I think it’s more to the mother’s own determination, proper knowledge about breastfeeding and the environment around her. I gave birth in a private hospital with baby friendly status. I did not want to pay for the first class room and the 2 bedded rooms were fully occupied. So I had to stay in a 4 bedded ward. But it’s with the curtain drawn. I breastfed Eugene immediately after the nurse cleaned him briefly, oh yes; he suckled well and showing off the gorgeous dimples. I delivered in midnight, and I had to stay another night in the hospital for observation of both mother and baby. Most of the time, Eugene roomed in with me. After he slept, the nurse would sometimes push him back to the nursery and brought him back when he cried. The services and hospitality provided are really good; it just goes inline with their theme of ’service from the heart’. Most importantly, they will not give the baby any formula unless the mother signs a consent letter. Very often, the nurses would laugh at us, the mother and baby who both fell asleep while nursing. One was too tired and one was too comfortable. Very frequent, a few chatty and helpful LCs, my paed and my gynae would come to check on us if we were doing ok and all. So I would say that very good support is given to the mothers. But this is only for 1 or 2 days, depends on how long you stay in the hospital.

Back home, a mother will need her own determination, supports, knowledge on breastfeeding to overcome the hurdles. One of the major hurdles will be the naysayer. For my case, I followed all the half truth / not truth advice literally. Until I woke up in engorgement one midnight and nobody to help me at that hour, I sat down and only then discovered about the truth of breastfeeding and ended Eugene’s relationship with the formula since then.

My dua sen advices to all new mothers are to read about breastfeeding and learn from others’ experiences and hiccups they experienced and get a few phone numbers of LCs or breastfeeding moms handy, and talk to the correct person who knows breastfeeding if you need help. With a strong passion and determination, you will make it and soon enjoy the rewards from breastfeeding.
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Vivi
Proud parents to little Eugene (16 months old)