Nursing to Nurture

Nursing to Nurture " The greatest joy is nursing one`s own baby. The second greatest joy is helping another woman to nurse hers" - Norma Woolf Ritter

I am a registered nurse and midwife and SACLC.

๐Ÿ’• TUMMY TIME: STARTING FROM DAY ONEDid you know tummy time can start from birth? ๐Ÿ‘ถ๐ŸผTummy time is an important part of yo...
08/09/2026

๐Ÿ’• TUMMY TIME: STARTING FROM DAY ONE

Did you know tummy time can start from birth? ๐Ÿ‘ถ๐Ÿผ

Tummy time is an important part of your newborn's development โ€” and you don't need to wait until your baby is 6 weeks old to begin!

๐ŸŒธ WHEN CAN YOU START?

You can introduce tummy time from the first days of life, as long as your baby is awake and supervised.

For newborns, tummy time doesn't have to mean putting baby on a play mat. Your chest, lap or shoulder can be wonderful places to start.

๐Ÿคฑ HOW CAN YOU DO IT?

โœจ Chest-to-chest
Lie back comfortably and place baby tummy-down on your chest. Talk, smile and make eye contact.

โœจ Across your lap
Place baby tummy-down across your thighs while supporting their head and neck.

โœจ On a firm play surface
Place baby on their tummy on a firm, flat surface. Get down at their level and encourage them with your face or a toy.

โœจ Little and often
Start with just 1โ€“2 minutes at a time, several times throughout the day. Gradually build up as baby becomes stronger and more comfortable.

๐Ÿ’ช WHY IS TUMMY TIME IMPORTANT?
Tummy time helps your baby develop:
๐ŸŒฑ Stronger neck, shoulder and back muscles
๐ŸŒฑ Head and upper-body control
๐ŸŒฑ Motor skills needed for rolling, sitting and crawling
๐ŸŒฑ Coordination and body awareness
๐ŸŒฑ Strength needed to explore their world
It can also help prevent baby from spending too much time in one position.

โš ๏ธ MOST IMPORTANT: SLEEP โ‰  TUMMY TIME
Always place your baby on their BACK for sleep.
Tummy time is only for when your baby is awake and being watched by an adult.

If your baby doesn't enjoy it at first, don't worry! โค๏ธ

Newborns often need time to get used to the position.

A few minutes of tummy time, many times a day, can make a big difference.

๐Ÿ’• Nursing to Nurture
Supporting you through every stage of your breastfeeding and parenting journey

03/09/2026

๐Ÿคฑ HOW DO I KNOW IF MY BABY IS GETTING ENOUGH BREASTMILK? ๐ŸŒธ

One of the biggest worries for a breastfeeding mother is:

โ€œHow do I know my baby is getting enough milk if I can't measure it?โ€

The good news is that your baby gives you several signs that they are taking in enough breastmilk.

๐Ÿ’ง 1. LOOK AT WET NAPPIES

Once your baby is around 5โ€“7 days old, a well-hydrated breastfed baby will generally have at least 6 heavy wet nappies in 24 hours.

In the first few days, the number gradually increases:

๐Ÿ‘ถ Day 1 โ€” at least 1 wet nappy
๐Ÿ‘ถ Day 2 โ€” at least 2
๐Ÿ‘ถ Day 3 โ€” at least 3
๐Ÿ‘ถ Day 4 โ€” at least 4
๐Ÿ‘ถ Day 5 onward โ€” around 5โ€“6+ wet nappies per day

The urine should generally be pale rather than dark and concentrated.

๐Ÿ’ฉ 2. LOOK AT YOUR BABY'S STOOLS

During the first few days, stools change from meconium โ†’ green/brown transitional stools โ†’ yellow stools as milk intake increases.

By around day 4โ€“5, many breastfed babies are passing loose, yellow, seedy stools.

After the early newborn period, stool frequency can vary considerably between breastfed babies, so poo alone isn't a reliable way to judge milk intake in an older baby.

๐Ÿ‘‚ 3. CAN YOU HEAR YOUR BABY SWALLOWING?

A baby who is actively transferring milk will usually have periods of:

suck โ†’ suck โ†’ swallow

You may hear a soft swallowing sound or see the baby's jaw pause as they swallow.

If your baby is sucking continuously but you rarely see or hear swallowing, it may be worth having the feeding assessed.

๐Ÿคฑ 4. YOUR BABY'S FEEDING BEHAVIOUR

During a good feed, you may notice your baby's hands and body becoming more relaxed.

Your baby may eventually:

โœ”๏ธ Release the breast themselves
โœ”๏ธ Have relaxed hands
โœ”๏ธ Appear calm or satisfied
โœ”๏ธ Come off the breast after active swallowing has slowed

Remember: falling asleep at the breast does not automatically mean your baby has had enough. Newborns can become sleepy before they have taken an effective feed.

๐Ÿ“ˆ 5. WEIGHT GAIN IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT SIGNS

Your baby's weight should be monitored during the newborn period.

Some weight loss after birth is normal, but continued excessive weight loss, failure to regain birth weight appropriately, or poor weight gain needs assessment.

A weight check can tell us much more than how long your baby fed for.

