Breastfeeding Facts!

Hi gloei

What is the leader's name, just for interest sake?

Jip, those mothers are amazing because they don't get paid. They rely on mothers to become a member as it only cost R200 a year. They have a meeting once a month where they cover different topics.

It is very sad how quickly bf can turn into formula feeding. Unfortunately, most hospital nurses are not informed properly and quick to whip out the formula. Very vital to have one of those LLL leader on stand by or a very good lactation consultant but I trust the leaders more

I wrote a few articles for Moomie regarding bf and how to make sure you get off to a good start etc

www.lovingbaby.ca/parenting/breastfeeding/finger-training.php - helps for getting a good latch and helps to suck properly

Hi Momtoc,

Thank you for all the wisdom and tips!!

Now that you mention it, I remember trying the dummy trick as well when we had some difficulty with BF. It worked!

The LLL lady was really helpful and friendly. It is totally amazing that so many people volunteer to help with such a great cause.

Thank you!!

The thing that I find so sad is to see that first time moms don't realise how quickly the breast feeding can go wrong and then it becomes frustrating and distressing and before they know it the baby is put on formula which often could have been prevented with the right, quick response and assistance.

Hi there Gloei

No problem at all. I'm very passionate about breastfeeding and it gives me great joy to help!

I'm glad you found someone in hospital that can help her. I've read that some premies learn to suck with a dummy so that they can learn how to latch onto the breast but apparently you can teach them with your finger as well. Will try to find more info on that for you

She doesn't necessarily have to continue pumping at home. As baby gains weight and learns to suck, she will be given the chance to put baby to breast.

But if she wants to express for when she needs to go back to work or whatever other reason, the medela swing maxi is good, just very expensive or she can look into the Spectra dew 350. ALOT of women LOVE this pump.

Shout if you need anything else!

Hi Momtoc,

Thank you so much for your detailed response! I really appreciate you taking the time to respond.

I have managed to get hold of the La Leche League consultant in the hospital that my friend will be in.

I just hope that the hospital and doctor will allow her to try the kangeroo care! First time parents get bulldozed so easily by the "system" if you know what I mean.

Should she want to continue pumping at home, what type of electrical Medela breat pump would you recommend?

Hi there Gloei!

Shame, she must be so scared and I can't blame her.

Breastfeeding works a bit different when baby is in NICU but the main thing is, she can still make sure baby only gets breast milk. Luckily most hospitals are very pro breastfeeding when it comes to a premie.

She can ask for a hospital grade pump to express. She must just ask them how soon can she start expressing. She will have to express atleast every 3 hours or so. Newborn babies only take about 2.5ml of colostrum in the beginning so she mustn't worry about pumping too much in the beginning. Baby will probably be tube fed for a while. A lot of kangaroo care (skin-to-skin) etc.

I have attached a few articles that she can read. It is from the La Leche League, which I also strongly advice she joins. Link below to join www.facebook.com/groups/lalecheleaguesouthafrica/ They can also support her in hospital - over the phone etc. She can just ask on the page which leader is in her area.

www.llli.org/nb/nbpremature.html
www.llli.org/faq/premimportant.html
www.llli.org/faq/premkangaroo.html
www.llli.org/faq/premposition.html
www.llli.org/faq/prempump.html

I hope this helps! All the best for you friend as it's hard in the beginning with a premie but she CAN do it! There is a lot of support out there. The La Leche League is wonderful and there are a lot of mommies there who have had premies.

I have asked some mommies on the LLL group for some advice. Will post as they reply!

Hi Momtoc,

Hope you are doing well.

A friend of mine might be going into premature labour and the baby might be born anything from 5 and a half weeks early. The baby will be most likely in NICU for a while. How could she prepare herself now if she wants to breastfeed a premature baby? I only fed a full term baby and does not know much except that I have heard that premature babies have poor sucking reflexes?

Any ideas please?

Very interesting topic... Keep it going