With its many benefits, it’s easy to see why millions of moms across the globe choose to breastfeed their babies. According to the World Health Organization, “breastmilk is the ideal food for infants. It is safe, clean and contains antibodies which help protect against many common childhood illnesses.”
If you are planning to nurse your little one, it’s best to be prepared for this chapter in your new mama life. You can start by arming yourself with the right information about breastfeeding.
In celebration of National Breastfeeding Awareness Month, we debunk some of the most common misunderstandings about breastfeeding:
Myth #1: You can’t breastfeed in the first few days.
Fact: Your body will be ready to breastfeed as soon as you give birth. Thanks to your colostrum—your “first milk” and your “liquid gold”—your little one’s immune system is strengthened because it’s high in protein, vitamins, minerals, and antibodies. UNICEF and WHO recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, starting within an hour of birth. According to UNICEF, “putting newborns to the breast within the first hour after birth gives them the best chance to survive, thrive and develop to their full potential.”
Myth #2: You won’t produce enough milk if you have small breasts.
Fact: Breast size does not matter when it comes to breastfeeding. It’s all about your breast storage capacity. Those with bigger breasts do not automatically have larger storage capacity.
Myth #3: You cannot breastfeed if you have inverted nipples.
Fact: While it may be a little challenging for mamas with inverted nipples to get their babies to latch onto their breast, the fact remains that breastfeeding is possible with the right technique and enough practice. Again, your ability to nurse your bundle of joy is not affected by the shape or size of your breast and nipples.
Myth #4: Breastfeeding comes easily and naturally.
Fact: Looking at breastfeeding moms with babies latching onto their breasts may seem like an uncomplicated thing. But here’s the truth: it’s not. Although your little one is born with natural instincts and instant reflexes like suck and rooting, it will take time and effort for both mom and baby to get the right latch and position, and for both to get used to the beautiful experience of breastfeeding.
Myth #5: You should only eat plain food.
Fact: Some moms get worried that their food choices may affect the quality of their breast milk so they tend to go for the simplest food choice. Breastfeeding mama, remember that a well balanced diet is your best bet so you need to focus on making healthy choices to help with your milk production.
Myth #6: You should avoid coffee and spicy food when breastfeeding.
Fact: You can still drink your morning cuppa and eat spicy food even while breastfeeding. A study about Maternal food restrictions during breastfeeding showed results that “identified no foods that mothers should absolutely avoid during breastfeeding unless the infant reacts negatively to the food.” In general, no food is off limits for breastfeeding mamas. Again, it’s about moderation and ultimately, having a well balanced diet.
Myth #7: Do not breastfeed your baby when you have COVID-19.
Fact: DOH advised that breastfeeding must continue amidst COVID-19 and that “mothers with suspected and/or confirmed COVID-19 should continue breastfeeding, following proper wearing of masks, and frequent, proper handwashing before and after contact with the child. Among the few cases of confirmed COVID-19 infection in children, most have experienced only mild or asymptomatic illness—and this must be supported with the immunological benefits of breastfeeding in infants and young children.”
