Got a nursing problem? These tips from real mums tell you what the books don’t.
Itchy hands
"Let your toddler hold a small toy while she nurses, so she won’t pull up your shirt with her free hand"
– Grace Lee, 29, stay-at-home mum to a 16-month-old
WHEN YOU’RE OUT AND ABOUT…
Tried and tested
“The office at Breastfeeding Mothers’ Support Group (Singapore) has over 10 models of demo breast pumps.
Make an appointment (e-mail offi [email protected]) to test out which works best for you before buying one. The service is free.”
– Chia Yin Leng, 35, and mum of two children aged two and six
Easy does it
“A loose button-front top makes a great nursing outfi t. Just unfasten the bottom few but leave the top ones closed. This will help keep you covered.”
– Low Tuan Hong, 42, manager and mum of three kids aged eight, 10 and 12
Go ahead
“If there are no nursing rooms nearby, ask a department store staffer if you can use a fi tting room instead.”
– Sarah Wong, 37, financial planner and mum of two kids aged three and seven
Now please
“Nurse your child immediately once she fusses or is rooting around. A screaming baby attracts lots of attention.”
– Audrey Lim, 28, teacher and mum of a two-year-old
NEED HELP?
You’re not alone. Contact these experts for support.
Voluntary organisations
- BREASTFEEDING MOTHERS’ SUPPORT GROUP SINGAPORE
tel: 6339-3558
- JOYFUL PARENTING AND BREASTFEEDING
tel: 6488-0286
Private lactation consultants
- BETTY LEE HP: 9833-0170
- CHRISTINA KWEK HP: 9367-9293 |
Practice makes perfect
“To master discreet breastfeeding, I used to practise in front of a mirror at home until I was convinced that nothing showed.”
– Patricia Ong, 38, stay-at-home mum to two kids aged 15 months and four
Be with me
“I always carry my baby’s photo when I’m expressing milk outside the home. It helps give me a faster let-down.”
– Sheena Singh, 37, assistant manager and mum of two kids aged three and five
Clever shield
“Use your stroller to block out distractions and help Baby concentrate on breastfeeding. It doubles as a foot rest too.”
– Kelly Lee, 32, executive and mum of a nine-month-old
WHEN YOU’RE AT HOME…
Cool idea
“Need an ice pack to ease nipple soreness? A small packet of frozen peas wrapped in a soft cloth will do the trick.”
– Junita Rahman, 30, accountant and mum of a two-year-old
Smooth option
“To heal or help prevent cracked nipples, squeeze out a few drops of milk and spread it over the painful area. Then let it air-dry. This works just as
well as any expensive ointment.”
– Chris Lim, 35, nurse and mum of two kids aged four and a two-year-old
Hold up
“Avoid wearing underwired nursing bras, unless you have large breasts and need extra support. Some experts believe they can interfere with milk
fl ow and cause blocked ducts and mastitis. I’d rather play safe than be sorry.”
– Sim Bee Chin, 35, publicist and mum of two children aged eight months and three
Prepare well
“The best advice I got was to attend breastfeeding workshops and read all I could while I was pregnant. When the baby came along, I felt like I knew what to expect and wasn’t stressed out.”
– Koh Yen Sin, 34, event manager and mum of a 20-month-old
Back me up
“You’ll spend lots of time nursing your newborn, so make sure your couch offers good back support.”
– Angelene Sim, 32, clinic assistant and mum of a seven-month-old
Get a copy of the September 2009 issue of Young Parents for expert advice and local tips to make you a better mum or dad. Young Parents, published by SPH Magazines, is available at all newsstands now.
Check out more stories at Young Parents online, www.youngparents.com.sg.
