children's school

Breastfeeding

Master the Japanese you need for Breastfeeding in natural keigo. Scene-by-scene flow · NG examples · politeness levels · 9-language parallel translations

Synergia Editorial Team

This page helps foreign residents and long-term visitors handle "Breastfeeding" with daily Japanese phrases for living in Japan, practical examples, and common mistakes to avoid.

What this page helps you say in Japan

This page focuses on Breastfeeding and teaches useful Japanese phrases for daily life in Japan, including natural replies, polite alternatives, and practical wording for foreigners living in Japan.

What You'll Learn on This Page

Consultation on breast milk production/amount
Mastitis/problems
How to proceed with mixed nutrition
Breastfeeding position/how to latch
timing of weaning

Practice Phrases (10 Total)

母乳の出が悪くて心配です

ぼにゅうのでがわるくてしんぱいです

I'm worried my milk supply is low.

POINTVery common problems for new mothers

赤ちゃんの体重が増えていないのですが

あかちゃんのたいじゅうがふえていないのですが

The baby isn't gaining weight.

POINTCompare with growth curve and consult

乳房が熱を持って痛いです

にゅうぼうがねつをもっていたいです

My breasts are hot and painful.

POINTsigns of mastitis

乳腺炎でしょうか

にゅうせんえんでしょうか

Could it be mastitis?

POINTEarly consultation is important

おっぱいマッサージをお願いしたいのですが

おっぱいまっさーじをおねがいしたいのですが

I'd like a breast massage.

POINTApproximately 3,000 to 6,000 yen at a midwifery clinic

授乳姿勢を教えてください

じゅにゅうしせいをおしえてください

Please teach me the feeding position.

POINTSide hugging, football hugging, etc.

哺乳瓶を嫌がるのですが

ほにゅうびんをいやがるのですが

The baby refuses the bottle.

POINTTry changing the nipple shape and flow rate

ミルクとの混合栄養にしたいです

みるくとのこんごうえいようにしたいです

I'd like to do mixed feeding.

POINTMixed feeding = breast milk + milk

卒乳の時期はいつがいいですか

そつにゅうのじきはいつがいいですか

When should I stop breastfeeding?

POINTApproximately 1 to 2 years old, varies greatly from person to person.

薬を飲んでも母乳を与えられますか

くすりをのんでもぼにゅうをあたえられますか

Can I breastfeed while on medication?

POINTCheck with your doctor depending on the type of medicine

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Where can I get breastfeeding support?

A. After giving birth, we provide breast-feeding consultations to midwives at maternity hospitals, local midwifery clinics, health centers, and midwifery associations. Many will provide care for 1,000 to 6,000 yen. There are also support groups such as La Leche League and Breast Milk 110.

Q. What is the reason for not producing breast milk?

A. Hormone, stress, lack of water, lack of nutrition, nipple trouble, etc. Many improve over time. The basic measures are to increase the number of times your baby sucks, get enough rest, and stay hydrated.

Q. How to cure mastitis

A. Breastfeeding to relieve the blockage, cooling, fluids and rest, and if symptoms continue, see a doctor. If it is swollen, antibiotics may be administered, and in severe cases, incision and drainage may be necessary. Don't leave things unattended, take prompt action.

Q. The difference with milk

A. Breast milk is superior in immune components, digestion and absorption, and infant bond formation. The amount of milk can be visualized, others can breastfeed, and mothers have a high degree of freedom. What is best depends on your individual situation.

Q. The difference between Japan and overseas

A. Japan has a ``recommending breast milk'' attitude as recommended by the WHO, but the flexibility of saying ``milk is okay'' is also widespread. It is unique in that it has its own support system, including a breast-feeding outpatient clinic and midwifery clinic.