Breastfeeding plays an important part in the bonding process between a mother and newborn. But what happens when a mother can not feed her baby with her own milk? Reasons for this are myriad and include breast reduction surgery, severe illness and poor diet. Netcare Olivedale Hospital marketing officer Deborah Sieff said, “If a patient is HIV positive then breast feeding is not an option. If you have a heart disease, untreated tuberculosis or received any form of radiation then you should rather opt for baby formulas and bottle feed.”
She mentioned that if a mother feels uncomfortable then she has the opportunity of using a breast pump, following the correct protocol by sterilising the bottles. “This way, the baby will receive breast milk and all the benefits therein. Quite often, dads feel more involved as they have the opportunity to feed the infant with a bottle containing breast milk. The pump is also useful when mom’s want to return to work but still want their babies on breast milk,” said Sieff.
Gauteng Breastfeeding Forum member Marietjie Bodenstein said, “The forum is an organisation that represents groups and individuals who are committed and motivated to promote, protect and support breastfeeding. We have an upcoming breastfeeding symposium that will take place on 31 August from 8 am to 3pm at the Unitas Hospital in Clifton Avenue in Pretoria. Topics that will be discussed will range from breast care to the benefits of donor milk, and all of the research was done by Dr Diana du Plessis who is an expert in the field.” She added that people who want to attend the symposium must RSVP before 17 August.
Details: Marietjie Bodenstein 083-721-0093.
