Some mothers may find it difficult to produce milk when they are not physically with their baby. Dr Koe suggests bringing a picture of baby along to work, or even a recording of baby’s cries, to stimulate let-down.

At the same time, support from the husband, family members and in-laws is very important to encourage mum to continue breastfeeding. Sheila (not her real name), who breastfed for seven months despite many challenges, says she drew strength from her husband: “He was very supportive ? he even went around asking his friends how to increase milk supply, like asking his friends what their wives ate!”

Without family or friends around to provide support, one can always turn to counterparts in the virtual world. MyMomsBest, a parenting website cum online forum and support group, provides informative and first-hand parenting tips on topics ranging from breastfeeding to raising children. Run by a group of mothers, the website emphasises using a gentle approach so that mothers and mothers-to-be do not feel intimidated or pressured by the need to breastfeed.

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