MYTHS AND FACTS OF BREASTFEEDING
Breast milk is the greatest newborn nourishment and an irreplaceable gift from our moms. This nature’s gift from our mother includes all kinds of antibodies that help to enhance immunity and beneficial enzymes that scientists are still unable to recreate. Breastfeeding gives a variety of distinct benefits for a developing infant, including the right combination of nutrients and the building blocks of a stronger immune system, according to specialists. Breastfeeding has therapeutic effects for both the mother and the kid. Babies who have been breastfed are far less likely to be hospitalized for diseases and have a substantially lower risk of sinus infections, nasal infections, and digestive issues.
Breastfeeding is one of the most vital aspects of a new mother’s life, and it has an impact on the mother’s mental and emotional health. All new mothers want to nurse their children, but owing to a lack of information or enough assistance, they encounter several obstacles.
A new mom is showered with advice and recommendations on nursing, how to boost milk production, positions in which to feed the baby, and so on after the birth or even during pregnancy. This creates a lot of mental uncertainty about what information is fact and what is a myth. To assist all new mothers in clarifying this uncertainty and have the right knowledge on breastfeeding.
The following are some breastfeeding myths and facts:
1. Myth: Breastfeeding in a lying/ side-lying position causes ear infection to the baby or chances of milk entering the ear.
Fact: Research indicates that a baby can be breastfed in any position; breastfeeding in a lying position does not cause ear infection.
2. Myth: Breastfeeding mothers need to drink more milk or eat more to produce more milk.
Fact: Milk is produced by hormones which are produced by baby’s suckling and mother staying happy. Liquid intake is important as the mother’s milk is 88% water so she should not be dehydrated while breastfeeding.
3. Myth: Never wake a sleeping baby.
Fact: Newborns tend to sleep more and mothers should wake up the baby every two to three hourly to breastfeed to avoid excessive weight loss of the baby.
4. Myth: It is important to wash your nipples before breastfeeding.
Fact: You should not wash your nipples every time before feeding as it leads to dryness of the skin around the nipple. A morning bath is enough.
5. Myth: Breastfeeding is painful and it’s normal if the nipples get sore while feeding.
Fact: Breastfeeding is painless, sore, or bleeding nipples means that latch or baby’s attachment on the breast is not good. As soon as we correct the latch the pain will disappear.
6. Myth: Many mothers can’t produce enough milk.
Fact: Almost all mothers produce the right amount of milk for their babies. Breast milk is determined by the frequency of feeding, how well is baby latched onto the breast, and how much the baby is suckling onto the breast.
Breast milk includes a wide range of nutrients and elements that lasts for a lifetime, that any artificial supplements or formulas cannot mimic, and these unique qualities give both mother and child a variety of strengths that can influence your infant for the rest of their lives. Artificial formulae and additives will never be able to match the advantages of this priceless gift. Remember that breastfeeding will help your child relax, prosper, and enjoy each day with a healthy mind and body for the rest of their life.