I remember the days leading to the birth of my firstborn, the joy of preparing for his birth and the shopping trips we took. Particularly memorable was my first purchase, one taken after much research and careful consideration. An essential item that no baby could do without... baby bottles! I bought the most expensive even though they had strange looking teats. To this day, they remain in my store, virtually untouched.

I didn't know many breastfeeding mums then. My few friends who had attempted breastfeeding had only horror stories to share. Never ending feeding sessions, sore nipples, insufficient milk and unsupportive family members were common complaints. It would be tough going, they warned.

I found it rather disturbing. If mammals are supposed to feed on their mothers' milk, shouldn't breastfeeding be instinctive? Why do people view breastfeeding so negatively, yet consider it natural to feed our young the milk of another mammal?

I was determined to succeed and to show others that breastfeeding is natural. I breastfed my elder boy for 32 months and I'm still breastfeeding my younger boy, now 2 years old.

At birth

Back when I had my first baby, it was unusual for a mum to breastfeed her baby in the labour ward. I had it on my birth plan and constantly reminded the nurses on duty of my intention. In the nursery, my baby was the only one that had the "total breastfeeding" tag on his bassinet.

That was in the late 90s. Five years later, I had my second child. By then, things were markedly different. Breastfeeding had entered a new era.

The changes were evident from the moment my baby was born. Unlike my first birth, my baby was delivered right onto my tummy where he was warmed by mummy's love instead of an artificial lamp. He spent much of those initial moments in my arms, bonding with me while nursing contentedly.

The hospital had thoughtfully provided us, new mums, with a set of lovely pyjamas that had discreet openings for breastfeeding. The in-house lactation consultant also paid me a visit to ensure that I was off to a good start. As for rooming in with baby, that was already standard practice and I did not have to request for it.

Nursing in public Growing up in Asia where modesty is highly rated, I used to blush at the very thought of nursing in public. I remember feeling apologetic whenever I had to breastfeed my baby, excusing myself to hide behind some door or curtain, just so that no one would feel awkward or embarrassed. It was terribly inconvenient and I ended up spending most of my time in solitary confinement. It was senseless and when the isolation got unbearable, I worked up enough courage to nurse in the open.

Those first attempts were difficult. I could feel all eyes staring at me the moment I started positioning my baby. The harder I tried to be natural, the more I nervous I got and the more I fumbled. With practice, I learnt not to draw undue attention to myself, usually by maintaining eye contact and continue chatting with the other party. Soon, I could nurse without others noticing and breastfeeding in public became second nature.

With my second child, I no longer had to grapple with modesty issues. His needs come first and I breastfeed him everywhere...in crowded markets, posh restaurants and even on national TV. I even overcame my inhibitions and could nurse comfortably in the presence of male relations, something I never did with my elder boy.

Nursing mums now, have a wider support network to depend on. Some mums organise outings to orientate "first-timers". Breastfeeding in a group setting boosts self confidence and makes their "maiden trip" a lot less intimidating. The more experienced mums are also there to share their experience and provide useful advice to the new mum. The breastfeeding community has also organised nurse-ins to lend support to mums who have been turned away in certain establishments. These highly publicised events generated much interest in breastfeeding. Mums are now more aware of their rights and the public more understanding.

Image of the nursing mum

Nursing mums in the past had a limited choice of clothes. It was difficult to remain fashionable when you needed to nurse on demand, so many made do with loose fitting tops or oversized tee-shirts. Perhaps that is why so many of us looked like frumpy "aunties".

If it were difficult for us to find suitable clothes, it was worse with nursing bras. They were invariably thick strapped, beige, granny looking things with a "frame" round the areola and a full cup flap covering it. Ugly and uncomfortable, they made me feel really unattractive. How I longed for the day when I could wear a "real" bra again!

Fortunately, that is history! These days, a nursing mum is no less fashionable than any other lady. Figure hugging clothes, spaghetti strapped tops and even pretty dresses are all part of the wide variety of nursing clothes easily available. They are affordably priced too! Even nursing bras come in different cuts, designs, material and colours to suit different occasions and needs. My favourite is the lacy black ones… I actually feel sexy in it!

Nursing mums have indeed come of age. We are no longer viewed as dowdy housewives with no ambition and little control over our lives. Instead, we are known to be forward looking, educated, modern women able to juggle our various responsibilities well.

It is now hip to be seen breastfeeding and I'm proud to be part of the breastfeeding fraternity!