Breastfeeding Myths
As I stated before, below are the top 3 breastfeeding myths:
Myth 1: The biggest breastfeeding myth is Breastfeeding comes naturally to all women.
WRONG! Breastfeeding is not natural and It takes a-lot of work from both mom and baby. It does become more natural with practice and overtime.
Myth 2: Nipple pain is normal.
Nipple pain is very common, especially starting out, however, it is not "normal". Pain fills the body with stress hormones. Normal tugging and pulling should be painless after the first week or so.
Myth 3: Small breasts will not produce enough milk.
Breast tissue helps determine the capacity of a women's breast to store milk. Breast sizes are determined by fat, which does not affect milk production. The more milk that is removed, means the more milk that can be replaced.
Let's dig Into the other myths that are floating around about breastfeeding.
Myth 4: You must eat bland foods while breastfeeding.
Many foods that contain potentially upsetting elements are broken down and should not affect your baby. Most foods do not cross over Into your breastmilk. Some foods that do cross over are dairy productions, soy, peanuts, fish, and shellfish. If you are having concerns that food you are eating might be hurting your baby, use the "wait and see" approach before completely altering your diet before you know the cause. Eat something that appears to be the issue, keep a food diary, and if your baby is fussy two to 12 hours after eating that food then you can consider cutting it out.
Myth 5: If you give your baby a bottle of pumped milk, they will refuse to take the breast.
False, most babies are able to switch back and forth. A bottle should wait to be introduced until the baby is at least 6 weeks old to be sure they have mastered breast feeding. Limited the baby to 1 bottle of pumped milk a day can significantly decrease the issue.
Myth 6: You have to pump and dump after drinking alcohol.
Not true. Like stated above, not all foods/drinks transfer into milk. If you are concerned, you can time your drinks to feedings. Feed your baby and then have a drink. Wait at least 2 hours to completed let the alcohol out of your system if you are concerned. Drugs stores also offer dip test strips to sample in your breastmilk.
Myth 7: You should not nurse if you are sick.
Breastfeeding with a cold or flu can actually protect your baby from your Illness. Your body and milk will naturally produce antibodies that can be transferred to the baby throughout your milk. This does not guarantee that your baby will not get sick. Germs can be spread when sneezing, or touching your face. Be sure to wash your hands before nursing and to be aware of things that you might touch while sick.
Myth 8: Exercise will make you milk sour.
Okay, okay okay. I would like to believe this one, but alas this is a myth. One thing that alter a babies taste toward the milk can be the saltiness left on the breast by sweat. Showing after a workout can decrease the aversion to the breast.
Myth 9: You can't get pregnant while breastfeeding.
If you have sex, you can get pregnant. Whether you have had your period or not. Most people say you can't, but the theory is not correct. You most definitely can get pregnant while breastfeeding.
Myth 10: The last, but definitely not least! The MOST important… You are a bad mom if you don't nurse your baby.
FED IS BEST. Your baby will never know the difference. What your baby needs is you. With tender love and care, your baby will thrive whether they are given breastmilk, formula, or a combination of both.
These myths can be misconstrued through word of mouth. Not everything you hear Is true.