BREASTFEEDING 101 – Myths, Truths and How-tos
Breastfeeding and its Importance
To ensure the child’s health and survival the most effective way is Breastfeeding. It is also useful to built bond with your child. It is an experience that every new mom will like to have.
Breastfeeding milk is the ideal food for infants. It is safe, clean, and contains antibodies that help protect against many common childhood illnesses. For the initial months of life, it provides all the nutrients and energy that the child needs. But there are many myths related to breastfeeding which is prevalent in society. So, let’s have a look at all the Myths and also the truths of Breastfeeding.
Myth 1: No one is sure that Breastfeeding is best for babies
1.Some mothers think that they didn’t breastfeed their babies and they are fine.
Truth: There is no doubt that breastfeeding provides the best nutrition for babies at every stage.
2. Some people believe that breastfeeding spoils babies if you do it too long.
Truth: It helps them form a healthy bond with their mother.
3. Many believe that formula milk is as good as breastmilk.
Truth: Breastmilk has anti-bodies, anti-allergens and anti-viruses that helps in protecting the baby from illness. Breastmilk has hormones that help a baby grow. Any good formula milk cannot have it all.
Myth 2: Breastfeeding works for some people and not for everyone
1. Some of us feel that breastfeeding either work or it doesn’t. You’ll know in the first day or two whether you can do it.
Truth: It is learnt by practice. Right information and support help everyone to breastfeed successfully.
2.Many new mothers also believe that if your mother had trouble breastfeeding, so will you.
Truth: The ability to breastfeed does not run in families. You can always do it with the right help and support.
3.Many mothers get the advice to switch to formula milk if breastfeeding hurts.
Truth: The solution to this is to get the quick help of your counsellor and keep up the milk supply. Avoid formula milk.
4.Small breasts or (large breasts) make it difficult for breastfeeding.
Truth: All breasts are great for breastfeeding! All the sizes of the breast can make plenty of milk.
5.If you ever had surgery on your breast, you cannot breastfeed.
Truth: That’s not always true! Always consult your counsellor for any help and advice.
6.If you have twins you will not be able to breastfeed.
Truth: You can surely! The woman’s body makes enough milk to produce milk for twins or even triplets. It just takes patience, creativity and family support to breastfeed multiples.
7.It’s not worth if you are going back to work.
Truth: Lots of working women continue to breastfeed, so you can too. It takes planning but it is possible. There are huge benefits to breastfeeding a child.
Myth 3: Breastfeeding alone is not enough for babies
1.Some mothers feel that they are not producing enough breastmilk.
Truth: Breastfeeding works by supply and demand i.e. the more you breastfeed, the more breastmilk is produced in your body.
2.If a baby cries that means the mother is not making enough milk.
Truth: Baby cries for many reasons! It’s normal!
3.Sometimes people may also tell you that your milk is thin
Truth: Breastmilk starts out very thick, then gets thinner after a few days.
4.Babies need to learn to take a bottle.
Truth: It’s not true! Your baby is better at getting milk out of your breasts than a manual or electric pump.
5.It Is also believed that once the baby takes a bottle, she won’t go back to the breast.
Truth: That’s true! Some babies do have trouble going from breast to bottle and then from bottle to breast. That is because bottle nipples let the milk flow into the baby’s mouth faster.
6.Some mothers believe formula fills up babies better than breastmilk.
Truth: That’s false! The formula is harder to digest and more likely to give your baby gas or tummy problems. They digest breastmilk more quickly and easily than formula.
7.It is also believed that formula-fed babies are better sleepers.
Truth: Since formula takes longer time to digest so they sleep longer.
In fact, they wake more often when they are breastfed, it protects them from SIDS sudden death syndrome.
8.Some Mothers also believe that when babies start having solid food they don’t need breastmilk.
Truth: Until 6 months of his age, your baby will grow well on breastmilk alone. No other food is as good as for your baby as breastmilk.
9.Adding some cereal to the milk will help the baby sleep through the night.
Truth: Adding cereals does not provide any health benefits. Breastmilk straight from the breast is baby’s best bedtime snack.
Myth 4: Due to Breastfeeding babies are away from Dads and the rest of the family.
1.You can use the bottle of formula milk sometimes.
Truth: The fact is that breastfeeding works on demand and supply. The more you breastfeed, the more milk you make. So, if breastfeeding is replaced by the formula milk then the supply of your milk is decreased.
2.Dads should also feed babies to bond with them.
Truth: Of course, the bond between Dad and babies is important but that can be created by other activities also. Dads can be involved in all of the baby care, soothing and comforting to changing and bathing the baby.
3.Giving a bottle can also help family members bond with the baby.
Truth: There are lots of other ways family members can bond with babies. Encourage your family to hold, cuddle and play with the baby between feedings.
4.No one should see you Breastfeeding, It’s rude.
Truth: No, you should never feel ashamed of feeding a hungry baby! Even the law says that you can breastfeed in public also.
Myth 5: Breastfeeding is hard on Moms
1.It is believed that Mom those who breastfeed does not get enough sleep.
Truth: In fact, Breastfeeding moms sleep more and better. Moms who breastfeed also have more energy during the day.
2.Breastfeeding is also hard work. It takes too much energy.
Truth: The fact is that feeding your baby releases hormones that help you to feel more peaceful and relaxed.
3.Moms should be careful about what they are eating when they breastfeed.
Truth: You should always eat a nutritious and balanced diet
4.Women who smoke can’t breastfeed.
Truth: Even if you smoke, your milk is better than any formula milk. It is always better to not smoke.
5.When new mothers are always sick, and that means you have to stop breastfeeding.
Truth: You can breastfeed even when you are sick, your milk provides antibodies to fight that illness.
6.You should not take medicines if you are breastfeeding.
Truth: You should consult your doctor before taking any medicine while you are breastfeeding.
7.The breast milk can go bad if you get upset or exercise too much.
Truth: Your milk is always safe and fresh.
8.Last but not the least is that breastfeeding makes your breasts saggy
Truth: It’s Not True!
Also Check: Breast Cancer Myths Debunked!
How to breastfeed your Child
1.Choose a comfortable breastfeeding position for your child
You can choose any position you are comfortable in whether that be a seated or laying down position. This can vary depending on the baby’s age, your comfort level, and even the time of the day.
2.Supporting the baby while nursing
Whatever position you are comfortable in, get some support! A nursing pillow, couch pillow or bed pillow can be used to help you to hold your baby up. This will reduce the strain on your neck and back.
3.Baby placement at the breast
The most important part of comfortable breastfeeding is Good Latch. The rule that you can use is your baby should be belly to belly and chin to the breast.
4.Latching your baby
You should use your one hand to cup the breast and offer it to a baby. Baby should open their mouth wide enough to take a good portion of Aerola tissue into the mouth.
5.What to look and listen when Baby is nursing
Usually, you can hear baby swallowing and watch their ears wiggling when they are actively nursing.
6.Finishing the feeding
After some time you should change your side or finish it. Slightly, slip your finger in the corner of their mouth to discontinue the suction.
So, these were some facts that I shared we you all. Hope it’s useful for you all. Enjoy your Breastfeeding time!
