 – 10 glasses of water daily. Mix things up by enjoying other fluids such as natural fruit juices, caffeine free herbal teas and soups. Do Eat A Balanced Diet Eating a healthy, three meal a day diet is a great starting point for a lactating mum. Get in adequate amounts of vitamins from veggies and fruits, proteins from meats or protein rich vegetables, iron, and calcium. Remember, breastfeeding is calorie burning, demanding work! Therefore, give your body the best foot forward by giving it all the nutrients it needs in this time. Do Get Into The Habit Of Healthy Snacking Snacking will also be important during this time, especially when breastfeeding, make sure you have a handful of nuts or fruit when breastfeeding to keep your sugar levels up. Snacking throughout the day will also help your metabolism stay active, which will help in keeping your weight constant. The Don’ts Of A Breastfeeding Diet In the same right, there are a lot of things you shouldn’t do when breastfeeding. Take a look at what not to do when breastfeeding by reading on below now! Don’t Go On An Actual Diet Going on an actual diet is a terrible idea when breastfeeding. Firstly, limiting your daily calorie intake could this possibly affect your lactation frequency. Secondly, when your body begins to detox, the toxins which are being released could release themselves into your breastmilk. Don’t Avoid High Allergen Foods Contrary to popular belief, eating high allergen foods during breastfeeding could actually help your child in the long run. The introduction to these in small doses through breastmilk will help them build immunities to these allergens later in life. Don’t Binge On The Bad Stuff By this we don’t just mean alcohol and cigarettes, but high fats and sugars too. The first mentioned substances (alcohol and nicotine) will produce a toxin within your breastmilk. This will then be transferred to your baby through your milk. Regarding fats and sugars, these are nothing more than empty calories with little nutritional value. They will have little impact on your breastmilk and serve no purpose for the health of your child.
February 12, 2019
Your BREAST PUMPING GUIDE
Do you need to pump? Breastfeeding directly is the most convenient way to breastfeed a baby. When you direct feed you are able to save time and manage your supply easily. However there are a few mothers that for a number of different reasons may need to use a breast pump to express their milk. By using a breast pump a mother can effectively express her milk and help to maintain her milk supply. Some reasons why you might want to express your milk: To have a supply of milk for when you are away from your baby. The baby is not able to latch or feed directly from the breast. The mother wants to give her baby breast milk but does not want to breast feed directly. To donate breast milk to a Milk Bank for premature babies. To increase your milk supply. When weaning and you need to alleviate pressure, or you are suffering from mastitis and need to drain your breasts to help healing. What you need to know before you start pumping: Firstly you need to know why you want to start pumping. If you have a healthy full term baby you can wait a few weeks before you start pumping and storing your breast milk. Allow some time for you and your baby to learn how to breast feed directly. If your baby was born prematurely or ill and is not able to breastfeed directly yet or if you have chosen to exclusively pump you should try to start expressing within one to six hours after your baby was delivered. In order to get the most out of your breast pump you need to understand how it works and to be comfortable with your pump. Make sure that you do research about the different pumps that are available, check to see if the pump has different flange sizes so that the flange will your breasts well. Does the pump allow easy control of the settings to help you manage your let-downs. Also, consider how hygienic the pump is. A closed system pump prevents bacteria, mould and viruses from entering the pump and tubing which can grow and contaminate your breast milk at a later stage. Tips if you are primarily direct feeding: A great time to pump is in the morning. You are more likely to express more milk in the morning Try to pump between breastfeeding. Wait for about 30-60 minutes after a feed, and avoid pumping one hour before a feed. If you your baby shows signs of needing to feed just after you have expressed, let your baby drink. Tips if you are exclusively/predominately breast pumping: Plan to pump 8-10 times in a 24 hour period. You would have reached full milk production once you are able to pump 750 to 1035ml in a 24hour period. It is best to maintain a schedule of expression once you have reached your full milk production. Learn how your body works, plan your expressing schedule to work best around you and your baby. Tips on how to pump Learning to pump can be a daunting process. Here are some tips to get you ready to express. Before you start, read the instructions of your breast pump. Find a space that you are comfortable in. This is very important if you need to pump at work. Have a snack and a beverage handy. Hygiene is important, wash your hands with soap and water. Assemble the pump kit. Make sure all the parts are in the correct position. Place your flanges over your nipples so that they are in the centre. Make sure you’re flange size is the correct size for you. If the flange is too small it can damage your nipples. If the flange is too big the pump will not be able to seal correctly and you will express less milk. Hold your flanges so that they sit tightly onto your breast, so that they seal