041Baby columnist Odette Parfitt chats about the nitty gritty of breastfeeding three local lactation consultants.
THOUGH breastfeeding is a natural act, it does not always come naturally to moms or babies – and with only 32% of babies under 6 months being breastfed in South Africa, education is key to bridging this gap.
That is why three local lactation consultants recently put their heads and voices together for breastfeeding awareness week (1-7 August) and hosted a Breastfeeding Lounge talk for Nelson Mandela Bay mothers. This platform allowed a small group of local moms to attend, ask questions about their specific concerns, and meet other women in the same boat.
“We wanted to create an opportunity to bring awareness, by creating a relaxed environment where moms can come and share their journeys with each other as well as ask relevant questions pertaining to their situations,” explained midwife Lisa Krummeck, who organised the event alongside physiotherapist Diaan Jooste and dietitian Amber Kelly. All three ladies are also certified lactation consultants.
“This was our first time doing this together, and we hope to do this again in the near future as it was beneficial on so many levels. Moms also get quite lonely and to be able to come to an event where mothers also share with each other is reassuring; it is helpful to know that they are not alone and at the same time learn new information.”
Common questions around breastfeeding link to issues around breast milk supply and poor latching. “Often mothers are told their milk ‘isn’t enough’, and along with poor latching it can have a knock-on effect, but the underlying problem is often easy to correct,” says Amber. “Breastfeeding is natural but doesn’t always come naturally to mom and baby. They still need to learn each other and the act of breastfeeding.”
The best course of action is to learn and seek help, adds Diaan. “The reality is that breastfeeding is not always so easy to establish. Events like these create a safe space for mothers to ask questions and learn, and I would advise women to empower themselves with sufficient knowledge on breastfeeding – if possible, even before giving birth.
“Years ago I personally also struggled in my breastfeeding journey, and if I could go back I would have sought help sooner. Find someone with the knowledge who you can trust to help you, and do it sooner rather than later; you don’t have to struggle through it alone.”
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