Suzette's Parenting and Breastfeeding Blog

The recent milk issue in China (now becoming international) is actually not new, from 2 angles.

“China Made Products = Poor Quality” Is Not New
First, there have been many China made products that are questionable of its quality lately. Unethical manufacturers tend to use harmful chemicals just to ensure better profits. From last year’s recall of Thomas train toys to ‘date-rape-water’ in award winning toy Aqua Dots, and now it is infants milk. Nothing new. They never learn the proper and ethical way to earn their profits.

Milk Contamination Is Not A New Issue
Even 2 years ago, my colleague was already worried about milk problems in China. Apparently there were already cases of ‘fake milk’ (or more accurately ‘contaminated milk’) saturating the market. Parents were more worried than anyone else, because milk is the main staple food for young babies. Continue Reading »

I am writing this from my own experience. About 4 years ago, when I suffered sore tendon on my right wrist, I was so painful that I went to see doctors.

I first saw a Chinese orthopaedic, who told me I suffered “Carry-Baby Hand” (抱仔手), i.e. result of carrying baby. He told me that he couldn’t cure me and the only solution is to let it rest.

Not satisfied, I went to the company panel doctor. When I went in, I told one lady doctor (they are on rotation) about my problem. She didn’t buy the “carry-baby hand” theory. Then, she asked me if I do any laundry, and said it must be the laundry that caused my pain.

She then wanted to give me some anti-inflamation medicine (ibuprofen). I told her that I was still breastfeeding, whether the medication is suitable for me or not. Her first reaction was a disgusted look (of breastfeeding)!

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This is not only found in China, but also in US - an old profession is now revived! Whilst some mothers refused to breastfeed their children, giving excuses that they do not have enough milk, there is an increasing trend of people selling their breast milk!

Few years ago, I read from SinChew that a company was set up in Jiangsu Yangzhou (江苏扬洲), which provides ‘wet nurses’ services, i.e. nannies who breastfeed your babies.

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Nestle has been in an unpopular position for many years, in the way the market their milk products unethically. Here is another recent news, just released today in UK. It is another battle between breastfeeding and formula-feeding. They are constantly in the lime-light in this kind of bad publicities…

“Efforts to encourage more women to breastfeed are being threatened by “aggressive” lobbying directed at the Government by the baby milk manufacturing industry, campaigners warned yesterday.

The powdered milk manufacturer Nestlé has forged formal links with the Department of Health and took a ministerial aide on an all-expenses-paid trip to South Africa, The Independent on Sunday has discovered.”

Source/Read more: The Independent

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With Isabel, my breastfeeding journey was a lot easier as I have the experience from breastfeeding Ian (my first born). I didn’t experience any sore nipples, mastitis, nor serious blocked ducks.

When I was breastfeeding Ian, due to lack of experience and perhaps incorrect handling of breast pump, I had very bad sore nipples. I think I actually tore it with too strong suction of the pump, plus Ian was a strong boy with high demand and strong suction.

At one point, I really imagined that my nipple could be torn off from my breast! LOL!

The worst situation I have ever encountered with this sore nipples was when I pumped out light pink colour milk - that is blood mixed with it. Continue Reading »