well. Turn your pump on. Try to imitate how your baby drinks from your breast. Most baby’s start with a high speed and low suction. This will help you to have a let-down where you can see your milk flowing. Once you have a let-down, adjust speed to medium and increase suction based on comfort level. Never place the pump on a setting that is painful. Rather decrease the suction to where you are comfortable this will increase the amount of milk you are able to express. Once milk flow decreases, increase speed to high until the next let-down, then decrease to medium speed. The more that you use a breast pump the more comfortable you will be. How Much Will You Pump: Not all pumping sessions will result in the same about of milk expressed. It is all dependant on a few factors: your baby’s age, time since last feeding or pumping, time of day, pump type, how much practice you’ve had with your pump, and whether you’re relaxed or stressed. What volumes to expect when pumping: You produce more milk in the early mornings so you can expect higher volumes. As the day progresses you will produce less milk. This is normal Your breast may produce different amounts of milk at the same time. It’s normal to have a “lazy breast”. Aim for full milk production and then maintain your feeding or expressing schedule to maintain your milk supply. How to Reach and Maintain Full Milk Production If you need to reach your full milk production because you have a premature baby, your baby is not able to latch or if you have chosen to exclusively breast feed see the tips below: Golden tip: Pump often to drain the breast completely as this activates your hormones and helps your body to produce more milk. This is where supply and demand is so critical, the more often you drain your breasts the more milk they will make. Initially: Birth to Day 4 Start as
February 4, 2019
12 Breastfeeding Super Foods
Moms that are breastfeeding must consider which foods they can include in their daily diet. All foods or drinks that are consumed in large quantities can pass through the breast milk to your baby’s system and can as a result have a negative effect on your baby’s health or overall well-being. There are a few helpful tips to consider for milk supply when nursing your infant: Make sure that you include a well-balanced eating plan and consume a variety of foods to provide your baby with different kinds of vitamins, minerals and nutrients that is vital for healthy growth. *Foods that should be avoided or consumed in moderation are:Caffeine, fish, chocolate, parsley, peppermint, alcohol, citrus, dairy, peanuts, gassy vegetables (such as cabbage) and spicy foods. Always be vigilant by watching your baby’s reactions after you’ve eaten certain foods that could have an undesirable effect on your baby. If you are unsure or have any health concerns with regards to certain food items, always check with your pediatrician to be on the safe side. Another great way to promote milk supply is pumping to induce lactation. The best method for increasing milk supply is by stimulating the nipples whether it is by pumping or putting baby to your breast. If you aren’t stimulating the breasts regularly, no supplement or food is going to help you increase your milk supply. When pumping frequently, the aim is to remove more milk from breasts and increasing the frequency of breast emptying. Adding pumping sessions in between or after nursing sessions can be very beneficial when you’re looking to induce lactation, therefore increasing your milk flow and upping your milk supply. Have a look at these 12 breastfeeding superfoods to promote lactation: Oatmeal A good choice for comfort food which is easy to prepare. Oatmeal is a rich source of iron which is vital for Moms that are experiencing post-pregnancy anemia. Oatmeal helps to increase red blood cell count in blood which can lead to increased breast milk production. Another great benefit is stimulating the production of Pitocin which is a key hormone when it comes to producing breast milk. Water Drinking enough water is vital when you are breast feeding. For your body to function properly and to promote milk supply (water forms the basis of breast milk), you must drink enough water to make up for the fluids lost when you’re sweating as well as producing enough milk to quench your baby’s thirst. Green Papaya Women across Asia often consume unripe papaya which is a great galactagogue (food that increases breast milk). Green papaya helps promoting the production of oxytocin which in turn increases milk production. Garlic One of the best food choices for increasing milk supply in breastfeeding mothers is garlic. A great way to add an extra layer of flavouring to your dishes plus garlic has an array of health benefits, including providing relief for babies suffering from colic. Drinking garlic pills is a great option for ladies that don’t enjoy the after taste of garlic. These pills provide the same benefits as garlic without the lingering after taste. Fennel Fennel has similar properties as estrogen, therefore fennel or fennel seeds are ideal for promoting lactation. Another great option is making use of fennel essential oil, but it’s important to keep in mind that long-term use can affect the urinary tract, therefore it’s best to use it for up to seven to ten days at a time and no more. Fenugreek seeds Fenugreek is one of the most popular and safest herbs used for milk supply since biblical times, as it stimulates the secretion of human growth hormone. It can be boiled in tea or you can buy them in capsule form. Many cultures also use Fenugreek as a herb or spice in food to treat medical conditions. Other benefits include, slowing