Myths and Facts about Breastfeeding

Myth

Breastfeeding is simple, 

The reflex to reach for their mother’s breast is present at birth. Many women, however, require practical assistance when it comes to placing their infant for nursing and ensuring that the infant is securely fastened to the breast. Both mothers and newborns must practise breastfeeding over time. Because breastfeeding takes a lot of time, moms need help at home and at work.

 Myth

 Before breastfeeding, you should wash your nipples.

It is not required to wash your nipples before breastfeeding. When a baby is born, they are already quite accustomed to the noises and scents of their own mother. The baby’s nipples secrete a smelly substance that contains “good bacteria” that aids in the development of the baby’s lifelong, healthy immune system.

Myth

Your milk’s flavour will change if you exercise.

Exercise is good for everyone, even nursing mothers. There is no proof that it changes how your milk tastes.

Myth

If you don’t start right immediately, you won’t be able to breastfeed.

Because a baby’s reflexes are so strong in the first hour after delivery, it is simpler to start breastfeeding if you do so. They are prepared to begin learning to breastfeed. If you don’t latch your kid on straight away, do it as soon as you can under the circumstances. Request assistance from a trained lactation consultant or other skilled expert if you need assistance nursing your infant.

Myth 

You have to drink milk to make milk.

Drinking milk has little to do with producing a woman’s breast milk. Whether a mother drinks milk has nothing to do with her breast milk supply. However, it is important that the mother stays hydrated with any form of liquid and eats a balanced, healthy diet. The body pulls the necessary nutrients from her body to add to her breast milk. When a mother is malnourished, she continues to become malnourished while her body continues to nourish the baby.

Myth 

 Breastfeeding always hurts.

 Breastfeeding should rarely hurt. Your nipples may become tender when you start breastfeeding due to increased hormone levels after birth and increased contact with your baby during breastfeeding. Although nipple tenderness is normal, nipple pain is not normal and should be evaluated by a lactation consultant to determine the cause. The most common cause of sore nipples is improper fit or position, and it can be alleviated with the help of a lactation consultant.

Myth 

Many women don’t produce enough breast milk.

 Most women produce enough milk for their baby. There are many women who feel that they are not producing enough breast milk for their baby’s needs. Instead of focusing on the size of your breasts or how full you are, look for these signs that breastfeeding is going well for you and your baby:

• By the time your baby is four days old, they should have at least six wet diapers every 24 hours.
• By the time your baby is four days old, he should have at least three or more stools of yellow-coloured stool.
• Your baby’s urine is pale and diluted.
• Your baby is breastfed at least eight times in 24 hours.
• By the age of 10 to 14 days, your baby will be back to its birth weight.
• Your baby gains about 1.2 to 2.5 grams per week.
• During a feeding, you should be able to see and hear the baby swallow.
• While feeding, your baby should have a rhythmic sucking pattern.

Myth

Any drug cannot be taken while breastfeeding.

It’s crucial to tell your doctor that you are nursing and to read the directions on any over-the-counter medications you purchase. You might need to take your prescriptions at a certain time, in a certain dosage, or in a different formulation. Additionally, you should disclose any drugs you are taking to the baby’s doctor.

Myth 

Breastfeeding is not advised when you are ill.

Mothers can typically continue breastfeeding while ill, depending on the disease. You must ensure that you receive the proper care and obtain enough rest, good nutrition, and hydration.