"Being a Milk Donor was something that had never crossed my mind pre motherhood.
I learned that my excess milk could save premature babies lives. Babies not as fortunate as mine could have an abundant supply of breast milk.
I just thought: what a blessing, what an opportunity. I could help save a life."
Terri (breastmilk donor) Green Point
"I express and freeze my milk for donation as there is no better feeling than knowing we are helping other moms and babies."
Andrea (breastmilk donor) - Cape Town
"It cost me nothing and took just a bit of my time. More importantly, I was saving a life, a little baby's life."
Helen P (breastmilk donor) - Cape Town
" I am so thankful that my babies got the best by receiving donor milk, and that I was given a bit of leeway to get my own milk going without too much stress. My twins are four months old now and still breastfeeding."
Cathy S (breastmilk recipient) Cape Town
What about the sick or premature baby who cannot suck properly?
Kangaroo- also known as skin to skin care is essential for better weight gain and recovery of these babies. Cup feeding or tube feeding can be done with mother's expressed breastmilk. By giving her baby expressed breastmilk and doing skin to skin care a mother makes a vital contribution to helping her baby fight infections and grow better. Most private hospitals provide multi-user electric breast pumps. They are also available for hire from Milk Matters or the Breastfeeding Association (083 771 6230 or 021 6595599).
Learning to breastfeed is a gradual process for tiny premature infants. Allow him to spend time at the breast even if he does not suckle at first. It may take some time before he learns to suckle effectively.
Dad also plays an important role when giving skin to skin care to his little son or daughter.
Also see Dr Bergman's site www.kangaroomothercare.com