Congratulations on your decision to breastfeed, mama!
Although it’s a natural process, it doesn’t come easy for most mamas. There are many challenges, and just like in learning a new skill, it will take a little getting used to.
And while you’re at it, we suggest you arm yourself with the right knowledge about breastfeeding. After all, you don’t want to be guided by mere myths when making important decisions in your nursing journey.
Ahead, we debunk some of the most common breastfeeding myths:
1. Breastfeeding is easy.
False! Some days will be harder than most when you are a breastfeeding mama. You will soon realize it’s difficult to position your baby and ensure they are correctly attached to your breast. You will need to deal with common breastfeeding issues such as painful latching, breast engorgement, cracked nipples, low milk supply, plugged ducts, and mastitis.
Again, it will take practice and getting used to for both mama and baby. So yes, breastfeeding will need your full commitment and the journey will not be an easy one. But know that it will be all worth it.
2. Breastfeeding is exclusively a mama thing.
False! Nursing mamas need all the support and care they need when they commit to breastfeeding. Just as dads have been supportive in the whole pregnancy journey, they need to step up even more when it’s time to care for the new mama and their newborn.
While the breastfeeding mama establishes her routine with the baby, dads can take note of the ways they can serve as a strong support system — ensuring mama eats nutritious meals, drinks water regularly, enjoys a well-deserved rest, and does not worry about the breastfeeding equipment because dads got them covered already!
3. Mamas shouldn’t breastfeed if they are sick.
False! Breastfeeding mamas can usually continue nursing their baby even when they are sick just as long as they receive proper treatment and enough rest. In most cases, mamas get to pass on antibodies to their baby and through this, their child gets to build their own defense system.
4. You should not take medication if you’re breastfeeding.
False! Many medications are safe to take for lactating mamas. Before you take something, make sure to inform your doctor that you are nursing so they can give you medications that are safe for you and the baby.
Not sure if the medicine you are about to pop in your mouth is safe or not? You can check out LactMed®, a database of the US National Library of Medicine that contains information on drugs and other chemicals to which breastfeeding mothers may be exposed.
5. Breastfeeding mamas cannot dye or perm their hair.
False! It’s totally understandable when mamas want to update their look, especially after months of physical changes courtesy of their pregnant hormones. And since everything they do now can affect their little one, they wonder if hair treatments such as using hair dye are on the safe side. The simple answer is yes. Information about hair treatments while nursing is limited, but because only little amounts of chemicals from hair dye can enter the bloodstream, it’s unlikely that a significant amount of that will be passed on through the breast milk.
6. You’ll have to wean your baby if you want to go back to work.
False! You may continue breastfeeding your little one even if you need to leave the house to work. Being away from the baby shouldn’t deter you from giving them the many benefits of breastfeeding. You can build your milk stash weeks before going back to the office or you can choose to express milk while at work.
Pediatrician, lactation consultant, and breastfeeding champion Dr. Kristine Lapus gave insightful tips for mamas going back to work but want to stay committed to breastfeeding.
