SHARES
Breastfeeding is highly encouraged among new mothers. Experts believed that it can build a strong emotional bond between the mother and the baby. Besides that, both the mother and the baby receive health benefits. However, breastfeeding is sometimes guided by beliefs inherited from previous generations. Hence, here are 7 breastfeeding myths to debunk.
Myth: I cannot produce enough breast milk for my baby.
Fact: Almost all women are equipped with the ability to breastfeed their babies. Starting breastfeeding early and feeding frequently will help in establishing your milk supply. Being sensitive and responsive to your baby’s needs may facilitate increase in milk supply too.
Myth: My baby is feeding more because he/she is not getting enough milk.
Fact: Breast-fed babies tend to get hungry earlier than babies who are formula-fed. This is completely normal, as breast milk is easier to digest. Hence, it is appropriate to feed your newborn every two to three hours if necessary.
Myth: I am taking a break in breastfeeding because it helps to ensure more milk later.
Fact: Contrary to that, disrupting the nursing momentum may reduce your milk supply. Instead, more milk is produced with increased frequency of nursing. Hence, it is recommended to breastfeed at least nine times a day to guarantee consistent milk production.
Myth: My baby seems to sleep better when I feed him/her formula milk.
Fact: As formula milk takes longer to digest, it lengthens the duration between feedings. Thus, this allows your baby to sleep longer, but not necessarily better. However, as formula milk stays in the system longer, this may cause milk fermentation, which can lead to foul smelling excretions.
Myth: I should never wake my baby to breastfeed him/her.
Fact: While it is permissible to allow your baby to nap longer, it might be more appropriate to wake your baby up for the next feeding sometimes. Babies would usually wake up approximately every three hours to feed, but you can allow one napping duration to exceed four-and-a-half-hour period within a day. Feeding regularly permits you to express milk on schedule to maintain good supply.
Myth: I do not need to breastfeed my child anymore after starting him/her on solid foods.
Fact: There are numerous benefits for continuing breastfeeding. Breastfeeding offers protection from infections. Besides that, it helps to digest solid food and provides balanced nutrients required to support your baby’s growth. The World Health Organisation supports breastfeeding babies up to at least two years old.
Myth: I am prevented from getting pregnant because I am breastfeeding.
Fact: Although breastfeeding is 98 % effective for contraception, it is still possible to conceive within this period. The hormones involved in breastfeeding may prevent pregnancy up to 15 months by preventing ovulation. Nevertheless, you are considered fertile again when your menstruation resumes. If you require contraception post-delivery, talk to your doctor or pharmacist for recommendations.
References:
- Benefits of Breastfeeding. [Internet] [cited 2018 December 12] Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/benefits-breastfeeding/
- 7 Myths about Breastfeeding. [Internet] [cited 2018 December 12] Available from: https://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/features/breastfeeding-myths#1
by Joanne Lee
Multipotentialite. Loves creating and seeing ideas come alive. View all articles by Joanne Lee.
