As a mama, you’re bound to receive a lot of advice before, during, and after you start to nurse your little ones; some of it will be useful and some won't. Additionally, you can discover that information from other sources is entirely different! It's true that there are many superstitious beliefs (or “pamahiins”) about nursing, and it can be challenging to distinguish between the truth and the fiction.
Now, although breastfeeding is necessary, it is rarely simple. Due to the misconception that they are alone, many parents who experience common, shared difficulties suffer in silence. In actuality, breastfeeding is a journey with highs and lows that millions of families experience together. Don't let these obstacles or myths deter you!
Instead, take the time to read up and get more information about them before you begin to worry. There are a ton of breastfeeding myths, but we’ve listed our top 5 debunked myths that you should let go of this 2023 to get you started. Read on to find out more and see if there are some things you already know!
1.) Food Cravings Can Affect How Your Baby Looks
According to beliefs, the foods a pregnant woman craves can cause the baby to develop particular characteristics. Milk and other light-colored foods are thought to contribute to lighter skin tone, whilst chocolate and other dark-colored foods are said to give the infant a darker complexion.
In actuality, eating has no impact on a baby's look. The skin tone of your little ones will be determined by your DNA makeup or genetics. If you want to know what your baby looks like, getting a 4D ultrasound is the best way to see what your unborn child will look like. Despite this, some would advise expecting mothers to give in to their appetites because they think it will also benefit the unborn child. The best course of action would be to speak with your doctor about managing your diet to see how this affects your baby and ensure they’re healthy.
2.) Avoid Attending Funerals
Depending on which story you hear; this superstition has various effects. Some claim that being near death can result in a stillbirth. According to a different tale, vengeful spirits would attempt to kidnap the child.
These things won't occur if you attend a funeral. However, the psychological strain that dying places on people might be problematic. The body releases the stress hormone cortisol in response to stress. Unfortunately, this hormone can also be released by the placenta that surrounds the infant. Small levels of this hormone reach the amniotic fluid, which may change embryonic metabolism.
Your OB’s should be able to provide you with advice on how to handle difficult emotional issues and stressful events in a healthier and safer way if you are experiencing either of these during your pregnancy.
3.) You Can Have Twins By Eating Twin Bananas
Filipinos have a lot of superstitions, and when it comes to twins, Filipinos believe that eating fruits or food that have two yolks, such as eggs, increase the possibility of the mother giving birth to twins. To increase their chances of having twins, some people advise pregnant women to eat certain foods, while others may advise against it.
But, in reality, twins can actually be born in two different ways. The first occurs after fertilization, when a single embryo divides into two, producing identical twins. The second is the development of fraternal twins, which happens when two distinct egg cells are fertilized by various sperm.
Despite having no connection to producing twins, eggs and bananas are both healthy providers of nutrition for expectant mothers. What should be included in the diet to maintain the mother and the unborn child healthy can be determined with the aid of good prenatal care.
4.) Stepping Over Ropes Increases Difficulties During Birth
Based on the symbolism of ropes and the idea that moms who have had cesarean sections will need stitches, these beliefs have gained popularity. Otherwise, they lack any basis in reality.
Age, heredity, stress levels, pre-existing medical issues, and other factors can cause labor difficulties. You can talk about these worries at prenatal appointments and perhaps discover solutions to make labor simpler and safer.
5.) Mamas Shouldn’t Drink Certain Medicine When Breastfeeding
When it comes to pregnancy and breastfeeding, mamas will have to be extra careful about what they put in their bodies. That is even more true when it comes to taking medication. So, while it’s important to take medication, you shouldn’t just take any medication that’s recommended to you by your friends and family as this may have negative effects on you and your baby. Instead, consult your doctor to see which medication is good for you and which you should avoid.
Superstitions have always been prevalent in Filipino society. You can probably find a pamahiin relating to practically anything you can think of. These superstitions are frequently told to expectant mothers by well-meaning family members. While certain superstitions may seem harmless, they shouldn't take the place of appropriate obstetrics and gynecology advice and treatment. Old wives' tales won't keep your kid healthy inside the womb or help with a smooth delivery; proper prenatal care will.
