Myths and Facts about Breastfeeding

More than any other aspect of caring for and loving your baby, how you feed your baby seems to cause a great deal of concern in any women’s life. Everyone gives their advice based on their experience, although those may not be facts.

Let’s break some common myths about breastfeeding and learn the correct facts –

Myth: “Breastfeeding will make your breasts sag.”

Fact: Breastfeeding doesn’t make your breasts sag, but pregnancy hormones can stretch the ligaments that support your breasts. Wearing a well-fitting bra while you’re pregnant will help you.

Myth: “New moms don’t secrete enough milk.”

Fact: Although women don’t produce milk for 3-5 days after giving birth, a thick, concentrated liquid called colostrum is secreted which is what a newborn needs, for the first few days. Moms worry needlessly that they are not producing enough milk right away, although it’s very normal for the baby to suckle on your breast and not drink more than two teaspoons at a time. You are the best person to know your baby’s needs, go with your inner gut feeling and feed your baby as and when required.

Myth: “Breastfeeding hurts.”

Fact: Breastfeeding being the normal way to feed a baby, it never hurts. If you do experience pain in nipples or breasts, it’s probably because your baby hasn’t latched properly. Take help from your gynaecologist if needed to see what is the problem.

Myth: “My nipples are flat or inverted, so I won’t be able to breastfeed properly.”

Fact: Nipples come in all kinds of shapes and sizes. Holding your baby close to you after birth will help them find the best way to latch onto you. “Your baby breastfeeds, not nipple feeds, so as long as they get a good mouthful of your breast, they should be able to feed properly.”

Myth: “Formula milk is the same as breast milk.”

Fact: Almost all types of formula milk are made from cow’s milk which contain bacteria and other micro-organisms. Hence, it’s vital to prepare it with hot water which will kill the bacteria (70°C). This however does not protect your baby from infections like breast milk does.