the digestive tract as well as stabilizing blood sugar levels. Nuts Almonds, cashews and macadamia nuts contain monounsaturated fats which increase the richness of your milk. They need to be eaten raw (not roasted and salted) and you can enjoy up to three servings a day. Grains or Legumes Brown rice, lentils, millet and barley are excellent examples of grains or legumes that promote milk supply as well as stabilizing blood sugar levels. Spinach Spinach is a great source of calcium, iron, Vitamin K, A and folic acid. Folic acid is vital for women who are breastfeeding. Dark leafy greens contain phytoestrogens which promote lactation and breast tissue health. But to avoid any food-borne illness, make sure you boil it before consumption. You can also add it to salads but ensure that you’ve rinse it properly beforehand. Carrots Carrots are rich in Vitamin A which is great for assisting with baby’s growth and they are also believed to assist with lactation. Sesame seeds Not only are they delicious, but they are high in calcium and polyunsaturated fat, making them a very nutritious choice. They are also known as lactogenic food which means they help to increase breast milk production. Asparagus Asparagus is one of the must-have food items for nursing mothers because it is rich in fibre, high in Vitamin A and K and helps stimulating the hormones that are essential for nursing moms when it comes to lactation. Conclusion: Every lactating Mom who is breastfeeding, will have questions about what to eat and what to avoid when producing and providing the necessary quantity of breast milk that is also nutritious. Certain food items, known as galactagogue specifically assist with lactation, boost milk production and provide essential vitamins, minerals and nutrients to your baby when nursing. Remember to stay hydrated and ensure that you are taking in enough fluids when breastfeeding. Now that you know which foods can promote lactation and increase the production of milk supply, you can add them to your daily diet and provide your baby with the best possible breast milk that he/she needs to stay healthy and have a full tummy. Read Also:
January 21, 2019
Review: Medela Disposable Nursing Pads
During (and after) pregnancy, a mom can experience something know as a leaking breast. This is when your breast oozes some of either your colostrum (during pregnancy) or breast milk out. This can occur at any given time, with no indication of it beginning. You will just feel your breast producing milk. If this is happening to you, then we have the perfect product for your shopping cart; the Medela disposable nursing pads range. A Bit About The Medela Disposable Nursing Pads This incredible range of breast care products come to you in packs of either thirty, or sixty. All pads are individually wrapped, should you only need to use one at a time, and have two adhesive strips on the back (unlike common one strip pads found amongst other nursing pad brands). The dual adhesive strip allows the breast pad to stay in place all day and night, allowing you to move freely without concern. Another great plus to this product is the fact that it is discreet. The breast pad’s design will be perfectly concealed against your bra, leaving you with confidence, and those around you none the wiser. The Design Behind The Product The Medela disposable nursing pads are designed with one client in mind; breastfeeding moms. As such, everything about them from their shape to their absorbency ability has been fine tuned to suit the every day woman. What’s Inside? The core of the pad is made from something known as ultra-absorbent polymer. This allows for the breastmilk to be distributed evenly when expressed. It also locks the moisture into the pad to prevent leakage. This makes the pads incredibly absorbent, making them ideal from light milk spotting to heavy breast milk leaks. What’s On Top? If you have sensitive skin, you have nothing to worry about with this product. The Medela disposable pads make use of a soft, natural fibre lining. Not only is this safe for sensitive breast skin, but it also wicks away any moisture. This ensures that nothing will seep out of the pad for any reason. What’s On The Outside? The outer layer of the breast pad is as incredible as the highly absorbent inner. As previously mentioned, the pads are discreet, concealing themselves easily within your bra. This can be attributed to their contour design. The pads were designed to snugly fit your breasts perfectly. Their curve mimics the curve of your body. Another wonderful thing about the breast pad is that it is both breathable, as well as water proof. The breathable design allows your skin beneath the pad access to oxygen. Whereas the waterproof functionality of the pad ensures that the outer layers of your clothing will be protected from any leakage. When You Would Need The Medela Disposable Nursing Pads Breast leakage is particularly common within the first few weeks post child birth. This is when your body will begin to produce milk. There are also a few key times which you may experience leaking: Often in the mornings, or when your breasts are feeling particularly full When oxytocin is released within your brain; an emotive response to hearing your baby cry or even thinking about your child When you feed from one breast, the other may leak When you’re in a warm room, shower, or bath; warmth encourages ilk to flow easily If you are experiencing breast leakage at abnormal times (even though it may be irritating) view it as a blessing in disguise. This is your body’s way of telling you that it is successfully producing enough, in fact too much milk to sustain your infant. !
