If breastfeeding is best, mothers deserve better support.
Mothers are encouraged to breastfeed, then questioned for feeding in public. Some are told they’re feeding too often, others not often enough. Well-meaning advice comes from every direction.
health benefits
Breastfeeding offers significant health benefits for mothers and babies. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life. Breast milk provides optimal nutrition and supports a baby’s developing immune system.
Mothers also benefit through improved postpartum recovery and a lower risk of certain cancers later in life.
individual challenges
However, not every feeding journey is equal.
“We’ve become very good at telling mothers that breastfeeding is best and how to do it. However, we’ve spent far less time asking what they need to make it possible,” says Dr Themba Hadebe, clinical executive at Bonitas.
“What often gets left out of the conversation is that breastfeeding doesn’t come naturally to everyone.”
“Every mother deserves support that recognises her individual circumstances,” says Dr Hadebe. “Expecting every breastfeeding journey to look the same isn’t realistic.”
For some women, breastfeeding settles into place within days. Others face weeks of pain, uncertainty and exhaustion. A poor latch, tongue or lip tie, concerns about milk supply, mastitis or a baby who struggles to feed are challenges many new mothers face.
Find out more about breastfeeding here.
finding support and community
In addition to hospital nursing staff, many support platforms and groups are available to help new mothers at the start of their breastfeeding journey.
La Leche League International offers peer support and breastfeeding education via an active social media presence. It also has local support groups that meet regularly across the country.
Mothers can also search the South African Certified Lactation Consultants (SACLC) directory for International Board-Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) across South Africa, making it easier for mothers to find qualified support.
Knowing where to turn, who to trust and when to seek help can feel overwhelming for new parents already navigating the demands of a newborn.
Readily available access to trusted healthcare professionals and maternity support programmes, including those available through medical schemes, helps mothers find evidence-based guidance when they need it most.
it takes a village
“Supporting mothers means looking beyond feeding alone,” says Dr Hadebe.
“Healthcare professionals, partners, families and employers all have an important role to play. Something as simple as paying attention and listening to her goes a long way towards helping mothers and babies get the best possible start on this journey.”
Read more about returning to work while breastfeeding.
Early access to professional guidance, practical help at home or a private space to express milk at work can make the difference between a mother giving up or continuing to breastfeed for as long as she chooses. Whether that means offering flexible working arrangements, listening without judgement or helping a new parent access reliable healthcare advice, every form of support matters.
Breastfeeding success takes a whole village. When mothers are supported with empathy, trusted information and access to the right care, they’re far more likely to achieve the feeding goals that are right for them and their babies.
nutrition matters
Pregnancy and breastfeeding place significant demands on the body. Good nutrition and supplementation are essential to support both maternal wellbeing and infant development.
Following pregnancy, mothers continue to require key vitamins, minerals and nutrients to support their own wellbeing while nourishing their growing baby. Her nutritional requirements remain elevated as her body continues to produce milk while recovering from pregnancy.
Important nutrients
Nutrients such as iodine, iron, folic acid, vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids play important roles in supporting normal physiological function and overall wellbeing during this period.
While a balanced diet remains the cornerstone of good health, supplementation can help women meet these increased nutritional demands.
“Many women spend months preparing nutritionally for pregnancy, but it’s important to remember that nutritional needs don’t suddenly disappear after birth,” says Dr Liddell. “Breastfeeding is a continuation of that journey, and mothers should continue prioritising nutrient intake during this period and beyond.”
By understanding these changing needs and taking proactive steps to support them, women can feel better equipped to navigate the breastfeeding journey and the transition into motherhood.
