Characteristics of the Oketani Method

About Oketani

The Oketani Method is the unique breast management method created by Ms. Sotomi Oketani.
She also theorized, based upon her more than 30 years experience, that breastfeeding enhances mother-and-child bonding, while also enriching the mother and child's physical and mental condition by natural means. As a result, she formalized a method, called "Oketani Breast Management" in 1981.

Here we introduce "Breastfeeding Your Child : The Oketani Method"
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Characteristics of the Oketani Method

Breast manipulation through the Oketani Method gives no pain or discomfort to mothers. This is in contrast to conventional breast massage.
Lactation is enhanced regardless of the size or shape of the breast and nipple.
The entire breast becomes softer, and the aureola, nipple neck and nipple become more elastic, making it easier for the baby to suckle.
The flow of the milk in the ducts is smoothed, because of the pressure on the alveoli.
Milk secretion is promoted as the baby suckles, and the quality of the milk improves.
Deformities, such as inversion and flattening, are rectified, as are conditions such as cracked and/or sore nipples.
Nipple injuries, engorgement, plugged ducts, and mastitis can be prevented.
The mother's whole body becomes relaxed.

As of 2008, we have more than 400 Oketani Certificate members in Japan.
Oketani members in Japan operate two hundred and seventy private clinics,while others of us work in hospitals and clinics as lactation experts.

International Activity

The Oketani Method is a very useful way to increase milk supply.

Due to lack of breast milk, many babies suffer from hunger and infectious disease in developing countries, such as Bangladesh. Since 1994, we have taught our technique to more than 200 doctors and midwives in Bangladesh, to promote and improve breastfeeding activity in that country.
Since 1999, Oketani midwives have been visiting ICMH and giving training tomedical professionals supported by Akaeda Medical Research Foundation, （Tokyo,Japan：http://www.akaeda.com/zaidan/） supervised by Prof. M. Q. K.Talukder as the founder of Bangladesh Breastfeeding Foundation.

We have main Oketani Lactation Center in Dhaka, Bangladesh named "Akaeda Oketani Lactation Management Center", which is part of the "Institute of Child and Mother Health".
The Oketani has been well accepted by Bangladeshi doctors and midwives at ICMH. The Oketani technique has been being practiced at ICMH, at the Bangladesh Breastfeeding Foundation, and at other organizations by those trained by the Japanese facilitators at ICMH. In 2008, there are 14 Oketani Lactation Center in Bangladesh.