January 14, 2019
Chicco Boppy Nursing Pillow
The Boppy Pillow from Chicco is a revolutionary product that has taken the world by storm – not just for its innovation, but for the outstanding quality that sets it apart from its many copycats. The Boppy is the ideal support for mum and baby during breastfeeding. Thanks to its unique features and the special padding, it helps mums to have a comfortable position, avoiding painful, achy arms, shoulders and neck whilst nursing. The fibre grants the correct and comfortable position for the baby during breastfeeding and cuddles. The “Miracle Middle™” make the pillow flexible in order to fit to most waists. And that’s just the benefits for mom! When baby starts to grow and sit, the pillow acts as a sturdy support, guaranteed to not let them fall as they lean against it during relaxing time. It’s also a fantastic support for tummy time play. The Boppy pillow is available in a number of different patterns, with removable, washable covers and is available from December at Baby City, Babies R Us, Hamleys, www.takealot.com, www.loot.com and other retailers for R799.99.
December 6, 2018
When To Consider Introducing Complimentary Feeding
Complimentary feeding is a process in which you begin to introduce other food substances apart from breastmilk into your child’s diet. There are many benefits to this practice. However, more importantly, this practice is essential for the health of your baby. Complimentary feeding is essential for nutritional intake for your baby. Within this article, we shall be discussing the points stipulated by WHO (the world health organisation) surrounding the importance of complimentary feeding. Why Complimentary Feeding Is A Good Practice Complimentary feeding is an incredibly important practice for your baby. Complimentary feeding, in a nutshell, describes a co-existent feeding pattern in which you feed your baby both solids as well as breast milk. As WHO suggests, it is encouraged to breastfeed for the first 1000 days of your child’s life, up until the age of 2. Breastfeeding has a number of incredible benefits for a bay’s development, as well as strong antibodies to help them build immunities against certain diseases. However, there comes a time when breastmilk will need a little bit of help within the nourishing department. Read on below to see why complimentary feeding is such an important practice. Nutritional intake As suggested by the WHO, children will begin to need other nutrition in their diets from roughly six months old. Breastmilk will sustain your child fully up until this point. It has been reported – particularly within third world countries such as South Africa – that two out of five children up until the age of five are malnourished. These are some scary statistics! This can be attribute to the fact that these children have not been exposed to a balanced diet. However, these statistics don’t necessarily only ring true to the poor. All children stand a chance to fall into this trap, should their parents be unaware of the importance of complimentary feeding. Complimentary feeding will introduce a variety of new, needed nutrients into your child’s diet, helping their growing body get everything it needs to support development. The Dangers Of Malnutrition Scarier yet is what occurs should children not receive adequate nutrition. Malnutrition results in a syndrome known at stunting. Stunting, or stunted growth, refers to impaired growth and development for a child’s body. Stunted children are generally two standard deviations shorter than what a child’s height should be at that age. Furthermore, stunting can affect children in other areas; not only their height. Take a look at some of the other side effects of stunting: Poor cognition Poor educational development and performance Poor productivity An increased risk of chronic health complications later in life, should the child become over weight As you can see, the dangers of malnutrition are really something which need to be taken seriously. Scarier yet is that stunting cannot be reversed. As suggested by WHO, the first 1000 days of your child’s life are essential for building a healthy human being later on. therefore, practicing healthy eating habits is crucial during this time. Intestinal Development Above the nutritional benefits of complimentary feeding, there is also a developmental benefit to it. At some point or another, your baby’s gut will need to begin processing harder foods than breastmilk. Complimentary feeding allows your child’s tummy become accustomed to different food sources, whilst still being able to easily digest breastmilk. This eases your baby’s intestinal development