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MAMA, BE HONEST… HAVE YOU EVER WORRIED THAT YOUR BREAST MILK IS NOT ENOUGH FOR YOUR BABY?One of the questions I hear fro...
14/08/2026

MAMA, BE HONEST… HAVE YOU EVER WORRIED THAT YOUR BREAST MILK IS NOT ENOUGH FOR YOUR BABY?

One of the questions I hear from breastfeeding mothers is:
“Midwife, how will I know that my baby is getting enough breast milk?”

Sometimes a mother may breastfeed her baby and still wonder:
-“My breasts feel soft. Does that mean I don't have enough milk?”
-“My baby wants to breastfeed every hour. Is my milk not satisfying?”
- “My baby cries after breastfeeding. Does that mean my breast milk isn't enough?”
“I can't see how much milk my baby is taking.
How do I know?”

And sometimes, comments from family and friends can make the worry even worse.
But here is the question for you:
WHAT WAS YOUR BIGGEST WORRY WHEN YOU STARTED BREASTFEEDING?

Was it low milk supply, sore ni***es, baby's frequent feeding, baby's crying, positioning/latching, or something else?

Share your experience in the comments.
Your comment might be exactly what another new mother needs to read today.

And if you're currently breastfeeding and struggling, please don't suffer in silence. Ask for help from a qualified health professional.

Reach out on 0201574700
Let’s make breastfeeding conversations honest, supportive and judgement-free.

“YOU’VE BREASTFED BEFORE, SO THIS SHOULD BE EASY.” Breastfeeding can look simple especially when you see a mother who ha...
12/08/2026

“YOU’VE BREASTFED BEFORE, SO THIS SHOULD BE EASY.”

Breastfeeding can look simple especially when you see a mother who has breastfed one, two, or even several babies before.

But here’s something we don’t talk about enough:

Every baby is new to breastfeeding.

Yes, a mother may have previous experience, but each baby comes with a different feeding pattern, temperament, latch, and learning process.

And sometimes, the second or third breastfeeding journey may come with challenges a mother has never experienced before.

A baby may:
- Struggle to attach deeply to the breast
- Feed very frequently
- Fall asleep quickly at the breast
- Have difficulty coordinating sucking, swallowing and breathing
- Prefer one breast
- Need time and support to learn effective breastfeeding

And the mother may also be learning again.

Her breasts may feel different.
Her confidence may be different.
Her recovery from childbirth may be different.
Her support system may be different.

So please, don’t tell a mother, “You’ve done this before. You should know what to do.”

Instead, ask:

“How can I support you?”

Breastfeeding is a skill that both mother and baby learn together. Previous experience can help, but it doesn't mean every breastfeeding journey will be effortless.

And if breastfeeding isn't going as expected, asking for help early is not a sign of failure.

A midwife, nurse, lactation professional or other appropriately trained health professional can help assess positioning, attachment and feeding difficulties.

MOTHERS, I WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

If you have breastfed before, did you find that your breastfeeding experiences with your babies were the same or completely different?

What is one thing you wish someone had told you before you started breastfeeding?

Share your experience in the comments. Your story may help another mother feel less alone.

Photo credit - UNICEF.

How Low Blood Levels Can Affect BreastfeedingWhen we say "low blood levels," we usually mean low iron or low hemoglobin ...
10/08/2026

How Low Blood Levels Can Affect Breastfeeding

When we say "low blood levels," we usually mean low iron or low hemoglobin a condition called anemia.

Many new moms experience this after childbirth due to blood loss during delivery.

Here's why it matters for breastfeeding:
1. Less energy : Anemia makes you tired and weak, making it harder to keep up with feeding demands.
Possible effect on milk supply

2. Severe anemia can sometimes delay or reduce milk production, since your body needs enough blood and nutrients to make milk efficiently.
3. Mood and recovery : Low iron can affect mood and slow down postpartum recovery, indirectly making breastfeeding feel harder.

The good news: eating iron-rich foods (leafy greens, beans, red meat, eggs), taking prescribed supplements, and resting well can help levels bounce back and support a smoother breastfeeding journey.

If you're feeling unusually exhausted, dizzy, or notice your supply dropping, it's worth getting your iron levels checked by a doctor.

Have you experienced difficulty having breastmilk because of reduced blood levels?

Share your experience with us.

"This milk looks like water. No wonder the baby is always crying!"Abena had given birth just two weeks earlier.She was d...
07/08/2026

"This milk looks like water. No wonder the baby is always crying!"

