I have been helping new mommies overcome their breastfeeding challenges
since 2003. And it's indeed very frustrating that most of these new mommies’
desire to fully breastfeed their babies are thwarted by confinement ladies or
the grandparents who are neither knowledgeable nor supportive of breastfeeding.
I used to visit new mothers in their homes. Most of the times, when I was with the mother and baby, they would be able
to latch on beautifully. I would be able to help mommy identify a good latch,
whether baby is really drinking or just pacifying, and to judge when baby has
enough. But when I leave, they would back to square one. Baby cries and the CL
or grandma will start making negative comments that baby is still hungry and pressure
the mother to give baby a bottle of formula milk!
Although I do believe that the parents should stand firm against all objections
and discouragement, I also understand that both Mommy and Daddy are very
vulnerable as new parents; they tend to break down and give in to family
pressures to “not starve your baby for goodness sake!! A bottle of formula milk won’t harm your
baby!”
How I wish I could whisk this parents away from all these negativity and
provide them with an environment where the new Mommy and Daddy would receive not
only positive vibes and encouragement, but correct information in making
breastfeeding successful!
I toyed with this idea for a few years, and finally in 2012, with the
support of a few good friends, I set up a breastfeeding friendly confinement
centre. With the experiences gained from running this centre, I moved on to
offer better and upgraded services at Gina’s Place.
Initially I wanted to hire experienced confinement ladies. After interviewing
more than 20 of them, I gave up hope of ever finding one who’s willing to be
breastfeeding friendly. ALL of them believe that not all mothers will have milk
and supplementing with formula milk is necessary.
I decided that a registered nurse would serve the same purpose as a confinement
lady, ie taking care of a newborn and helping the new mother. I know that
nurses do not receive much lactation instructions in nursing school, but that’s
ok. During the interviewing process, I stressed the importance of the nurses
embracing the message of ‘exclusive breastfeeding’. Only nurses who are willing
to learn would be considered for the job.
A dedicated chef prepares the menu at Gina’s Place. Together, we spent hours going through confinement recipes books and websites, and talking to TCM
practitioners on the ‘can eat’ and ‘cannot eat’ food. Most of them confirmed my
belief that moderation is key when it comes to consuming food during the
confinement period. We put in a lot of effort in planning the menu to ensure
that it promotes healthy lactation and recuperation of the mother. We are willing to go the distance in ensuring the quality of our raw materials ie healthy free-range chickens,
An Xin Pork, organic grains and sulfite-free herbs.
At Gina’s Place we have one guarantee. As long as the mother is willing, she
will get the best help in making her breastfeedng journey a successful one.
Gina Yong
Breastfeeding Consultant
