Top 5 Myths About Breastfeeding
I will start this blog by saying “Breastfeeding is the best feeding”. It is a superpower that a mother can gift to her child. Something that no one else can give. It protects against allergies, sickness, diabetes, cancer, etc. Not only Breast milk changes volume and composition according to the time of day, nursing frequency, and age of the baby to promote healthy growth. So it is the perfect food for babies.
With so many benefits still, there are some myths and misconceptions in our Indian society which hinder successful breastfeeding. Some of them are explained below.
Breastfeeding Myths
Myths 1
Mothers are always worried about how could they increase their milk supply or if their baby is getting enough or not.
Fact
This is the thing that every mother is scared of. It is a natural body secretion no one can measure how much milk is produced. It is just the same as your body knowing how much saliva will be produced to digest the food. Just keep remembering one thumb rule if your baby goes for sound sleep at least for 2 hrs after having breastfed that means they are getting enough amount of breast milk. Always remember to Breastfeed your baby often at least 8 to 12 times it will help to establish and maintain milk production.
Myths 2
Feed the baby honey before Colostrum
Fact
This is very wrong. Traditionally it was given because think it is good to give some sweetness before starting breastfeeding. Colostrum is the first liquid and is the first immunization for a baby. Because of the pale yellow color people thinks it is not milked it is less important. But the fact is that it contains a high amount of antibodies that protect the baby from infection.
Myths 3
The baby needs water in addition to breast milk
Fact
Breastfeeding babies do not need additional water. Breast milk is 88% water and supplies all fluid that your baby needs. Even though it is extremely hot, your baby gets enough fluid in form of breast milk. If you are giving extra water to the babies it can lead to oral water intoxication and also it will decrease the interest of the baby in breast milk.
Myth 4
Formula milk is as nutritious as breast milk
Fact
Breastfed provides natural antibodies that help the baby to resist illness Suppose the mother has a cough and cold and she builds antibodies against this infection these antibodies can be transferred to the baby through breastfeeding. Breast milk is easily digested because it contains the enzyme lipase which helps in digestion. These natural enzymes cannot be incorporated into formula feed.
Myth 5
You have to drink milk to make milk
Fact
Drinking milk has little to do with a woman’s production of breast milk. Whether a mother drinks milk has nothing to do with the breast milk supply. Yes, the mother indeed had to stay hydrated with any form of liquid and consume a well-balanced diet. The body will get necessary nutrients from the body and add them to the breast milk. So if the mother is undernourished, then she will further become more undernourished if she will not take proper nutrition. During the lactation period calorie requirement of the baby increases
Along with Baby Breastfeeding is helpful for the mother too
- Mothers feel fulfillment and joy from the physical and emotional connection which they experience with their babies. It helps to release hormones oxytocin and prolactin that promote stress reduction and positive feelings in nursing mothers. Breastfeeding is the parenting behavior that only a mother can do for her baby.
- A mother who breastfeeds recovers from childbirth more quickly and easily. The hormones which are released during breastfeeding help the uterus to its regular size more quickly.
- Studies have shown women who breastfeed have a lesser chance of getting ovarian or breast cancer later in life.
- It helps to burn the extra calories for the mother which had been increased during pregnancy.
Some of the practical Advantages of Breastfeeding
- At night it is far easier to put baby to your breast rather than get up and prepare formula milk.
- Breast milk doesn't cost a cent. It is free of cost
- It is easier to go out with a baby without any carry bag for a bottle. formula etc.
- Breast milk is always fresh ad available at home or out. There is no need to wash the bottle or warm the bottle middle of the night. Above from all increased Breastfeeding would decrease health care costs worldwide. Because it had health benefits for both mother and child.
