In Korea, Postnatal Care Centers (PCC) are making breastfeeding way harder than it needs to be. It's like they're giving moms a problem and then selling them the solution. Let's break it down:
Gaslighting in Korean Breastfeeding Practices: A Reality Check
Here's the truth about breastfeeding that many Korean moms aren't told:
If you keep your baby with you 24/7 and breastfeed directly 8+ times a day, you don't need to pump
Your baby opens the milk ducts naturally
You'll hardly get engorged if you start feeding before your milk comes in and you don't need breast massages
All you really need is to learn proper breastfeeding positions and how to latch your baby.
But instead, In Korean Postnatal care center, most Korean moms are told to:
Separate from their babies
Pump every 3 hours
Feed pumped milk with bottles
Use special nipples to avoid confusion
Use nipple shield
Get breast massages for engorgement
Buy and drink special teas to increase milk supply
Isn't this gaslighting?
They also say:
Korean moms have dense breast tissue, making breastfeeding harder
You need special Korean-style breast massages
Older moms have tougher milk ducts, leading to "bad milk"
You need repeated regular breast care and massages
Asian moms have irregular milk ducts, causing more problems
You need breast massages every 3-4 weeks for "good milk" that's more nutritious and tasty
More gaslighting, right?
Why have Korean moms become so afraid of pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding, and parenting?
Why do they lack confidence?
Is it because of decades of this gaslighting?
To avoid being separated from your baby from the start, think about who these practices really benefit.
Take control of your life.
Study up on pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding, and parenting.
Isn't it gaslighting to say:
"Childbirth is scary"
"Postpartum recovery is hard"
"Breastfeeding is harder than giving birth"
"24/7 rooming-in is impossible"
"Parenting is difficult and painful"
These beliefs lead to:
95% mother-baby separation in Korean PCCs
80% pumping instead of direct breastfeeding in Korean PCCs.
Breast massages, milk-increasing teas, breast pumps, bottles, special nipples, massage machines, newborn photoshoots, baby footprints, mobile-making...
It's time for Korean parents to wake up and question these practices!