Hi, my name is Yuki! I am a registered nurse in New York.
I recently started working at a baby-friendly hospital. The baby-friendly hospital initiative is a global program established by UNICEF and the WHO to encourage and recognize hospitals and birthing centers that offer an optimal level of breastfeeding care. My hospital has vital education for mothers about breastfeeding care.
ニューヨークで看護師をしているユキです！
私は最近ベイビーフレンドリーホスピタル認定されている病院で看護師として働き始めました。ベイビーフレンドリーホスピタルの取り組みは、ユニセフやWHOによって設立されたグローバルプログラムであり、最適な授乳ケアを提供する病院や出産センターを推奨し、認定しています。私の病院では、母親に対して授乳ケアに関する大切な教育を行っています。
As a nurse at a neonatal ICU and mother-baby unit, breastfeeding is a topic close to my heart because I see firsthand the challenges many mothers on my unit face difficulties in breastfeeding. Let’s discuss how breastfeeding challenges affect a mother's mentality and how to support ireastfeeding!
私は今、新生児集中治療室と母子同室病棟で看護師をしていますが、多くの母親が母乳での授乳に苦労する姿を目の当たりにし、授乳はとても大切なテーマだと感じています。母乳育児の難しさが母親の精神にどのように影響するか、そして授乳のサポート方法などについて話していきたいと思います。
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), many women experience difficulties with breastfeeding. These challenges range from latch issues and low milk supply to pain and discomfort during feeding.
Factors such as maternal stress, anxiety, maternal pressure, and postpartum depression can further exacerbate these challenges. Research published in the Journal of Human Lactation suggests that mothers who struggle with breastfeeding may experience feelings of guilt, inadequacy, and frustration, which can impact their mental health.
アメリカ小児科学会（AAP）によると、多くの女性が授乳に関しての難しさを経験しています。多くの母親が感じる難しさは、ラッチ（赤ちゃんが乳房に吸い付くこと）に関する問題や、母乳が十分出ないこと、授乳中の乳首の痛みや不快感などが含まれます。
産後ストレス、不安、母親になったことに対するプレッシャー、産後鬱などの要因がこれらの問題をさらに悪化させる可能性があります。
『Journal of Human Lactation』に掲載された研究によると、授乳に難しさを感じている母親は罪悪感、不十分さ、そしてフラストレーションをもっており、これらが彼女たちの精神的健康に影響を与える可能性も強くあります。
I've seen various strategies to help with breastfeeding challenges as a nurse.
First, providing mothers with comprehensive education about breastfeeding during prenatal classes can help set realistic expectations and prepare them for potential challenges.
Lactation consultants and healthcare providers postpartum can make a significant difference. This support can include guidance on proper latch techniques, troubleshooting common issues, and reassurance during moments of doubt.
母乳授乳の問題に対処するための、さまざまな方法を看護師として見てきました。まず、出産前のクラスで母親たちに授乳に関する包括的な教育を提供することで、現実的な予測を設定し、潜在的な問題に備えることができるようになります。
産後には、授乳コンサルタントや医療提供者のサポートが大きな違いを生みます。このサポートには、適切な乳房の吸着技術に関する指導、一般的な問題のトラブルシューティング、疑問を抱いたときのに安心感を提供することなどが含まれます。
Skin-to-skin contact between mother and baby immediately after birth and postpartum can promote bonding and stimulate milk production. Skin-to-skin contact also helps regulate the baby's temperature, heart rate, and breathing, making breastfeeding initiation easier.
出産直後や産後の母親と赤ちゃんの肌と肌の接触は、母と子の絆を深め、母乳の分泌を促進する効果があります。肌と肌の接触は、赤ちゃんの体温、心拍数、呼吸の調整にも役立ち、授乳の開始を容易にします。
In my hospital, we always make breastfeeding resources available, such as breast pumps, nipple shields, ice packs/hot packs, and pillows, which can empower mothers to overcome challenges and continue breastfeeding. Additionally, connecting mothers with local support groups, baby cafes, and online communities where they can share experiences and seek peer advice can provide valuable emotional support.
私の勤めている病院では、母親が授乳の問題を克服し、母乳での授乳を続けられるように、乳房ポンプ、乳頭シールド、氷パックや温パック、授乳クッションなどの授乳リソースを、常に母親に提供しています。さらに、母親が体験を共有し、仲間のアドバイスを求めることができるように、地域支援グループ、ベビーカフェ、オンラインコミュニティに母親を繋げることは、大切なサポートとなります。
There are some maternal mental health issues, such as postpartum depression and anxiety, which are crucial in supporting breastfeeding success. Healthcare providers should screen for these conditions routinely and provide appropriate interventions, including counseling, medication, and support groups.
産後鬱や不安などの母性メンタルヘルスの問題は、授乳の成功をサポートする上でとても大切です。医療提供者は、これらの状態を定期的にスクリーニングし、カウンセリング、薬物療法、支援グループなどの適切な介入を提供する必要があります。
I have not yet had children, so I haven’t personally experienced the challenges of breastfeeding. However, as long as infants are adequately hydrated with either breast milk or formula and their mothers are happy, their decision to breastfeed should be considered a personal choice.
