Planning for a baby is one of the most important times in a couple’s life, but for many it can be confusing and complicated. Here we dispel some of the common fertility myths with justified facts  below. Myth: Having sex every day increases our chances of fertilization  Couples trying to conceive are advised to have regular intercourse to increase their chances of conceiving, but having intercourse every day is likely to exhaust you, especially since it takes many couples 6-12 months to conceive. However, because sperm can survive up to 5 days after release and ovulation prediction is an inaccurate science, most general practitioners advise having intercourse every 2-3 days to maximize the chances of sperm fertilizing an egg after ovulation be able. Myth: You can’t get pregnant while you’re on your periods While women cannot get pregnant during menstruation because the hormones that lead to menstruation are the opposite of those required for pregnancy, they can get pregnant through sex during menstruation because of early ovulation and sperm production can survive up to 5 days after release. Research in the US1 has shown that women can be fertile as early as day four of their cycle (day one is considered the first day of bleeding), so pregnancy can occur at any point in a cycle. Myth: You can only get pregnant on the day you ovulate Not true. The human egg is fertile for about a day after it is released from the ovaries. However, since sperm can survive up to 5 days after intercourse and women can produce more than 1 egg in 24 hours, technically a woman can get pregnant up to 5 days before or even up to 2 days after ovulation, i.e. for one week of each menstrual cycle. Myth: A normal menstrual cycle lasts 28 days That’s not true, that’s a myth perpetuated by the pill making all menstrual cycles regular and 28 days long. In fact, menstrual cycles can vary between 24 and 36 days, and not only vary between women, they vary significantly month-to-month for each individual woman. Myth: Lying down with your legs up after sex increases your chances of getting pregnant Although there is no scientific evidence to support this approach, some people claim it helps and since it is completely harmless it must be worth trying. Myth: Eating oysters increases my fertility There is a grain of truth in this, as oysters are a rich source of zinc, low levels of which can affect fertility. Take stock of your diet and make sure you’re eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains rich in antioxidants, and fatty fish (e.g. salmon, herring, sardines, etc.) twice a week. Cut down on caffeine and Alcohol, both of which can hinder conception if taken in excess. Don’t forget to stay active and if you’re a smoker, quit. Myth: You can get everything you need through diet and don’t need to take supplements This is definitely not true, and in fact, all women are advised to take a daily supplement of 400mcg of folic acid during attempts to conceive and for the first 3 months of pregnancy. Taking a folic acid supplement is important for the development of the baby’s neural tube. Since most of us fail to always have the perfect diet, taking a dietary supplement designed specifically for conception or pregnancy can help ensure adequate levels of all the vitamins and minerals essential for conception.

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.