Yoshiko Mizukawa, 54
Nursing Mother Specialist from Takayama, Gifu
Could you tell me about your job?
I’m a licensed nurse and midwife but stopped doing that years ago. Now I massage mothers to help them nurse infants.Where did you learn breast massage?
From Oketani Sotomi-san, who’s now in her 90s. She wrote this book (shows Bonyuu Ikuji no Susume--Recommendations for Nursing Mothers). Before Mizukawa-sensei therapists applied torturous treatment which had mothers literally writhing in pain. This old treatment was said to be more painful than childbirth! Oketani-sensei revolutionized breast massage and galvanized nursing mothers and caregivers with the catch phrase, “itakunaku yoku deru” (milk flows with no pain). Oketani-sensei invented this technique after studying and experimenting. There are 380 nurses licensed throughout Japan to apply this technique. I learned directly from sensei for one year at the Tokyo Kenshu Center, and got further experiences as a midwife for three years.Has this technique become international?
Some mothers came from Bangladesh and Korea, studied, and brought the technique back to their countries. It’s especially useful in developing countries where cow’s milk and sanitation may not be easily obtained. A group called “Le Leche” (literally “milk” in Spanish) has similar techniques but is not connected to our method.Why do mothers nowadays have trouble nursing?
Many have poor eating habits. They eat too much meat and bread. Also, they lack proper knowledge about the advantages of breast feeding. Mother’s milk is crucial for immune system development. The upbringing of an infant being nursed is completely different; the parent’s feeling is completely different. The mother-infant bond goes deeper. Nurses who teach mothers about childcare don’t give good advice.What are the good and bad points about your job?
There are only good points. It’s great. I can help mothers, and help their children. The whole household benefits. In fact, all of society benefits. I’m like a counselor as well. Women share their troubles about anything--their mother-in-laws, their insecurities, their child’s health, whatever. I only feel, ‘please come!’ and don’t think about money. I can take a holiday whenever I like but even then may have special requests to fulfill.the end
This interview was originally published in Kansai Time Out magazine.