Breastfeeding: What’s True And What’s Not

Breast milk contains a natural balance of carbohydrates, fats, minerals, vitamins, and proteins that your baby needs. It helps the baby’s immunity and reduces the risks of certain diseases. However, if you’re a new mother or a soon-to-be mother, you might have been on the receiving end of all kinds of random wisdom about breastfeeding. While some of this may be true, some of it probably isn’t. It’s best to be informed before you start breastfeeding, so you can sort the myth from the fact.

Breastfeeding: Myth or Fact?

Here are some common notions about breastfeeding. Check for yourself to see which one is a myth and which ones are a fact.

1. You have to wash your nipples before you breastfeed

This isn’t true. It’s true if you bottle-feed because all kinds of bacteria can accumulate on the bottle lid, where you put either formula or your pumped breast milk. But feeding the baby from the breast itself doesn’t require a separate wash; the baby gains protection from infection through breastfeeding. Constantly washing your nipples can lead to stripping away important oils in the glands.

2. It’s better for the baby’s weight and intelligence

Breastfeeding is great for your child’s immunity, but if for some reason you can’t or choose not to breastfeed, it’s not going to be an issue. A child who’s been breastfed has no advantage in terms of weight and intelligence over a child who’s been bottle-fed. There’s no reason to feel guilty if you’re unable to breastfeed.

3. Normally, it’s painful

While your breasts might be a bit sore when you first begin breastfeeding, and the initial days might be uncomfortable, there shouldn’t be a lot of real pain. If this is happening, it’s possible that the baby is not latching properly, or that there are other issues, in which case you might want to consult a doctor asap so the process can be made easier for you and the baby.

Also Read: Know About The Breastfeeding Bliss

4. Drinking a lot of water is important

This is true because it can affect your milk production. However, don’t over hydrate or it can also have adverse effects. It’s important to stay hydrated, as normal, but don’t overcompensate.

5. You can only eat bland foods while breastfeeding

Babies catch on to their mothers’ food preferences right from the womb. Usually, there’s no reason to change your food habits once you start breastfeeding. Some allergy-causing foods could cause an issue if the newborn has an allergy to that food (like fish, or peanuts) but that can be remedied once it’s discovered. You can track your child’s food habits, but by and large, it’s safe to continue eating a balanced diet.

6. You shed weight faster if you breastfeed

This is true because through the process of breastfeeding women burn more calories than those who choose to bottle-feed. It releases hormones that alert your uterus to return to its former size. It’s a natural way of getting back to your former body shape.

7. You should avoid breastfeeding if you’re taking medicines

This is untrue, as few medications have the potential to harm your child. If there are some, they can be replaced with others. Before you take a new medication, you should consult your doctor, but you don’t need to stop breastfeeding because of it.

breastfeeding

8. You shouldn’t breastfeed after you exercise

This is not true. You can work out to your heart’s content and still breastfeed after. This may be a myth because the salt and sweat on your nipples might make the breast milk taste a little less sweet to the baby, and therefore cause them to refuse the nipple. Many babies won’t even notice a difference in taste. If you’re having issues, simply take a shower before breastfeeding, and there won’t be a problem anymore.

9. Avoid breastfeeding if you’re sick

It depends on what illness you have, but largely, you can continue breastfeeding. Any infections you have will result in antibodies to fight it, which will be passed on to the child. The baby’s immune system can, therefore, get stronger. If you’re very concerned about it, you can check with your doctor.

Breastfeeding is beneficial for the mother too, it reduces risks of ovarian and breast cancer and helps along with postpartum recovery. It can be hard in the beginning but many mothers find it to be a worthwhile experience through which the baby experiences the crucial skin-to-skin contact.