Share

"I don’t know how much a tin of milk costs": A reader shares experience with long term breastfeeding

accreditation
https://www.parent24.com/Lifestyle/5-local-celeb-mommies-who-celebrate-public-breastfeeding-20190805
https://www.parent24.com/Lifestyle/5-local-celeb-mommies-who-celebrate-public-breastfeeding-20190805

In response to Takkies on breastfeeding a toddler: 'She now tries to whip out my milk machines in public', mom Noxoliswa wrote to share her journey with long-term breastfeeding.

"Breastfeeding was something I knew I wanted to do and luckily I was encouraged by the everyone around me to do it. The midwives I has as well explained that most women give up a few days after baby is born because they feel they are not producing enough for baby.

I remembers few hours after my daughter was born a nurse came to me and offered to give baby formula so I could sleep. I refused and I continued breastfeeding, it was new for both of us. She was still learning how to latch. 4 days into it we had it figured out. She was also fussy because she only wanted milk straight from the breast and pumped milk. 


Do you have a similar story? Share your story with us, and we could publish your letter. Anonymous contributions are welcome.

Being originally from Swaziland taking out my breast in public is something normal for me but the people in South Africa do not understand it.

One encounter we were flying from Johannesburg to Durban and just before the plane took off I took my Brest out and breastfed her and she slept. People close to me were looking at us, but honestly speaking it never bothered me because to me this is my child’s food and she needs to eat and it calms her down. We had a peaceful first flight because she got what she needed and slept.

Her grandmother on her fathers side (South African) called me after landing and asked if me if I covered myself during the flight?  I told her no I didn’t and she laughed and couldn’t believe it.


Also see: IN PICTURES: Unveiling the stigma around breastfeeding this Women's Day

She is 19 months now and I breastfeed on demand. She calls it 'Nene' and sometimes sings for it. There is this cute laugh she makes immediately when I take out my breasts. I breast feed every where, in restaurants, clothing stores and yes, I get stares from both men and women. Recently I had to stop shopping at Zara and sit and breastfeed in the changing room. 

I do it for my daughter, why would I want to deprive her of her food because of people around. Yes, I do think is not breastfeeding friendly and it’s seen as something that must be done in hiding. As women we were meant to do this and we should not be made uncomfortable for feeding our children. 

She is 19 months and her dad and I don’t know how much a tin of milk costs, we just hear from friends complain it’s expensive and little. I encourage women to breast feed their children, the bond formed is priceless, and it’s absolutely free."

- Noxoliswa

Chat back:

Do you have a similar story? Share your story with us, and we could publish your letter. Anonymous contributions are welcome.

Sign up for Parent24's newsletters.

Read more:

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE