Top 9 Myths and Facts about Breastfeeding

As a new mother, you get numerous pieces of breastfeeding advice from friends and family. Since most of these advisors have some experience, you would rarely question them. However, some of these health tips may just be based on certain beliefs with no factual support.

This article questions some age-old myths about breastfeeding and underlines the facts behind them

Myth #1: Breastfeeding Comes Naturally to Babies

Fact: Babies are born with two reflexes – the suck reflex and the rooting reflex. It is the suck reflex that leads to the baby sucking anything that they put in their mouth. On the other hand, the rooting reflex makes them look toward anything that strokes their mouth or cheek.

Babies and mothers can both need to learn to breastfeed. With time they can support each other to go through the process naturally.

Myth #2: Exercising Before Breastfeeding Can Affect Milk Supply

Fact: There is no truth in the statement since exercising does not affect milk supply in any way. Instead, moderate exercises help keep mothers fit and stress-free. Moreover, according to research,  exercises contribute to the improvement in breast milk quality.

Hence you might want to skip exercising if you wish to. However, engaging in daily exercises will not have any negative effects on your baby.

Myth #3: You Can Make Milk If You Drink Milk

Fact: Drinking milk has no direct connection with breast milk production. Hydration is necessary, but with any form of liquid. Following a healthy lifestyle that includes healthy eating will help you get proper nutrients.

The body takes nutrients from the mother's diet and adds them to the breast milk. You can become undernourished if you do not take the right nutrients. It is because your body will continue taking nutrients from your body for breast milk production but will not get the required nutrient supply.

Myth #4: Breastfeeding Hurts

Fact: Your nipples become more sensitive after you deliver your child. Due to the rise in hormone levels and continuous breastfeeding, this sensitivity can be at its peak.

However, breastfeeding is not supposed to hurt. If you feel pain in your nipples, it is due to your baby's wrong position or latching. In such cases, it is best to get professional help.

Myth #5: Breast Milk Production is Not Enough in Many Women

Fact: Many women think they are not producing enough milk for their babies; however, that is not the case. The problem may not be with the production but the output of the milk. Low milk output can be due to the size and shape of the nipples, and there are other underlying causes.

Check the weight of your baby at different ages. Moreover, make sure you can see and hear your baby swallow the milk during feeding. Their sucking pattern will also tell you if your baby is getting milk.

Myth #6: Mothers Do Not Make Enough Milk in the Initial Days

Fact: A baby requires eight feedings in 24 hours right after birth. During these initial days, a mother makes about thirty millilitres of milk, which is enough to satisfy the needs of a newborn.

As you keep breastfeeding your baby, your body automatically increases the milk volume it produces. Hence, mothers produce enough milk initially, and the production grows with the baby's demands.

Myth #7: Do Not Breastfeed Your Baby If They Have Diarrhea

Fact: Diarrhea is when your baby experiences increased stools per day. Normally breastfed babies have seedy and runny stools. However, if they suffer from diarrhoea, you should not stop breastfeeding them.

Many doctors advise mothers to increase breast milk consumption during diarrhoea. That is because the baby needs to be hydrated, and breast milk offers the necessary nutrients.

Myth #8: You Need To Wash Your Nipples Before Breastfeeding

Fact: This cannot be far from the truth since breastfeeding helps in the prevention of infections. The odour and natural oils present in the nipple area are crucial during breastfeeding. Washing every time before you breastfeed your baby removes these essential oils.

Myth #9: Breast Milk Does Not Contain Enough Iron

Fact: This statement is completely untrue since breast milk contains enough iron your baby requires for the first six months. Newborns have an ample amount of iron in their body from the pregnancy to last about four months.

Additionally, even breast milk has iron which means that the baby gets their daily iron need. It is only advisable to shift to iron-fortified food items after at least five to six months old.

Summing Up

Motherhood is challenging and rewarding at the same time. New mothers have to go through so much, and certain advice hinders bringing up their children properly.

Along with the baby, you also need to take care of yourself. Having health insurance that provides maternity benefits and newborn coverage makes it easier for you. You can find many plans for health insurance with Niva Bupa (formerly know as Max Bupa), including some that cover hospitalisation expenses.