Everybody breastfeeds in their own way, which can be challenging. However, it’s good to always right information when setting up an exclusive breastfeeding journey. Since there is a lot of information, we’ve compiled a list of common myths and facts to help you. Most people believe that breastfeeding can be challenging, especially in an emergency. Some fears come from real-life experiences, while others are based on honest but wrong beliefs. Here are some common myths and facts that can help you dispel them.
Malnourished Mothers Cannot Breastfeed
A malnourished mother can breastfeed her child in almost all circumstances. However, she should be given extra food and fluids to replenish her nutrient stores and encouraged to breastfeed the newborn regularly. Moderate malnutrition has minimal to no impact on milk production. Milk production is only likely to be diminished if a mother is malnourished; in that case, the lady will require rapid feeding and more calories during breastfeeding. Feeding the mother and letting her feed the baby is the primary strategy. Giving the mother extra food is safer, easier, and less expensive than subjecting the newborn to the hazards associated with breastmilk replacements.
Breastfeeding Is a Simple Task
It is critical to understand that babies are born with the instinct to look for their mother’s breast. However, many moms require practical assistance with breastfeeding, particularly when it comes to placing their infant and ensuring that they are adequately latched to the breast.
Breastfeeding requires time and practice for both newborns and their moms. Breastfeeding is natural, yet it does not always occur naturally. Developing a good latch early on helps lay a solid basis for nursing. Take notice that your baby’s and your anatomy may make nursing more difficult at times, which is nothing to be ashamed of.
Stress Prevents Mothers from Producing Milk.
Stress does not stop milk production or cause milk to “dry up,” but it can slow milk discharge from the breast. This can lead to babies being ‘fussy’ while breastfeeding. Mothers and aid workers may believe that there is not enough breastfeeding. Breastfeeding regularly will assist the mother and baby overcome this obstacle and guarantee that the infant receives adequate nutrition. Breastfeeding also creates hormones that relax both the mother and the infant, which might benefit this situation.
Babies With Diarrhoeal Disease Need Water or Tea.
Breastmilk contains around 90% water. Exclusive breastfeeding delivers all of a baby’s hydration, nutrition, and immunological needs without contamination. Feeding water to an infant can introduce disease-causing germs and other pollutants, mainly if safe water is scarce or unavailable. Infants may require rehydration fluids other than breast milk if they have severe diarrhea.
Breastfeeding Is Painful
While breastfeeding should not cause pain, your breasts and nipples may feel sore and tender for a few days while your body adjusts to nursing. If you experience any pain or discomfort, consult your doctor so that you can be helped through latching and nursing positions. Discomfort normally peaks on the third day after birth and subsides within two weeks.
Breastfeeding Can Affect the Contour of Your Breasts.
Most women discover that once they stop nursing, their breasts return to their pre-pregnancy size and form. Nursing has less effect on breast size than age, gravity, and weight increase. Breasts will always vary in consistency following pregnancy.
Mothers Cannot Resume Lactation Once Breastfeeding Has Stopped.
Women who have previously nursed or whose breast milk production has decreased can breastfeed again. Increased skin-to-skin contact and frequent access to the breast promote milk production and allow moms to resume complete nursing, which is crucial for babies during emergencies. Skilled assistance and encouragement for the mother are also necessary. It is more straightforward for a mother to relocate with an infant under six months old, although previously nursed infants as old as 12 months can quickly resume breastfeeding.
Small Breasts Will Not Produce Sufficient Milk
The size of your breasts has nothing to do with how much milk you can make. It will mainly affect your baby’s hunger, as the more your baby nurses, the more milk you produce. Women with smaller breasts can produce much milk, while those with larger breasts may not make as much because your baby’s effective latch and nursing frequency will increase milk production.
Breastfeeding Causes You to Lose Sleep.
Exclusive breastfeeding can disrupt your sleeping patterns, particularly in the early stages. However, your baby’s eating schedule will become more predictable, as will your sleeping pattern. Newborns generally require frequent). This implies that you may need to wake up several times throughout the night to nurse your kid.
Conclusion
Note that moms must care for and prioritize their well-being and seek support, whether from a partner or a healthcare expert, when necessary.