Breastfeeding

The experience of producing milk, breastfeeding a baby, watching them grow from milk produced in 'your' breasts and feeling the milk "let down" in response to the baby's cries or even the thought of the baby is one that connects women everywhere. Even a baby born too early can thrive on his mothers milk (sometimes expressed breastmilk), a gift only she can give her baby. The intricate system of supply and demand between mother and baby is astounding. Sadly, from the 1940's infant feeding became 'scientific' and bottle feeding was actively promoted and recommended by the media, doctors, nurses and the manufactures of formula. The ruthless encouragement of bottle feeding as 'normal' by the media continues to this day. Formula companies try to tell mothers that breastmilk (which is alive, every changing, full of nutrients and anti-bodies) and formula (non sterile powdered cows milk with artificial nutrients added) are the same. They are NOT the same and breast is not best, it is Normal feeding! Anything else is a substitute and formula feeding is 4th best (expressed breastmilk from the mother is 2nd best and expressed milk from another woman is 3rd best - WHO).

It is difficult for women to learn how to breastfeed their babies in this culture of bottle feeding. When is the last time you saw a woman breastfeed on television or in a movie, compared to a baby being fed with a bottle? Almost any woman with the right information and support can breastfeed if she wants to. Advice I always give my clients is "only take breatfeeding advice from someone who has successfully breastfed".

Below are some interesting, thought provoking and helpful sites about breastfeeding and many resources.

Breastfeeding.com

A comprehensive website about breastfeeding - excellent information and answers to many questions related to breastfeeding issues including engorement & milk supply. Clear video clips that show correct latching and expressing techniques among other things. There is also a deliteful slideshow of breastfeeding pictures & a list of breastfeeding celebraties.

Dr Jack Newman's videos & articles

An easy to navigate website by Doctor Jack Newman. There are articles and and videos about every aspect of breastfeeding. The many latching videos are very helpful for mothers especially in the early days.

www.breastfeeding.org.za

The Gauteng Breastfeeding Forum is an organisation representing groups and individuals who are committed and motivated to promote, protect and support breastfeeding in the Gauteng Province.

Humanitarian breastmilk banking

South African Breastmilk Reserve - a voluntary organisation establishing a human breastmilk bank and bringing human milk to babies.

Wikipedia Breastfeeding page on Wikipedia

"Watch your language!". Diane Wiessinger discusses the language that subverts our good intentions regarding breast feeding. A thought provoking article about the words we use.

007 Breasts - Breasts are for breastfeeding Discussion and information about the purpose of breasts - this wonderful, well-informed site explains how breasts of all shapes and sizes do their job, and how social attitudes can get in the way. It will make you feel proud of your body and it's potential. Support and ideas for nursing in public,and general breastfeeding information.

Baby Milk Action Group - offers great information about the hazards of formula and they keep a watchful eye on the worldwide malpractices of the milk marketing companies