by allowing them to slowly become accustomed to the new food stuffs being introduced to their diet. We will discuss the frequency which one should practice complimentary feeding below now. When To Start Practicing Complimentary Feeding As previously mentioned, complimentary feeding should be introduced after the six month mark. It should then be continued up until 24 months. If you are wondering about the frequency of this practice, just read on below now. According to WHO, you should practice complimentary feeding as per this tables suggestions: Baby’s Age Daily Complimentary Feeds Other Solid Food Sources 6 – 8 months 2 – 3 daily feeds / 9 – 11 months 3 – 4 daily feeds / 12 – 24 months 3 – 4 daily feeds 2 daily snacks Once your baby reaches two years old, you should consider weaning them from breastmilk. This is the time when you will begin to develop their solid diet fully. Important Things To Remember About Complimentary Feeding There are a few key things to remember when beginning complimentary feeding. Appropriate Foods Ensure that the foods you begin to introduce to your baby’s diet are appropriate from that stage of their lives. By this we mean both nutritionally and texturally. For lack of a better example, feeding your six month old baby a steak smothered in rich sauces would not work at all. Try preparing the solids yourself, starting with simple steamed vegetables such as pumpkin, which you can then pulse into a baby food consistency. Be Observant About What Your Baby Eats There are many additives in today’s products. Be sure that your baby is receiving safe produce when you begin to introduce them to solids. As mentioned above, the best way to do this is by preparing their first few meals yourself. You will then be able to monitor exactly what goes into your baby’s meal, and as a result, into your baby.
November 30, 2018
6 Tips on choosing the best breast pump for you
If you are wanting to breastfeed your baby you most likely have thought about getting yourself a breast pump. At first the idea may be simple but there are quite a few things to consider. To make sure you get the best pump for your needs, follow these 6 easy tips: 1. Rental or personal There is a difference between a hospital grade and personal grade pump. The Hospital grade and personal pumps use a different mechanism to help create the negative pressure that draws out your breast milk. The hospital grade pumps are mainly for mothers who have to establish their milk supply without the assistance of their baby. This would be a mom who has her baby in NICU, a mom who is adopting and wanting to breastfeed or a mom who has returned to work and needs to pump effectively and fast. If you are planning on only using a pump for a short period of time, the rental option maybe the most cost effective. The personal pumps are much smaller in size than the hospital grade pumps which makes them portable. Some pumps use both mains electricity and batteries which make them portal and ideal for taking to work to pump. 2. Used or new There are a lot of mothers looking at purchasing second and pumps online or borrowing a pump from a friend. The reason for this is that electrical pumps can be very expensive. Although you would be saving some money there are risks involved with purchasing a second had pump. Firstly, you do not know how many people used the pump before you, if the pump was in a house with smokers and if the pump has any mould or bacteria growing in the pump. It is always recommended to buy a new pump rather than a second hand one. This is very important for sick or babies in NICU. 3. Manual or electric The decision between a manual or an electric pump can be based on two main factors; Price and usage. As mentioned before, the price of electric pumps can be quite high which may affect the decision about how to express. Some mothers respond really well to manual pumps and find them easier to use compared to electrical pumps. Electrical pumps are mainly used by mothers who go back to work because they make pumping quick and effective. 4. Double or single Double pumps have two flanges so that you can pump both breasts at the same time. This helps to half the amount of time per pump session. Also, double pumping results in your breasts producing more milk per pump session. Single pumps are less expensive than double pumps and can be a very useful option. 