My breastfeeding journey started off being more challenging than I expected. I struggled with my baby not latching properly, which made feeding very painful. She was choking during the let-down (milk release) and I didn't know what to do. I wasn't even sure what was happening. My breasts became sore, nipples cracked, and my milk ducts felt clogged, which made me feel discouraged and I wanted to stop breastfeeding.

I had my first surgery just after I finished high school in 2002. My one breast was smaller than the other one and I underwent surgery to make both the same size. The surgeon reduced the larger breast and put implants in both.

I would like to share my experience in case it may help another mother. My baby weighed 4.8kg when she was 10 weeks old. She was fond of sucking on her dummy and by 14 weeks she had not picked up much weight; she weighed only 5kg. My La Leche League Leader suggested that I stop giving my daughter the dummy and have her go back in one week’s time to check if she had gained weight.

As both a mother and a medical doctor, I have always known that breastfeeding is the best form of nutrition for a baby. It was not just a preference for me, it was a commitment. I was determined to make it work.