Breastfeeding is the way we supply our babies with the nutrients and energy they need for their healthy growth and development, as well as the substances that will protect them against infections and allergies. Therefore, the WHO recommends extending breastfeeding up to two years of age, but gradually introducing safe and nutritionally adequate complementary foods.
This is a part of the reproductive process, which has important repercussions not only for the baby’s health but also for mothers. In fact, breastfeeding for a time, no matter how brief, has been shown to be beneficial for both the mother and the baby. However, breastfeeding takes time and practice and in the process, many doubts and myths can arise due to a lot of confusing information on the subject. So, below, we will debunk some of them.
Most common myths about breastfeeding
The mother has to drink milk to produce milk.
It is common to hear that a lactating woman must increase her milk consumption to meet the demand for calcium that increases with breastfeeding, but the truth is that drinking milk has very little to do with the fact that a woman produces breast milk.
However, it is important for the baby that their mother stays hydrated by drinking any form of liquid and that she eats a healthy, balanced diet since that is all she needs to nourish herself and produce milk as her body will take care of extracting the necessary nutrients to add to the breast milk. In case the mother is malnourished, she will be even more so, because her body will be supplying the baby with nutrients.
Exercise will affect the taste of your milk.
Exercise is healthy for nursing mothers as well and has no negative impact on the composition or volume of milk produced. There is also no evidence that this affects the taste of your milk, although some babies may reject the breast because of the salty taste due to sweating. So it is recommended to take a shower or wash the breast before offering it to the baby.
Breastfeeding is easy.
Although babies are born with a sucking and seeking reflex for anything that touches the roof of their mouth, which can help with breastfeeding, these natural instincts of the baby do not guarantee successful breastfeeding. It is a process that will require a lot of time as it must be learned and practiced by both mother and baby. In fact, many mothers will need space and practical support to position their baby and make sure he or she is properly latched on to the breast.
See also tips for a perfect breastfeeding
Breastfeeding hurts and sore nipples are inevitable.
Although many women may experience discomfort during the first few days of learning to breastfeed, with proper support in positioning your baby and making sure he or she is latched on, nipple soreness can be avoided. Mothers with breastfeeding problems, including nipple soreness, should seek support from a lactation consultant or other trained professional as they can help you overcome the problem.
Many women do not produce enough breast milk.
While many women think they do not produce enough breast milk to meet their baby’s needs, the truth is that almost all women produce the right amount of milk for their baby. Breast milk production is determined by how well the baby latches on to the breast, as well as how often the baby is breastfeeding and how well the baby expresses with each feeding. Therefore, to ensure adequate production, mothers only need continuous support and guidance, in addition to staying healthy by eating and drinking well.
You should not breastfeed if you are sick.
This will depend on the type of illness, so it is possible that many mothers can continue to breastfeed even if they are sick. In fact, in most cases, the antibodies produced by the mother’s body to treat her illness can be transmitted to the baby, helping them to build up their own defenses. However, it is imperative not only to receive the appropriate treatment for her condition but also to rest, eat and drink as well as possible.
You will not be able to breastfeed unless you do so immediately.
Without a doubt, frequent skin-to-skin contact between mother and baby and bringing the baby to the breast are keys to starting breastfeeding. It is easier to start breastfeeding if it is done within the first hour after the baby is born since their reflexes are usually stronger. In case you are unable to do so for any reason, it can also be done as soon as possible. You will only need support from a trained lactation consultant or expert.
You cannot breastfeed if the size and shape of your nipples are not perfect.
All women have breasts and nipples of different sizes and shapes, so there is no such thing as perfect breasts for breastfeeding. The other factor to consider is that every baby is completely different. For example, in the size of their mouth, lips, and tongue, etc. The only thing that makes breastfeeding better is the anatomical compatibility between the mother and her baby.
It is difficult to wean a baby if you breastfeed them for more than a year.
While there is no evidence that it is harder to stop breastfeeding after one year, there is evidence that breastfeeding for up to two years has many benefits for both mothers and babies. The point is that all mothers and babies are different, so it will be up to both of them to decide how long they want to breastfeed.
You can never use formula if you want to breastfeed.
Mothers may decide that they need to use formula on some occasions while they continue to breastfeed, but the important thing, in this case, is to seek unbiased information about formula and the other products with which they can replace breast milk to offer it the best for their child.
By this, we mean that those who want to use formula and maintain breast milk production should continue to breastfeed their baby as often as possible. In this regard, it is very helpful for mothers, especially new ones, to have the advice of a lactation consultant or trained professional to help them formulate the best plan for continued breastfeeding.
The mother should space out breastfeeding so that the breasts are full.
As we have mentioned, milk production will depend to a greater extent on the frequency with which it is done. Therefore, no mother should save milk because while it is done more frequently, proportionally the breasts will also be emptied and even more milk will be produced.
ALFA