5 Amazing Myths & Facts On Breastfeeding You Should Know

Contributed by: Rachana Arya

Breastfeeding is the most ideal and healthy approach to feed a baby. A baby should be exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life, with no other foods or drinks, and then continued breastfeeding with suitable complementary foods until they are two years old.

On this world breastfeeding week, we would like to create awareness on the importance of breastfeeding, along with setting many myths right in order to provide lactating women with facts that will enable them to make informed decisions during their nursing journey. 

Myth #1: Formula milk is as good as breast milk for the baby

Fact:

This is, by far, the finest MYTH in Breastfeeding. Breast milk is far superior and cannot be duplicated or substituted.  The nutrients in infant formula milk are hard to digest and absorb for your baby. On the other hand, the nutrients and antibodies in mother’s milk are designed to perfectly balance, build natural immunity power, and foster the development of your baby. Additionally, the composition of human milk provides “first immunizations” for your baby to prevent him from falling sick.

Myth #2: The breastfeeding mother has to alter the foods she eats
Fact:

This is another popular myth that there is a long list of items to avoid when breastfeeding. It has long been assumed that babies may be harmed by foods consumed by their mothers. Contrary to popular opinion, there is no such thing as a “breastfeeding diet.” You can eat the things they are accustomed to. Irrespective of what meals you consume, you will produce healthy milk. Food that is spicy and tasty is eaten by mothers all across the world. Of course, in order to keep healthy, it is recommended that you eat a range of nutritional foods.

Myth #3: If the mother is sick, she should not breastfeed the baby

Fact:

Human milk produces an immunological response in response to infections that either the mother or the baby is exposed to. In fact, every time you nurse, the disease-fighting antibodies released in your body are passed to your baby, resulting in an even more robust defense system for your infant. If you have a cold or flu, you can typically continue nursing.

However, if you have a serious infection such as HIV or untreated tuberculosis, or if you are receiving cancer treatment, are taking drugs for migraine headaches, Parkinson’s disease, or arthritis, in that case, you should cease breastfeeding your kid. If you have any questions regarding the medications you’re taking, talk to your gynecologist and learn about the contraindications (if any).

Myth #4: Some mothers produce milk that may not be rich enough to satisfy the baby

Fact:

Except for a few moms who have primary lactation insufficiency, the majority of mothers are capable of producing enough milk for their newborns. Human milk contains all the required energy, minerals, proteins, iron, fats, vitamins, carbohydrates, minerals, and water in a perfect balance. Besides being easy to digest, the changing nutritional profile of human milk adapts to the nutritional needs of the infant over the course of the day and during the entire course of breastfeeding.

Myth #5: Breastfeeding causes sagging breasts

Fact:

Lactating mothers frequently worry that if they breastfeed, they may experience undesired, undesirable, and permanent breast changes. This is far from the truth. Research shows that there is no connection or correlation between breast sagginess and nursing. Breast alterations are primarily caused by hormonal and weight swings during pregnancy, according to research. Aging, as well as your family’s genetics, play a part

Happy World Breastfeeding Week 2021!

 

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