Breastfeeding Week 2017 - Myths and facts related to Breastfeeding
Once, while Sheena was Breast feeding her little one "Your baby seems hungry all the time, Are you producing enough milk for her" Varooni, her Sister in law asked. This one statement got stuck in Sheena's heart and she went to her Doctor. Where doctor declared it, a myth. Breastfeeding connects you to your baby, bonding between mom and child, weight management, health, and immunity etc.
Breastfeeding has a major importance for an infant and as well as a new mom.
As Breastfeeding is all around associated with Infant and Mom, It gave ascend in numerous unworthy myths along.
Today, I will share some myths associated with breastfeeding, which I came along during my breastfeeding journey.
1. Myth: Mothers who give vaginal birth have a good quantity and quality of breast milk.
Truth: This has to do nothing with how the baby is delivered, Normal or C-section. Breastfeeding will happen naturally and this has no relation to the quantity and quality of Breast milk. If a new mom eats well, stay hydrated and gets ample rest she produces enough milk for her baby.
2. Myth: Milk production starts after few days of delivery.
Truth: The first milk produced is colostrum this doesn't look like normal milk breast produces. But, this is very important for a newborn as it has maximum nutrient and is rich in vital immune boosters, New Moms are advised to start feeding within few hours after delivery.
3. Myth : A baby should nurse from both sides for equal duration.
Fact: If your baby is lactating for 10 to 15 minutes from one side he will never wish to go to another side. If baby sleeps after a few minutes of latching on one side and if you observe the same pattern on the other side. Then just enjoy being a mom.
4. The baby should feed at one side per feed and then on next side.
Fact: It's upon baby's need, some may suck on both sides and some may stick to one side per feed. It is better a baby should feed on one side for a longer period as the baby will get the hind milk which is good and rich in nutrients.
5. Myth : If you pump a milk and give to your baby in the bottle this will discourage breastfeeding.
The fact is no harm in switching between bottle and breast. I always preferred my baby to learn breast-feeding till he becomes 6 weeks and then I introduced a bottle with pumped milk once a day. I do need a break at times and it has no harm :).
6. Myth : If you have a breast infection of blocked ducts stop feeding your baby. This may pass the infection to your baby.
Truth: No this is not true. The fact is if your baby continues breastfeeding he will help you come out of the blocked duct problems. Blocked ducts happen only if a breast is full of milk and baby feeding pattern is changed.
7. Myth : Breast feeding affects baby's sleeping pattern. Breast feeding baby will never sleep through the night.
Truth: Sleeping pattern in babies has nothing to do with Breastfeeding, Baby will feel like playing in the night will play, if a baby is hungry will cry and wake you up. The baby's sleeping pattern keeps changing in every 20 to 30 days as per my personal experience.
8. Wash your nipples before every feed.
Truth: We are talking about breast-feeding not formula feeding by bottles. Washing nipples each time will unessential complicate the natural process. Nipples have protective oils which will wash away if you wash them again and again.
9. If a Mom is on medication She should not Breast feed.
Truth: Usually Doctors ask whether you nurse your baby before prescribing any medication to avoid any complications. And a very small percentage of the medicine goes to breast milk, which is not harmful to a baby.
10 Breastfeeding should be avoided if mom is sick.
Truth: In the case of common illness like Flu, Cold, Stomach infections, fever, etc Even in the case of Breast infection, there is no harm at all if you continue to breastfeed.
It's been 2 decades, We observe International Breastfeeding week every year.Still, myths prevailing around the topic are surprisingly high. We lack to talk openly about breastfeeding and related issues with our friends and family. At times that is the reason we fail to observe myth and truth separately.
I would suggest to new moms, please reach out to a lactation expert for help, in case you wish to know anything related to Breastfeeding or need resolution of your queries. Do not hesitate.
Enjoy this phase, Just follow your gut before you get any unsolicited advice for breast-feeding. Stay healthy and happy.
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Read some tips of newborn care during monsoon here.