5. Closed system or open system Closed and open systems refer to the ability of moisture or breastmilk to collect in your tubing or pump motor. With open system pumps, moisture or breast milk is allowed to collect in the tubing or motor which can allow for the growth of bacteria or viruses. This can be very dangerous for sick or premature infants. It is very difficult to clean out the tube and sterilise the tube or the pump once it has the milk in it. If you see breast milk or moisture collecting inside your tubes it is best to replace the tubing. A safer option is to use a pump that has a complete closed system. This means that the moisture or milk is not able to move into the tube or the motor. This results in you not needing to clean, sterilise or replace the tubing parts. Apart from the health benefit you will also save some money on the spare parts. There are some pumps that are not complete closed systems as moisture can collect in the tubes but not in the motor. 6. Comfort and fit Make sure that the pump you chose is comfortable and fits you well. If you are comfortable while you express, you will also produce more milk. Once you have decided which type of pump would be the best for you, make sure that the brand that you chose will fit you perfectly and be comfortable while you pump. Look for brands that have different size flanges because not all breasts are the same size. If the flange is too small it can hurt your nipple and if it is too big it can result in poor expression of breast milk. Once you have decided on which type of pump you would like to use, go online and read reviews, find out what is being used overseas and why. You might just find that the pump you were thinking about is really noisy and it will not be suitable at work. The more you know about a pump the better decision you can make, so that you have a comfortable pump that works best for you.
November 16, 2018
Lansinoh Unveils ‘Breastfeeding around the World’ Photography Campaign
Global Leader in the Breastfeeding Market Debuts Campaign for Breastfeeding Awareness Month Alexandria, VA (August 1, 2018) – Lansinoh, a global leader in the breastfeeding market, announces the launch of its ‘Breastfeeding around the World’ photography campaign in honor and celebration of August’s Breastfeeding Awareness Month. This campaign further supports the company’s ongoing commitment to supporting breastfeeding mothers across the globe. For this unique campaign, Lansinoh partnered with New York City-based photographer, Tina Boyadjieva, who traveled to 19 countries, including South Africa, Uganda, China, Turkey, and Sri Lanka; photographing mothers from all demographics, social statuses, races and occupations, under the common denominator of motherhood and breastfeeding. Ms. Boyadjieva grew up in Bulgaria surrounded by strong and inspiring women, spent time in Italy where she cultivated her artistic education and aesthetics, and attended the International Center of Photography. During each day of August, Lansinoh will be sharing the beautiful stories of different mothers from a different country, as depicted through Ms. Boyadjieva’s stunning photos, across all of its social media channels. By showcasing mothers from various cultures, countries, and circumstances, Lansinoh highlights the universal nature of breastfeeding and celebrates the connection of motherhood regardless of geographic boundaries. “For the past 30 years, Lansinoh has been dedicated to providing all mothers with access to the support and resources they need to help them reach their breastfeeding goals, which is why our products are currently available to moms in nearly 60 countries, said Kevin Vyse-Peacock, CEO at Lansinoh. “This year we decided to build upon this mission by sharing the stories of mothers from various backgrounds and geographical locations to highlight how, even though every mother has a different journey, they are all united in the undisputed love and dedication they have in caring for their baby.” “Ms. Boyadjieva is a strong believer in international and interracial inclusiveness, respect, equality and women power, and aims to demonstrate all of the above in this campaign through her captivating images, and we could not be more grateful for her be a part of this campaign as she helps to bring the stories of every mother interviewed to life through compelling visual narratives,” Mr. Vyse-Peacock added. For more information about Lansinoh, its dedication to breastfeeding moms everywhere and its portfolio of products, please visit www.Lansinoh.com. ABOUT LANSINOH Founded by a breastfeeding mom, Lansinoh has helped millions of mothers successfully breastfeed during its 30 year history. Famous for its award-winning Lanolin Nipple Cream, Lansinoh® offers a comprehensive range of nursing and pumping solutions in more than 60 countries. For more information, please visit Lansinoh.com, or connect with @LansinohUSA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube.