Abena had given birth just two weeks earlier.
She was determined to exclusively breastfeed.
Every time her baby cried, she offered the breast.

Then one afternoon, her mother-in-law looked into the cup after Abena expressed some milk and said,
"This milk is too watery. The baby is not getting enough food."

Abena's heart sank.
"Maybe she's right," she thought.
"Maybe my baby is hungry because my milk isn't good enough."

At her next postnatal visit, she shared her fears with the midwife.
The midwife smiled and said,
"Breast milk is not poor-quality because it looks watery. In fact, that's exactly how healthy breast milk often looks."
Those words lifted a huge burden off her shoulders.

Why does breast milk sometimes look watery?
At the beginning of a feed, breast milk usually contains more water. This helps quench your baby's thirst while still providing carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, minerals, immune factors, and other important nutrients.

As the feeding continues, the milk gradually contains a higher proportion of fat, helping to meet your baby's energy needs.

Rather than thinking of "good milk" and "bad milk," it's more accurate to understand that breast milk changes throughout a feed to meet your baby's needs.

Something we don't talk about enough during breastfeeding struggles: your blood, not just your baby's latch, could be th...
05/08/2026

Something we don't talk about enough during breastfeeding struggles: your blood, not just your baby's latch, could be the issue.

Low hemoglobin (anemia) is incredibly common after birth from pregnancy itself, blood loss during delivery, or just not enough iron in the diet. And research shows it can genuinely affect breastfeeding:
-It can delay your milk "coming in"
-It's linked to lower overall milk volume
-It can change your milk's protein, fat, and antibody content

Why? Making milk is hard work for your body. When you're anemic, your cells aren't getting enough oxygen, and your body prioritizes keeping you alive and recovering over ramping up milk production. It's not a willpower issue it's biology.

If you're breastfeeding and struggling with
- low supply
-extreme fatigue
-dizziness
-feeling like something's "off,"
it's worth asking your doctor for a simple blood test to check your iron hemoglobin levels. It's a fixable problem, and treating it can make a real difference for your supply and for how you feel.

You deserve to feel good while feeding your baby, not just get through it.

Share you breastfeeding experiences with us in the comment, like the post and share it. This might help a new mother.


It’s hard to know what to say to someone who has had a miscarriage.If your response starts with the words "At least, it’...
03/08/2026

It’s hard to know what to say to someone who has had a miscarriage.

If your response starts with the words "At least, it’s probably best not to say it.
"At least you know you can get pregnant." "At least it happened early." "At least you already have a child." "At least you can try again."

These words are often spoken with good intentions, but they can make a grieving mother feel like her loss is being minimized.

A miscarriage is not "just one of those things" to the person who experienced it.
To her, that baby was already loved. There were dreams, hopes, plans, and a future she had begun to imagine.

When the pregnancy ended, she didn't just lose a pregnancy she lost the life she was already making room for in her heart.

You don't have to find the perfect words.
Sometimes the most healing response is simply:
"I'm so sorry for your loss."
"I'm here for you."
"Take all the time you need to grieve."

Your presence, your willingness to listen, and your compassion will mean far more than trying to make the pain disappear with comforting clichés.

Let's normalize supporting bereaved parents with empathy, not empty reassurance.
If you've ever supported someone through pregnancy loss, what did you learn? Share your thoughts below you may help someone else love better.

Photo credit: shutterstock

"You’ve wanted this baby for years. Why are you crying now?"That was the question Nana’s sister asked when she found her...
31/07/2026

"You’ve wanted this baby for years. Why are you crying now?"

That was the question Nana’s sister asked when she found her sitting alone in her room.

She had long dreamed of this moment.

She had imagined seeing two lines on a pregnancy test.

She had pictured the baby shower, the tiny clothes, the first ultrasound, and finally holding her baby in her arms.

When the pregnancy test came back positive, everyone celebrated.

"Congratulations!"

"God has answered your prayers!"

"You should be so happy!"

But every night, after everyone had gone to bed, Nana lay awake staring at the ceiling.

"What if I miscarry?"

"Will my baby be healthy?"

"Will I be a good mother?"

"What if something goes wrong during delivery?"

"Can my body really do this?"

The pregnancy was planned.

The baby was deeply wanted.

Yet instead of feeling consistently joyful, she felt overwhelmed.

One day, she gathered the courage to speak to her midwife.

