A Colombian police officer is being internationally commended for going above and beyond the call of duty after she breastfed an abandoned newborn infant, quite possibly keeping the starving and hypothermic little girl alive.
Luisa Fernanda Urrea, a police officer and a new mum, responded to a call from a local resident who said that they had heard a baby crying. After a brief search, Urrea found an hours-old baby with lacerations left in the bushes with part of her umbilical cord still intact. She quickly recognised the imminent needs of the baby and breastfed the baby until help arrived.
Breastmilk Proven To Protect Infants Against Many Illnesses
Breastmilk is essential for newborns for many reasons, but one benefit which may have been particularly helpful for this starving infant is the immunological benefit. Newborn babies have immature immune systems, meaning that they are more susceptible to a number of viruses and diseases.
When a mother breastfeeds her infant, she is passing her antibodies to her baby through her milk. This helps protect her newborn from numerous illnesses, such as:
- Colds
- Viruses
- Staph infections
- E-Coli infections
- Pneumonia
- Upper and lower respiratory ailments
Breastmilk Donors Needed
Here in Australia there are a handful of breastmilk “banks” which provide mums and their infants screened and pasteurised donor mothers’ milk. This milk can be essential to the health and well-being of babies, particularly those who are premature, have undergone surgery or have a health problem.
Many mums have an abundance of milk and may be qualified to provide milk to these banks. Being a donor often does require spending some extra time by the breast pump, so we have put together some tips to stay cool and comfortable while you pump:
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Bring a bottle of water. Before you settle down, poor yourself a glass of cool water or bring your water bottle.
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Put on a show or movie. This is particularly true if you are pumping both breasts simultaneously and do not have a hand free to flip pages of a book or scroll through your phone.
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Dress in layers. Even in the summer it is a good idea to dress in layers just in case the air conditioning unit kicks into high gear and leaves you feeling chilly.
Our Peachymama tanks and t-shirts are perfect for layering and leave more than enough room to accommodate your pump’s breast shields. Find your next favourite breastfeeding top or tank at www.peachymama.com.au.
Photo byJenna Norman onUnsplash
Further Reading:
https://www.foxnews.com/health/officer-who-breastfed-abandoned-newborn-credited-with-saving-her-life