September 26, 2018
Breastfeeding basics: What you need to know
World Breastfeeding Week is celebrated around the world from 1-7 August every year to raise awareness, protect, promote and support breastfeeding worldwide because of its health benefits for both mothers and their children. The theme this year, “Breastfeeding: Foundation of Life”, calls for greater commitment from government, health practitioners, mothers, doctors and civil society in ensuring lifelong good health for babies and mothers. “Breastfeeding has been shown to have major health benefits for both the mother and child. The benefits of breastfeeding include protecting babies from some of the biggest killer diseases of infants and children in South Africa: diarrhoea and pneumonia,” says Laura Sayce, Lactation Consultant at Life Healthcare’s Genesis Maternity Clinic. “It is also associated with improved development and educational achievement. However, babies are not the only beneficiaries. Breastfeeding after birth helps the uterus contract and reduces the mother’s postpartum blood loss, reduces the risk of ovarian and breast cancer, and type II diabetes.” According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), if breastfeeding were scaled up to near universal levels, about 820 000 child lives would be saved every year. Globally, only 40% of infants under six months of age are exclusively breastfed[1]. In South Africa a third of children under six months old are now exclusively breastfed. This represents a nearly five-fold increase over the last twenty years[2]. While breastfeeding is a natural act, it is also a learned behaviour, therefore ensuring that expectant mothers are prepared is key. Research has demonstrated that mothers and other caregivers require active support for establishing and sustaining appropriate breastfeeding practices. “There are two essential ways to prepare for breastfeeding ahead of the birth. Expectant mothers should start by attending a breastfeeding class conducted by a certified lactation expert. They also need a breastfeeding plan. For a successful breastfeeding journey every new mom needs a plan which should include what to do in the first hours following birth, and who they can contact for support. The plan should also consider what steps to take for any special needs, such as how to ensure baby receives breastmilk in the event mom and baby may not be able to breastfeed,” she says. Sayce continued to say that often mothers don’t realise that if baby doesn’t latch or needs to go to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), they can still express breastmilk to feed their baby. “World Breastfeeding Week gives us an opportunity to further educate people about the benefits of breastfeeding to save lives and improve the overall health of infants and their mothers.” To learn more about breastfeeding visit www.lifehealthcare.co.za or contact your local Life Healthcare hospital. For breastfeeding support at Genesis Maternity Clinic visit https://www.genesisclinic.co.za.
September 14, 2018
4 Extended Breastfeeding Tips
As a mother that really struggled with breastfeeding I really take my hat off to the moms that have managed to breastfeed for a long period of time. Any mother that manages to breastfeed until her child self weans is a hero in my eyes.
July 24, 2018
A Healthy Lifestyle is a Must for Your Unborn Baby
Becoming a new mom is a thrilling, yet daunting experience! From the moment, you find out you’re expecting a little bundle of joy, you need to make numerous life changing decisions – even before the big arrival. Choices need to be made – everything from what colour to make the baby’s room, to who will take care of your baby once (if) you return to work, and of course, one of the most important decisions – choosing a name. However, despite all these important choices you need to consider, often it’s the moments ‘in between’ that really count – like your health and lifestyle choices, which could direct affect your unborn child. If you have been taking your health for granted, well then now is the time to assess your current lifestyle – to see if any changes must be made. Your unborn baby will rely on you for all essential nutrients, which are important for his/her development, and by eating well, exercising and taking your prenatal vitamins you can decrease your risk of a complicated pregnancy. It is for this reason, that as an expectant mom, you should prioritise your health and looking at an exercise and eating plan can go a long way here. The importance of exercising How long can I jog for? Am I able to lift weights? These are some of the questions that a lot of pregnant women are unsure of when it comes to exercise. Many expectant moms want to jump in and exercise to ensure to keep the extra weight off, but sometimes its not a good idea to start something your body isn’t used to. Despite all the myths around exercising during pregnancy, health practitioners encourage moderate exercise, as it is highly beneficial for both mom and growing baby. So, how will exercise benefit you and baby? Increases your energy levels Improves sleep Strengthens muscles and builds endurance Reduces backaches Relieves constipation Eating right – for you and the baby There will always be contradicting ideas from friends and family on what an expecting mother should eat or drink, however, it is always important to do personal research and get advice from your doctor or clinic. Of course, there are certain foods that