COMMON BREASTFEEDING MYTHS DEBUNKED

By April 27, 2018

It is important to remember that everybody’s breastfeeding journey is different. Talking to friends and relatives is a wonderful way of gathering information, it is however important to remember that breastfeeding myths are passed down from generation to generation and that they are not necessarily true. Below is a list of common breastfeeding myths ready to be dispelled!

Sick mothers should not breastfeed This is not necessarily true. In fact it can be the opposite. Breast milk is full of wonderful antibodies that keep your baby healthy. Exposing your child to coughs and colds is a good way to build up his immune system. Go about your daily routine as you would normally. Wash your hands often and take preventative measures to ensure to limit the spread of germs. If you are concerned or overly sick, please check with your health care professional.
Breastfeeding mothers must always eat healthy A healthy diet will benefit a mother and her child. It will provide them both with lasting energy and all the nutrients they need to help prevent sickness. A mother that eats less than healthy will also produce quality breast milk and should not avoid breastfeeding because of a poor diet.
Wean before your babies teeth come through A lot of mothers successfully breastfeed their babies whilst their baby’s are teething. It is advised to give your child a teething ring before you feed him to help discourage them from biting down on your nipple.
Small breasts produce less milk This is incorrect. It is not the size of the breast that determines how much breast milk a woman will produce but the capacity inside her breast. It is possible that a larger breasted woman could produce less milk than a small-breasted woman.
Avoid feeding if you have an infection or a blocked milk ductBlocked milk ducts occur when the breast is not properly emptied. Regular feeds will help to clear blocked milk ducts, which in turn will help to prevent infections.
Baby’s can be allergic to their mothers breast milk This is simply not true. Our bodies produce milk specifically for our child. If your baby is experiencing discomfort or any other reaction after breastfeeding it may be something in your diet that disagrees with your baby. It is advised to seek medical advice should this be happening.
A mother can not produce enough breast milk for twins A woman who has just had twins will produce twice the amount of breast milk, compared to that of a woman who has had just one child. The more your babies feed the more milk you will produce.
Baby’s need to be feed routinely It is common practice now to feed on demand. Your baby will show signs when he or she is hungry, so avoid watching the clock.
Breastfed baby’s will not sleep through the night There are many factors that help to determine sleeping patterns in a baby i.e.. His personality, health, room temperature, his sense of security; to name a few. Your baby is an individual and will sleep through the night when he or she is ready.
Exercise turns milk sour Exercise should be encouraged and will do you the world of good. Not only does it get you out and about, but exercise also helps to aid in weight loss. A women exercising at a moderate to low intensity will not affect the taste of her milk. A woman exercising vigorously can create a build up of lactic acid in her breast milk. This is only short lived. Avoid feeding straight after exercise as you may find that your baby may refuse the milk.
Avoid spicy foods while breastfeeding Enjoy a variety of different foods while breastfeeding. Spicy foods are perfectly fine and will help to expose your baby to a wide variety of tastes.
Breastfeeding is painful Initially breastfeeding can be painful. It is however, short lived, once your nipples harden, your body learns to regulate the milk supply needed and your baby become efficient at feeding the initial discomfort experienced will go away. Breastfeeding is a wonderful gift and an experience you will never forget.
If I go back to work I have to wean my baby Many women return to work while still breastfeeding. Invest in a good portable breast pump. Expressing milk at work can be easily achieved and stored in the fridge for later use (advise your boss of your intentions to keep the lines of communication open). Expressed milk can be fed to your baby via a bottle during the day and can then be fed by the breast in the evening when you return home. Your baby can enjoy the benefits of breast milk as long as you choose to provide it.
Breastfeeding causes your breasts to go saggy There are a lot of determining factors that can cause breasts to go saggy. During pregnancy and while breastfeeding our breasts increase in size dramatically. It is after we wean off or quickly lose weight, which sometimes excess skin and a breast that is bottom heavy can sag. Sagging can also be due to the increased amount of weight in the breast. Wear a good supportive and correctly fitted nursing bra, which will help protect the ligaments inside the breast, under the strain.

Like many women out there, Tracey Montford is an exceptional multi-tasker! Apart from steering a global business, managing 2 young boys & keeping the clan clean and fed, Tracey still finds time to provide creative inspiration and direction to the exceptional designs of Cake Maternity. From the branding, presentation and delivery, creativity is a big part of what Tracey does so naturally and effectively. Find out more at https://au.cakematernity.com or catch up with her on social @cakematernity