私自身は子供がいないので、授乳の難しさを個人的に経験したことはありません。しかし、赤ちゃんが母乳や人工乳などで適切に水分補給され、母親と赤ちゃんが幸せでさえあれば、母乳で育児するかしないかの決定は、個人的な選択として尊重されるべきだと思います。
Please share your experiences or advice regarding breastfeeding challenges in the comments below!
母乳育児の難しさや、自身の経験からの悩み、これから授乳をする女性たちに何かアドバイスなどがあれば、コメントで教えてください！
I'd like to share my experience. When I gave birth, my milk didn't come out much at first. My baby was constantly hungry and crying hard, my breast was so painful and I was feeling like a total failure as a mom. I was thinking to myself how come such a natural process is so difficult for me? Maybe something is wrong with me? I was completely devastated that my baby was suffering because of me, so not just my body hurt but also my soul. The midwives in my hospital kept coming over and showing me how to breastfeed properly but it was just so hard. The hospital was very busy and maybe that's why they didn't have time to talk to me... I still don't know if such problem is common for women or if I'm a minority. Is this something that is taught at the prenatal lessons?
For how long do you recommend to breastfeed?
Your job helps bring life to this world! Thank you for doing a sacred work!
My breasts were bleeding. It was such a grotesque mess. You can imagine my mental state at that time. My hospital didn’t provide creams or nipple shields so I bought it by myself after discharging. But it took long time to fully heal.
I love that you created a discussion around this subject. Many women experience many struggles and guilt around breastfeeding. I also feel that some of the things are strongly cultural. For example, from what I learned in France, French moms (of course, not all moms) tend to breastfeed for up to half year. I breastfed for 2 years and was scolded by my doctor there 😅
How is it in the US? 🇺🇸
I'm a big supporter of breastfeeding. I know it can be very difficult, but breastfeeding has so many amazing benefits! It's definitely worth trying! Did you know that breastfeeding can burn up to 500 calories a day? Also, breastfeeding releases endorphins, which can help reduce stress and promote relaxation. It's like a built-in self-care session for moms!
Do you have tips for weaning? My toddler is 3 years old, but still insists on breastfeeding.
And regarding my experience, I find that one of the hardest things about breastfeeding is the sleepless nights. Some of my friends claimed to get "full night sleep" around the 6th month, but it wasn't the case for me.
No experience breastfeeding yet, but is it true that the breasts sag if you do? I talked to one woman who chose formula for that reason
私も乳腺炎になってしまい、激しい痛みもあり、授乳にとても苦戦しました。頻回に授乳しないといけないので、夜間全く眠れないストレスもありとても疲弊したのを覚えてます。家族のサポート体制がしっかり整っていれば母親も一人で悩まずに授乳に専念出来ると思いました。
Hi, this is Sadie from SmileHome. I am the CEO of the company and a single mother of two kids. I used to work for a large company from 9 to 5 while breastfeeding. I rented a breast pump and used it in my office. I would pump a couple of times a day, keeping the meeting room locked for privacy. However, you need to consult with your supervisor first and get permission to do this. My supervisor was an older man whom I didn't particularly like, but he was supportive of my daily pumping routine. I wished he could have been a woman, but that was unlikely in Japan.
It is okay to pump milk in the office; you are not taking a break for smoking or coffee, but you are significantly contributing to society by raising children. Be proud of being a mother and share your experiences to get your supervisors and colleagues on your side. That's the most important thing to know.
Hi, this is Sadie from SmileHome. I am the CEO of the company and a single mother of two kids. I used to work for a large company from 9 to 5 while breastfeeding. I rented a breast pump and used it in my office. I would pump a couple of times a day, keeping the meeting room locked for privacy. However, you need to consult with your supervisor first and get permission to do this. My supervisor was an older man whom I didn't particularly like, but he was supportive of my daily pumping routine. I wished he could have been a woman, but that was unlikely in Japan.
It is okay to pump milk in the office; you are not taking a break for smoking or coffee, but you are significantly contributing to society by raising children. Be proud of being a mother and share your experiences to get your supervisors and colleagues on your side. That's the most important thing to know.
こんにちは、SmileHomeのCEOサディアです。私は2人の子供を持つシングルマザーです。かつて私は9時から5時まで大企業で働きながら授乳をしていました。オフィスに搾乳機を借りて、会議室をロックして毎日数回搾乳していました。しかし、まずは上司に相談し、許可を得る必要があります。私の上司は年配の男性で、あまり好きではありませんでしたが、日々の搾乳活動をサポートしてくれました。彼が女性であればよかったと思いましたが、日本ではそれはほとんど不可能でしたね。
オフィスで搾乳することは問題ではありません。タバコやコーヒーのために休憩を取っているのではなく、子供を育てることで社会に大きく貢献しているのですから。母親であることを誇りに思い、自分の経験を共有して上司や同僚の理解を得ましょう。それが最も重要なことです。