โฐ 6. DON'T JUDGE MILK INTAKE BY MINUTES

A 10-minute feed doesn't necessarily mean โ€œnot enough,โ€ and a 40-minute feed doesn't necessarily mean โ€œlots of milk.โ€

Babies transfer milk at different rates.

Watch your baby, not the clock. โค๏ธ

๐Ÿšฉ WHEN SHOULD YOU GET HELP?

Please seek breastfeeding/medical support if:

๐Ÿ”ธ Your baby is having fewer wet nappies than expected
๐Ÿ”ธ Your baby is very sleepy and difficult to wake for feeds
๐Ÿ”ธ You rarely hear swallowing during feeds
๐Ÿ”ธ Your baby is consistently feeding but never seems satisfied
๐Ÿ”ธ Your baby has ongoing or excessive weight loss
๐Ÿ”ธ Your baby isn't gaining weight as expected
๐Ÿ”ธ You are experiencing significant ni**le pain or damage
๐Ÿ”ธ You are worried about your milk supply

And please don't wait until you're desperate for help.

A breastfeeding assessment can look at your baby's latch, milk transfer, feeding behaviour, your milk supply and your baby's growth โ€” and help you understand what is actually happening.

๐ŸŒธ Nursing to Nurture

Because sometimes you don't need someone to simply tell you to โ€œfeed more.โ€

You need someone to look at the whole picture and help you understand your baby. ๐Ÿค

๐Ÿ“ฒ For personalised breastfeeding, pumping and feeding support, contact Nursing to Nurture.

๐Ÿ’— Introducing bottles & pumping doesnโ€™t have to feel overwhelming.At Nursing to Nurture, weโ€™re here to support and guide...
02/09/2026

๐Ÿ’— Introducing bottles & pumping doesnโ€™t have to feel overwhelming.

At Nursing to Nurture, weโ€™re here to support and guide you through this important part of your breastfeeding journey.

Whether youโ€™re preparing to return to work, want to introduce an occasional bottle, need help establishing a pumping routine, or simply want to feel more confident โ€” you donโ€™t have to figure it out alone. ๐ŸŒธ

We can assist you with: ๐Ÿผ When and how to introduce a bottle

๐Ÿคฑ Choosing an appropriate bottle and slow-flow teat
๐Ÿ’— Paced bottle feeding
๐Ÿ’ง When and how to start pumping
โฐ Creating a pumping routine that works for you and your baby
๐ŸŒท Protecting your breastfeeding relationship while introducing bottles

Every mother and baby is different, and personalised guidance can make the transition so much easier.
โœจ Nursing to Nurture โ€” here to educate, support and nurture you every step of the way. ๐Ÿ’•

๐Ÿ’— It truly warms my heartโ€ฆReceiving such beautiful reviews from the mothers Iโ€™ve had the privilege of supporting means m...
02/09/2026

๐Ÿ’— It truly warms my heartโ€ฆ

Receiving such beautiful reviews from the mothers Iโ€™ve had the privilege of supporting means more than words can say. ๐Ÿฅน

Being able to educate, encourage, reassure and walk alongside mothers on their breastfeeding journey is such a privilege.

Every mother and every journey is unique โ€” and Iโ€™m so grateful to be a small part of yours. ๐ŸŒธ

Thank you for trusting Nursing to Nurture. ๐Ÿ’•

What a privilege it is to make a difference!!!!
01/09/2026

What a privilege it is to make a difference!!!!

Happy Spring Day
01/09/2026

Happy Spring Day

30/08/2026

As Breastfeeding Month continues, let's remember that every drop of breast milk is more than nutrition; it's protection, comfort, connection, and a powerful investment in a baby's future.

Breast milk contains antibodies that help protect babies from illness, supports healthy growth and development, and adapts to meet a baby's changing needs. It is truly remarkable how the human body creates exactly what a baby needs, when they need it.

Whether you're breastfeeding, expressing, donating milk, supporting a breastfeeding parent, or helping families through your work, your contribution matters.

Together, we can create communities where every mother feels supported, every baby has the best possible start, and every act of kindness helps nourish a future full of possibility.

๐Ÿ’œ Breastfeeding is a journey.
๐Ÿ’œ Support makes all the difference.
๐Ÿ’œ Every drop counts.

Donate your excess breastmilk today by registering on www.sane.org.za ๐Ÿคฑ

28/08/2026

In the first few days, your body produces colostrumโ€”thick, golden, and packed with antibodies, proteins, and protective coatings for babyโ€™s gut. Small amounts make a huge impact! ๐Ÿ’›

26/08/2026

Why work with a SACLC? Because you deserve qualified, clinical expertise tailored to your unique body and baby. From complex feeding challenges to simple reassurance, we are here for you! ๐ŸŒŸ

Breastfeeding is one of the most powerful investments in lifelong health - for babies, their mothers and society.Nursing...
26/08/2026

Breastfeeding is one of the most powerful investments in lifelong health - for babies, their mothers and society.

Nursing to Nurture offers expert knowledge and skills and personalised support - establishing a strong breastfeeding journey.

Address

17 Brackenhill Street, Boardwalk Meander Estate
Pretoria
0081

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Nursing to Nurture posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to Nursing to Nurture:

Shortcuts

Share