Instead of judgment, the midwife offered a warm smile and said,

"You are not a bad mother. You are a mother who loves her baby so much that you are worried about doing everything right."

At that moment, Nana broke down in tears not out of weakness, but because she finally felt understood.

Here is what every expectant mother needs to hear.

A planned pregnancy does not mean you will never experience anxiety.

You can love your baby deeply and still worry about the future.

These emotions can coexist.

Many pregnant women experience concerns about:
-Miscarriage or loss
- Labour and childbirth
- The baby’s growth and wellbeing
- Financial responsibilities
- Changes in their body
- Balancing work and motherhood
- Whether they will be a “good enough” parent

These thoughts are more common than many people realise.

So, what can you do if you are feeling overwhelmed?
- Attend all your antenatal appointments. Asking questions and understanding your care can help reduce unnecessary fear.

-Speak to someone you trust, a partner, family member, friend, midwife, or doctor. You do not have to carry every worry alone.

- Limit exposure to distressing content on social media. People are more likely to share unusual experiences than routine, healthy pregnancies.

- Prioritise rest, balanced nutrition, safe physical activity (if approved by your healthcare provider), and calming activities that support your wellbeing.

- If your worries become persistent, affect your sleep, interfere with daily functioning, or leave you feeling hopeless, please seek support from your healthcare provider. Anxiety during pregnancy is real, and help is available.

Dear pregnant mama note that:
-pregnancy is not only a physical journey.
It is also an emotional one.
So if you have been smiling in public but crying in private,
If you have been appearing “strong” while carrying heavy worries inside

Please know this:
-you are not alone.
-seeking support is not a sign of weakness.

It is one of the most responsible and courageous things you can do for yourself and for your baby.

Let us support one another.

Did you experience anxiety during pregnancy, even though your baby was planned and deeply wanted? What helped you cope during those moments?

Your experience may reassure another mother that she is not alone in what she feels.

Save this post for the days when pregnancy feels overwhelming, and share it with an expectant mother who needs the reminder that it is okay not to feel okay every day.

Photo credit: Getty image.

Pregnant with Sickle Cell? The Rainy Season Requires Extra Care. The rain may cool the weather, but for a pregnant woman...
29/07/2026

Pregnant with Sickle Cell? The Rainy Season Requires Extra Care.

The rain may cool the weather, but for a pregnant woman living with sickle cell disease, it can bring hidden dangers.

Last week, a pregnant woman with sickle cell disease arrived at the hospital in severe pain. She had been caught in the rain a few days earlier. She thought the body pains would go away after some rest, but they became unbearable.

Cold weather, infections, dehydration can trigger a sickle cell crisis and pregnancy makes the body work even harder.

If you are pregnant and living with sickle cell disease, this rainy season calls for extra care.

Here are a few ways to protect yourself and your baby:

📍 Stay warm. Don't remain in wet clothes after getting caught in the rain. Dry yourself immediately and change into warm, dry clothing.

📍 Keep drinking water. Many people drink less water when it's cold, but dehydration can increase the risk of a painful sickle cell crisis.

📍 Protect yourself from malaria. Sleep under an insecticide treated mosquito net and seek medical attention immediately if you develop a fever.

📍 Don't miss your antenatal appointments. Your healthcare team needs to monitor both you and your baby closely throughout pregnancy.

📍 Go to the hospital immediately if you experience:
• Severe body pains
• Fever or chills
• Difficulty breathing
• Reduced baby's movements
• Vaginal bleeding or leaking of fluid

Remember, being pregnant with sickle cell disease does not mean you cannot have a healthy baby. It simply means you need a little more care, a little more vigilance, and a strong partnership with your healthcare team.

Tag a pregnant mother living with sickle cell disease or share this post you may help protect two lives this rainy season.

Don't wait until it's too late."I thought it was just back pain..."It was 2am when Abena gently tapped her husband."Hone...
27/07/2026

Don't wait until it's too late.

"I thought it was just back pain..."
It was 2am when Abena gently tapped her husband.
"Honey... my back is hurting."
He looked at the clock.
"It's probably false labour. Let's wait until morning."

The pain wasn't unbearable. It came and went every now and then. She could still walk around the house, so they both went back to bed.

By 6:05am the pain had become stronger.
Her husband suggested they have breakfast first before heading to the hospital.
Just as Abena stood up to get dressed, she suddenly felt a gush of fluid.
"My water has broken!" she shouted.
They hurried into the car.
But before they reached the main road, the contractions became so strong that she couldn't sit still.