should be completely avoided by a pregnant mother, like raw meat and uncooked seafood. Ideally, expectant moms should aim to eat foods that are high in calcium, antioxidants and nutrients, as regularly as possible. And, before you get carried away and utter the words “I’m eating for two” – remember that eating too many calories is also harmful to you and baby. You might even struggle to lose the post pregnancy weight, which can leave you frustrated. In terms of the food you eat, make sure you get enough: Vitamin D – which helps with the absorption of calcium Iron – is vital for creating the baby’s blood supply Vitamin C – improves the uptake of iron from non-meat sources Omega 3 fats – are important to ensure optimal brain development of the baby Calcium – which helps developing the baby’s bones and teeth Ante natal visits and appointments As soon as you find out that you are pregnant, schedule appointments with a reputable gynaecologist/mid-wife, who can help you plan your antenatal care. This will ensure that you are getting the right advice for a healthy pregnancy, right from the get go. Ante natal care is an essential part of pregnancy, and on days where you are tempted to skip your appointment and rather relax on the couch – remember that sticking to appointments is essential in assessing your unborn baby’s health, and to examine whether the pregnancy is progressing well. And of course, the absolute best part of an antenatal visit is when hearing the heartbeat and getting a visual ‘sneak peek’ of your growing little one during an ultrasound. Of course you hormones are a factor during your pregnancy, but with moderate exercise, plenty of sleep, healthy eating and making use of your support system, you can help ensure that your pregnancy is healthy and that you give your baby the healthiest start. Enjoy this time – it’s the start of a truly wonderful journey.
February 27, 2018
TIPS FOR THOSE LAST FEW WEEKS OF PREGNANCY
Birth is such an awesome and exciting event. As pregnancy progresses into its final stages once can be faced with various physical challenges where just standing up has become a process on its own. Therefore, it is important to always take care of your health, fitness levels and continuing to prepare for the arrival of your baby. There is nothing as amazing as knowing that you have prepared well ahead for the birth of your precious miracle and breastfeeding moments you will have together. A few tips for those last few weeks and days of pregnancy: Make sure you are eating healthily to keep up your energy levels for the hard work of labour ahead. Similac Mom provides you with all the special nutrients that you need for this time Keep Similac Mom close at hand for those days ahead when you will be breastfeeding. While you are breastfeeding, have a glass of Similac Mom next to you not only to quench the extra breastfeeding thirst, but to also make sure you have the correct nutrition for both you and your baby during these precious times Rest during the day- you never know when you might go into labour so never let yourself get really tired because that is the day you probably will go into labour. If you are tired when labour starts, you start at such a disadvantage, rather start labour feeling refreshed and with high energy levels Stay active so you keep up your fitness levels Make sure your bags are packed and ready for labour. Keep them with you if you go far from home Make sure you have discussed your birth plan with the doctor/midwife and the hospital where you will be delivering to ensure everyone is on the same page as you Practice your skills learnt at childbirth education classes together with your birth partner Make sure you have a lactation consultant’s number saved in your phone in case you need one in those early days of breastfeeding Ensure you do a breastfeeding course. Knowledge is very empowering and helpful for this new skill that will be required of you Know your baby’s normal movements. Be aware your baby should move nicely every day. Your baby should move 10 times in less than 2 hours. A quicker but as reliable method, is 3 kicks in an hour. You know your baby is fit and healthy by feeling him move. He has times of sleeping as well so won’t be moving 24/7. If you cannot feel your baby moving, have something sweets to eat and drink and then do what generally gets your baby moving – for some it is to take a bath, others to lie down. If you are concerned your baby isn’t moving as well as usual or is moving far more than normal – contact your caregiver or the labour ward at the hospital. Towards the end of pregnancy, your baby may move differently, fewer but bigger movements. Spend lots of time communicating with your partner as you prepare for labour together as well as your new journey together as parents Enjoy this time! Your pregnancy will soon be over and you will have lots of new skills to learn! By Lynne Bluff About Abbott Nutrition As a division of Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Nutrition is recognized as one of the world’s trusted names in children, adult, and healthy living products, including Ensure®, PediaSure® Complete and Similac® Mom. Abbott Nutrition South Africa first opened its doors in 1940 and for more than 75 years, has remained committed to the highest standards of quality, excellence, and innovation and as leaders in science-based nutrition, they continue to support people’s nutritional needs throughout their life stages.
February 22, 2018
