“For almost four years, breastfeeding was an integral part of my family’s life. I was fortunate enough not to experience too many problems because I’d done a lot of research prior to giving birth, but here are a few memorable moments.

1. I had lots of milk to give in the first few months and an overactive let-down. For some bizarre reason, I thought it was important that my son continue to nurse even during a massive gush of foremilk! So even when he’d pull off, I’d put him back on and have him end up sputtering. Oops.

After a few days of this, I learned to have a towel handy to catch the crazy milk at the beginning then put him on when the milk slowed down a couple of minutes later. Not so easy to go around town during this period. Fortunately, Japanese department stores have great nursing rooms.

2. When my son got his first teeth, he would often bite me before dozing off. OUCH!!! Before he somehow figured out how to stop on his own, I had a couple of weeks where I seriously feared nursing.

3. I’ve only gotten plugged ducts a couple of times. Once, when I found a lump from a plugged duct and told my husband, he was really worried that it might be something more serious. Fortunately, a warm shower and massage cleared things up.

My advice for women trying to breastfeed? Please give it a try and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Even if you can’t find anyone in person to talk to (I didn’t have too many resources in Japan), there’s an abundance of information online. Now with Angela at Breastfeeding 1-2-3, you need never go it alone!”

Hsien-Hsien Lei writes several blogs: Cotton-Pickin’ Days, Genetics and Health, A Hearty Life and Play Library.

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