Small breasts produce less milkAll breasts contain the same number of lactation glands, that are responsible for producing milk. The size of the breast depends on the fat content and does not control the amount of milk produced. So, the size of breast does not determine ability to breastfeed at all. Dr avers, Even undernourished mothers with little or no breast fat and small breasts produce enough milk to feed their infants optimally.MYTH 2
During illness, the mother should not breastfeed
A mother can breastfeed during illness and medication does not interfere in feeding. Whether it is common cold, diarrhea, typhoid or jaundice, you can continue to feed. For serious illnesses like cancer or AIDS, consult a healthcare expert. According to Dr ,The only absolute contra-indications to breastfeeding are – a mother using Ergot preparation, Lithium, anti-cancer drugs, and Radiation (REAL).
MYTH 3
Pregnant mothers should not breastfeedUnless there is a chance of premature delivery, you can continue to breastfeed. This does not harm the baby in the womb and is known as tandem feeding. Dr says A mother can breastfeed her toddler right into advanced stage of pregnancy and then continue to feed the older sibling along with the newborn, ensuring however, that the newborn receives her/his optimum share of breastmilk, and the older one takes enough complementary food along with breastmilk.
MYTH 4
A crying baby means breastmilk is not enough
If your child wets himself six to seven times in a day, it is a sign that he is getting enough milk. Reasons for crying may be cold, wetness, warmth, pain, fever or just demand for attention. The amount of milk in breast is always enough, the baby may not be getting it due to improper way of latching on, which the mother has to be taught. Dr explains: Babies cry for several reasons, and inadequacy of breastmilk could be one of them, which needs to be investigated through history and examination. If indeed all other causes are excluded and breastmilk appears to be inadequate, then the mother should be counselled to feed the baby in a correct position, and on demand, and as frequently and as long as the baby desires. Night feeding is especially important to ensure adequacy of milk supply.
MYTH 5
A flat or inverted nipple does not allow breastfeeding
The baby latches on to the breast and not the nipple though a prominent nipple may help the process. Aids like nipple shields are not required once the baby gets into the habit, though this may take a few weeks. The mother can then successfully breastfeed for as long as she chooses. Elaborates Dr ,Flat nipples do not pose a problem to breastfeeding as the baby forms a teat with the nipple and the areola, and indeed the milk sinuses are located beneath the areola which the baby ‘milks out’ with the tongue. Inverted nipples may however require to be ‘pulled out’ with an inverted syringe several times a day, even before the baby is delivered, to prepare breasts for feeding the newborn.
MYTH 6
Babies with diarrhoea should not be breastfed
This is not true as breastmilk can be the best remedy for infections. Also, no other fluid is required to prevent dehydration. Dr says: Babies with diarrhoea should continue to be breastfed as breastmilk provides water and nourishment, thereby offsetting dehydration and malnutrition. Besides, sick babies generally refuse all other foods except breastmilk.
MYTH 7
Breastfed babies need to be fed water separatelyBreastmilk contains all the fluid the baby needs. Extra water is not necessary, even in hot weather.Water is unnecessary for a baby in any weather and should be avoided before six months of age. Water should be introduced alongside complementary foods as water is required for metabolism of food,enlightens Dr.
MYTH 8
Washing nipples is necessary before feeds
Washing is necessary for bottles. Breastmilk does not breed infection so there is no need to wash nipples, as this may also wash off natural oils that protect the nipple. Washing nipples can cause soreness and fissures, says Dr
MYTH 9
Other milk should supplement breastmilk after six months
Breastmilk provides all that is there in other milk and even more. Weaning onto solid food can start after six months but the baby’s milk intake can continue to come from the mother. Dr asserts, While breastfeeding should be encouraged well into the second year of a child’s life, homemade complementary foods should be introduced after six months of age. Animal milk or formula are unnecessary as food supplements. However, they may be introduced for want of better complementary foods, but should be given with strict hygiene.
MYTH 10
Drinking more milk will produce more breastmilkA healthy balanced diet is all a nursing mother needs. Drinking more milk cannot produce more breastmilk. Dr agrees, That’s right. Drinking milk is not directly proportional to producing more breastmilk.
**Excerpt from website**.