Same interests

Founder of the website, Phang Sze Sze with her 15-month-old son, William Tan. Says Phang: “If there are enough members, we might eventually be able to visit hospitals to encourage breastfeeding amongst new mothers.”

Those in the support group are always looking for ways to provide the best for their children. They read books and magazines, surf the Internet and make friends with other mothers to gain more information.

Chan says:  Communication is just a click away. Without having to spend valuable time to travel, we enjoy a close friendship via e-mail.

The group is not like sponsored links such as the United States-based BabyCenter or iVillage because it does not intend to provide resources like them. Instead, it prefers to provide a more personal touch by reaching out to mothers on a one-to-one basis.

 It is more comfortable and useful to communicate with mothers from the same culture because we are talking about things peculiar to Malaysians. Also, in times of trouble, we lend an ear to the member and in good times, we cheer her on, says Chan.

As the group s founder, Phang shares her experiences in breastfeeding, expressing breast milk and parenting. Other than welcoming new members, she also helps some of them get in touch with professional bodies that can help with women s health or breastfeeding via the group s own resources and contacts. She also organises gatherings for members to have some fun and socialise.

 As I hold a full-time job, Lilian has been a great help in signing up new members, says Phang, mother of 15-month-old William Tan.

 And it helps that she s older and wiser in many ways and she has played an important role in sharing some funny and kind motherly thoughts through her witty style of writing.

Members of the group living in the Klang Valley have so far met twice. Meetings are informal and the women let their children play with one another and strike up friendships.

She says:  Some of the dishes we prepare for our gatherings comprise ingredients that help to boost milk production. In future, we plan to invite representatives from companies, like those selling breast pumps, to join us and perhaps hold talks related to breastfeeding.