A few minutes later, she felt an overwhelming urge to push.
"I can't hold it anymore!"
Her husband panicked.
The baby wasn't waiting.

Before they could reach the hospital, their beautiful baby made a dramatic entrance right there at home, with the ambulance team arriving shortly afterwards to assist and transport both mother and baby safely to the hospital for further care.
Thankfully, both mother and baby were well.
But not every family is that fortunate.

The truth is,
Labour doesn't always follow the "textbook."
For some women, especially those who have given birth before, labour can progress very quickly.

This is called precipitous labour, or precipitate labour where the baby is born within about three hours from the start of regular contractions.
Although uncommon, it can happen.

How do you know labour may have started?
Look out for these signs:
- Contractions that become regular, stronger, and closer together.
- Lower back pain that comes and goes in a pattern.
-A blood stained mucus discharge (often called the "show").
- A sudden gush or continuous leaking of fluid after the membranes rupture ("water breaking").
- Increasing pressure in the pelvis or the feeling that the baby is pushing down.

When should you go to the hospital?
Don't wait until the pain becomes unbearable.
Go to the hospital immediately if:
- your contractions are becoming regular and stronger.
- your water has broken even if you are not having contractions.
- you notice vaginal bleeding.
- your baby is moving less than usual.
- you feel an uncontrollable urge to push.
- you have been advised by your healthcare provider to come in early because of a high risk pregnancy.

The take away is,
-Please don't let movies fool you into thinking labour always lasts for many hours.
-Every pregnancy is different.
-Every labour is different.
-If you think labour has started, call your midwife or healthcare provider and head to the hospital.
-It is far safer to arrive and be told, "You're not in active labour yet," than to give birth in an environment where skilled care and emergency support are not immediately available.

Your safety and your baby's safety are always worth the trip.

Let's learn from one another.
How long was your labour? Did your baby arrive sooner than you expected?

Your experience may encourage another mother to recognise the signs early.

Save this post for your due date, and share it with every expectant mother. One shared post could help someone get to the hospital in time.

Photo credit -istock.

"Is something wrong with my child?"That is one of the most common questions parents ask.As a midwife, people often assum...
24/07/2026

"Is something wrong with my child?"
That is one of the most common questions parents ask.

As a midwife, people often assume I never worry about my own child.
The truth is, I do.

When my daughter turned one year old, she still wasn't walking.
Everywhere I looked, babies who were younger than her or around her age were already taking their first steps.

Family members kept asking, "She's not walking yet?"
Some compared her to other children.
Others offered all kinds of advice.
Although I knew that every child develops differently, I couldn't help but worry. Don't laugh at me.

Eventually, I took her to the hospital.
After examining her, the doctor smiled and said something that brought me so much peace:
"Not every child walks at one year. As long as she's developing well and there are no concerning signs, she still has time."

That reminded me of an important lesson:
Children are not in a race.
Some babies walk at 9 months. Some at 12 months. Some at 15 months.
All of these can be normal.
The same applies to talking.
Some children say words earlier than others, while some take a little more time.

So, when should parents become concerned?
Rather than comparing your child with another child, pay attention to developmental milestones and discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider.
For example:
By around 12 months, many babies may:
• Respond to their name.
• Babble or say simple words like "mama" or "dada."
• Pull to stand or begin cruising along furniture.
• Some may already be walking, while others are not.
By around 18 months, many toddlers:
• Walk independently.
• Say several simple words.
• Point to objects they want.
• Follow simple instructions.

Every child develops at their own pace, but if your child seems to be missing several milestones or if you've noticed a loss of skills they previously had, it's important to seek medical advice.

Here's my advice as both a mother and a midwife:
- Stop comparing your child to other children.
-Celebrate every milestone, no matter when it comes.
-Trust your instincts. If you're worried, don't let anyone dismiss your concerns.

Have your child assessed by a healthcare professional.
Sometimes, all you need is reassurance.
Other times, early intervention can make a significant difference.

There is no prize for being the first child to walk or talk. The goal is healthy growth and development.

I'd love to hear from you. How old was your child when they took their first steps or said their first words? Let's encourage one another in the comments.

Save this post for another parent who may be worried, and share it to remind someone that every child develops at their own pace.

Do you have personal issues you want to talk to me about?Let's talk on 0201574700.

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