Breastfeeding continues to be surrounded by a multitude of myths. Here are some of the more common ones:
MYTH: ‘I AM ON MEDICATION; SO BREASTFEEDING WILL HARM MY BABY.’
Many medications can be consumed while you are breastfeeding, but it is important to note that at least a small amount of these drugs will make their way into breast milk and can occasionally affect your milk supply. Always consult your doctor before taking any medication.
MYTH: ‘MY BABY KEEPS CRYING FOR MILK. MAYBE I’M NOT PRODUCING ENOUGH.’
It is perfectly normal for your baby to ‘demand’ a feed every 2-3 hours. Breast milk is digested very easily and this may cause your baby to become hungry fast. Frequent ‘demand’ feeds have nothing to do with your milk supply.
MYTH: ‘I NEED TO TAKE A REST FROM BREASTFEEDING EVERY FEW DAYS.’
Some women say that skipping a feed during the day will produce milk more at night. Perhaps there is a connection between that and the origin of this myth. Unfortunately, skipping a feed will only result in lower amount of milk being produced the next day, as it is continuous breastfeeding that ensures a constant supply of milk. Therefore, there is no need to ‘take a breastfeeding break’.
MYTH: ‘I’M NOT PRODUCING ENOUGH MILK.’
Many women come up with this line when they notice that the amount of milk produced in the first few days of delivery is relatively small. Do not be fooled by this! The ‘milk’ produced in the first days is actually not milk, but a substance called colostrum. Colostrum is a thin, white fluid excreted at the end of pregnancy and contains more lactoalbumin and lactoprotein than regular breast milk. It is rich in antibodies, proteins, and vitamins that are crucial in providing passive immunity to a newborn-that’s why it is called “liquid gold”. Colostrum is enough to nourish your baby until you start producing breast milk.
MYTH: ‘MY BREASTS WILL SAG IF I BREASTFEED’
Contrary to popular belief, sagging of breasts is not in any way related to breastfeeding. In fact, genetics and body type are responsible for this so-called ‘gravitational pull’, so don’t let this deter you from ensuring that your baby gets the best nutrition and protection that he or she can receive.
MYTH: ‘MY BABY WAS BORN PREMATURELY, SO THERE’S NO WAY I CAN BREASTFEED’
Breast milk, especially colostrums, is highly advantageous to your premature baby’s health. It is believed that breast milk is specially formulated for the premature baby to help ensure healthy and optimum growth. Even if he or she is unable to suck, there are other ways to ensure your baby gets those all important nutrients. A lactation specialist will be able to provide you with other options, such as tube feeding, if that is what your babies requires.
MYTH: ‘MY PREVIOUS BREAST SURGERY DOES NOT ALLOW ME TO BREASTFEED.’
Whether it is breast augmentation or reduction, surgery should not prevent you from breastfeeding. Silicone implants used in breast augmentation have not shown signs of endangering the baby, though you may have a slight reduction in milk supply. This is also applies to women who have undergone breast reduction surgery.
MYTH: ‘I CAN’T BREASTFEED!’
This seems to be one of the most common misconceptions new mother have, and can usually be linked to failed previous attempts. Firstly, it’s important to know that there are ‘tricks of trade’ to help new mothers breastfeed, such as proper positioning of the baby, etc. Don’t jump to conclusions and assume you are unable to breastfeed. In truth, only a small percentage of women are truly unable to breastfeed and this is due to illness or breast surgery that has affected the milk ducts. If you are still concerned, consult a lactation specialist or midwife.
MYTH: ‘I AM HAVING X-RAY NEXT WEEK, SO I NEED TO STOP BREASTFEEDING.’
X-rays, in general, do not have any effect on the mother, her milk supply or her baby. These include chest and dental X-rays as well as mammograms, although the latter is somewhat difficult to read in women who are breastfeeding. So, X-rays are not a reason to stop nursing your baby. The one test that should not be done if you are still nursing your baby is a thyroid scan due to its use of radioactive iodine.
MYTH: ‘BREASTFEEDING IS A NATURAL FORM OF CONTRACEPTION’
Another very popular misconception! Breastfeeding is not a 100% sure-fine method of preventing pregnancy. Just ask those parents who have children born 10 months apart! However, as much as we would like to rule out this form of contraception, there is some truth to it. The hormones that circulate during breastfeeding do interrupt the ovulation process. No ovulation, no pregnancy. But the key point here is that it is not a guaranteed contraception method. If you are not thinking of having another baby within the year, use other contraception methods.
MYTH: ‘I AM PREGNANT AGAIN, SO NEED TO STOP BREASTFEEDING’
Just because you are pregnant again, it does not mean you should stop breastfeeding. Many pregnant mothers stop nursing due to other reasons, such as breast tenderness, but there is no medical reason to do so. However, it is normal for a mother’s milk supply to lessen pregnancy.
References:
1. Parenting Web. Available at www.parentingweb.com2. WebMD. Available at www.webmd.com
3. BabyCenter. Available at www.babycenter.com
4. Breastfeeding.com. Available at www.breastfeeding.com
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