Very often young mothers are misguided or wrongly informed about breastfeeding. In the process they either decide not to breast feed their baby or want to wean earlier than they have to. Here are 8 common myth busters that can help you decide on how long and why you have to breast feed.
1.I don’t have enough milk:
We will clear that up for you. Most women have an abundance supply of milk. If the baby does not gain weight or is slow, its not because there is a low milk supply but because the baby is not able to suck properly. Teach the baby to latch properly on the day of his birth. You can always ask the nurse or the doctor to help you and your baby to start off.
2.I can’t nurse my premature baby:
Breast milk is important for your premature baby’s health. If your baby is very premature and need to be fed intravenously, pump your milk regularly so that you can ensure a good supply and get prepared for the day when the baby can start nursing. There is also a possibility that the baby can be tube fed with your milk. Its recommended that pre matured babies are fed mothers milk because it contains so many antibodies that helps the babies fight infections.
3.I have to wean my baby because I am pregnant:
We understand that nursing two babies can be difficult but its not impossible. In rare cases doctors refrain pregnant women from nursing their toddlers. But in most cases you can nurse the baby even when you are pregnant, and whats more you can even nurse twins and triplets!
4.I Can’t Work and Breastfeed:
Of course you can! In fact many companies are coming up with comforts and privileges for new mothers which include lactation rooms too. If your company is not in that list, its alright! Ask for that extra time from your work place to either pump milk or feed your baby in regular intervals. We promise you its worth it.
5.It is normal for breastfeeding to hurt.
Now thats not true! The breasts can become tender during the first few days but its only a temporary situation and should go away within a few days once the baby starts nursing regularly. And if the situation continues its more because the baby has not latched on properly. But do not ignore if the pain persists. Consult a doctor.
6.A baby should feed on each breast at least for 20 minutes:
Thats not true. But make sure that you doing confuse “being on the breast” and “breastfeeding”. If the baby is actually drinking milk on one side for 15 minutes he may feel full and may not want to nurse on the other breast. But if the baby just nibbles or sleeps, then its not enough. The baby will breastfeed better and for a longer period if he is latched on properly
7.A mother should wash her nipples each time before feeding the baby:
While its true that when you feed the baby with the bottle attention has to be paid to cleanliness which involves cleaning and sterilizing the bottles, the same rule does not apply to your breasts. Mothers milk protects the baby from infection causing bacteria. There are protective layers of oils that actually protects the breasts and every time its washed it leads to washing away of these protective layers which is unnecessary.
8.It is easier to bottle feed than to breastfeed:
Definitely not! But its often perceived by women who do not receive proper guidance and support from family and friends. A poor start or no start at all can always lead to a negative mind set. But remember its important for you to overcome this feeling. Look at the positives of breastfeeding. Apart from the fact that its good for the babys health its also less cumbersome. It saves time and money!.
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