Breastfeeding is a natural process that strengthens the bond between mother and child and is necessary for a baby. A newborn baby’s first taste is from the mother’s milk, given with utmost love and care. However, as it is an essential and standard process or concept, many myths and stories are present in society concerning breastfeeding. Though they differ from the facts, some myths have been passed down the generations despite their inconsistencies.
Myths and Facts- Breastfeeding
The breastfeeding process varies from person to person based on various factors, and it cannot be accessible depending on the person and the surrounding circumstances. If the myths available on breastfeeding are analyzed, it can be seen that most of the stories are confusing as it differs from the facts present on the same. Issues that can arise during the time of breastfeeding include breast or nipple pain, lack of milk or loss of weight of the baby, uneasiness for the baby even after feeding breast milk, etc., that has to be considered and given proper care to prevent any problems in the future. In this blog post, we discuss the real facts concerning breastfeeding for new mothers to clear the doubts and confusion that may arise due to the myths that have existed for a long time. Here we focus on highlighting the relevant myths that will confuse new mothers and the real facts for understanding the appropriate measures to be taken while breastfeeding.
1. Babies know how to feed as soon as they are born
A common myth is that babies know how to breastfeed as soon as they are born, as it is an instinct. But if the facts are analyzed, it can be seen that this myth cannot be confirmed as a definite one as it depends on the mother’s medicines, the mother, the health of the mother, surrounding circumstances, and so on. Even though the babies have a habit of sucking anything seen around them, breastfeeding will not happen out of their instinct as it is something that needs to be practiced by the mother and the baby.
2. Break taken during breastfeeding help in the production of more milk
Another myth that often tends to confuse new mothers is that giving a break to breastfeeding will help produce more milk. This is false when looking at the fundamental fact as the experts say that breastfeeding helps produce more milk rather than giving it a rest or break. As breastfeeding is not only about the nourishment and growth of the baby, it is essential to continue developing a bond between the mother and the baby emotionally, physically, and mentally. You can additionally also incorporate elements that help with making the process of breastfeeding smoother.
3. Mothers who have undergone breast augmentation surgery cannot breastfeed
The doubt regarding the post- situation of the surgery for breast augmentation is another concern for breastfeeding mothers. It has been said a myth that those who have had surgery cannot breastfeed. But as per the experts and doctors, it has never been found that this surgery would affect breastfeeding entirely if done appropriately, even though there can be a reduction in milk productivity compared to everyday situations. Therefore, it is not as dangerous as the myths mentioned; it would ultimately affect the whole process.
4. Premature babies cannot breastfeed
Another myth developed along the same line is the difficulty of breastfeeding premature babies. As per the myth, it is said that premature babies cannot breastfeed due to premature birth problems. But the fact is that even though it will not be the same as that of 9-month babies, it is incorrect to say that they cannot breastfeed.
5. A breastfeeding mother has to consume milk to increase the production of breast milk
The myth that a new mother has to drink milk to breastfeed the babies is the myth that often confuses mothers who do not know much about breastfeeding and other matters concerning the baby. It creates confusion and doubt in the minds of the mothers as to what is the right way to carry out this process of breastfeeding their babies. The fact is that the milk consumption by a mother does not have any link with the milk production for breastfeeding. The body’s natural response to the birth of a child is to begin producing milk. It happens naturally, and changes happen in the mother’s body to ensure that the baby’s needs are fulfilled in every manner.
6. Intake of spicy or highly-flavored food cause disturbance for the baby
While dealing with the myths concerning the consumption of food by the breastfeeding mother, one of the relevant doubts that can arise among them is the impact of the food consumed on the baby during the time of pregnancy. It is said that having spicy food or food with heavy flavors will cause a disturbance in the baby as the same reaches the baby through breastfeeding. This is a false concept as the food taken during breastfeeding will not cause such kinds of impacts on the baby. It is suggested by doctors and experts to consume protein-rich food and other healthy food to ensure that milk production happens without any problem. Still, the transfer of spicy food or any other flavored food through the milk given to the baby is not at all a fact.
7. Absence of milk right after giving birth to the baby
The lack of milk during the initials days after giving birth to the baby is often heard a lot as a popular myth which is not true as the development or production of milk begins during the time of pregnancy itself which ensures that there is sufficient milk as soon as the baby is born. The filling up of milk indeed takes a few days after giving birth to the baby, but it cannot be wholly said that there will not be any milk for the baby.
8. Babies who breastfeed are disease-free
Another misguiding myth also says that babies with breast milk frequently will not get any disease during that time. This is an entirely wrong statement because babies can get sick despite having breast milk, as it does not act as a preventive measure against all kinds of diseases. Breast milk provides nourishment and helps in the growth and development of the baby, where immunity and the strength to fight certain infections are gained, but it does not mean that they will not get sick. Since breast milk provides the baby with a lot of nutrients, the new mothers often think they are immune to diseases which is not entirely true.
9. Small-sized breasts and nipples will not have sufficient milk for the baby
In addition, the size of the breasts and nipples is another myth that goes around among people making new mothers anxious about milk production based on the size and shape of the breasts and nipples. However, it is not at all a factor to be considered concerning breastfeeding because the production of milk does not depend on the size or shape, and smaller breasts will not hinder giving babies milk.
10. Drinking coffee while breastfeeding will affect the baby
The myth that caffeine consumption during breastfeeding is not suitable for the baby as it passes through milk is entirely false as only 1% of the coffee passes through the milk. It is not dangerous for the baby in any way.
Conclusion
To conclude, it can be said that even when the myths about breastfeeding continue to exist, it is essential to understand and be aware of the facts and the appropriate measures to be taken during breastfeeding. While dealing with pregnancy, breastfeeding, and other essential body changes must be taken care of as per the suggestions of a doctor or an expert through proper check-ups and medication. The changes that are happening in the body naturally have to be treated appropriately based on the health of the person and the nature of the body. The breastfeeding process varies for each person as it highly depends on the person and other related aspects. Hence, it is essential to provide personal care to the mothers and special guidance for new mothers unaware of the process. As myths and stories can misguide and confuse new mothers, any information regarding breastfeeding must be verified and confirmed before going forward. Appropriate measures have to be taken based on the need of the circumstances. The health of the baby and the mother must be carefully analyzed during the entire breastfeeding time, and any minor changes or modulations must be consulted with doctors and experts for better care and guidance.
