The following are 10 breastfeeding myths that that you should quit believing:
Myth #1: Washing the Nipples Has to be Done Before Each Breastfeeding
Breast milk naturally protects a baby from infections. On the other hand, a baby formula cannot. This is the reason why there is really no need to wash your nipples before having your little one breastfed. Aside from being time-consuming, it’s something that gets rid of the nipples’ very own protective oils.
Myth #2: Today’s Baby Formulas are Just Like Breast Milk
It’s true that more and more baby formulas on the current market are getting nutritionally dense. However, none of them can actually rival breast milk, which contains hormones, antibodies, enzymes and a bunch of other things not found on today’s baby formulas. More importantly, breast milk does not contain any chemical your baby doesn’t need.
Myth #3: A Mother Should Stop Breastfeeding If She Has an Infection
Just like what’s earlier said, breast milk has antibodies that shield your tiny bundle of joy from infections. Due to this, you should just continue to breastfeed your baby so that you may provide all the nutrients as well as protection he or she needs. However, there are very few exceptions to the rule so if you’re unsure, consult your doctor.
Myth #4: If Your Baby Has Diarrhea, Breastfeeding Should be Stopped
If there’s one source of nourishment that your baby needs when he or she is having a bout of diarrhea, it’s breast milk. Your breast milk contains enough water to save your little one from ending up dehydrated. If you’re feeding your baby with something else, stop doing so for a while and continue breast feeding.
Myth #5: Extra Water Should be Provided When the Weather is Hot
There is really no need to give your baby extra water during hot summer months because, just like what’s mentioned earlier, your breast milk provides the hydration your baby needs. What should be done instead is for you to drink enough water as being dehydrated can actually lessen the amount of breast milk your body produces.
Myth #6: It’s Normal for Breastfeeding to be Uncomfortable
While it is true that you may feel some discomfort during the first few days of breastfeeding, it’s a temporary thing. Otherwise, it could be because of the poor latching on of your baby. But in case your nipple hurts badly just when you are adjusting to breastfeeding, let your doctor know about it because your nipples may have yeast infection.
Myth #7: Breastfeeding Your Baby a Lot Causes Poor Production of Milk
Your body will naturally produce more breast milk if it senses that your little one is consuming lots of it. Experts say that breast milk production is actually at its optimum when a baby is permitted to nurse as often as he or she needs. Have your baby breast fed whenever he or she is hungry and leave the rest to your body.
Myth #8: You Should Use Both Breast Equally When Breastfeeding
It’s a good idea to offer your other breast only when the first one is drained. It has something to do with the fact that foremilk (breast milk that is ejected first) slightly varies in nutritional composition than hindmilk (breast milk that is ejected last), especially calorie-wise. Switching breasts may leave your baby consuming only foremilk.
Myth #9: Your Breasts Will Sag Because of Breastfeeding
A lot of women, most especially figure-conscious ones, refrain to breastfeed their babies thinking that it will make their breasts sag. However, experts say that this is definitely not true — even for those with breast implants. They stress that it is the number of pregnancy that can make your breasts sag, not breastfeeding.
Myth #10: Drinking Beer Can Encourage Release of Breast Milk (Letdown)
Studies say that the hops and barley in beer are the ones that promote milk letdown — not beer per se. Relaxing and simply putting your little bundle of joy up to your chest is usually enough to encourage release of breast milk. Besides, a little amount of alcohol in your blood stream can actually end up in the milk you produce.
