Breastfeeding is a crucial aspect of nurturing a newborn, but many mothers may require practical guidance on positioning and ensuring proper attachment. Both mother and baby need time and practice to master this skill.
Here are some common myths about breastfeeding, clarified by UNICEF:
- Myth: It’s normal for breastfeeding to be painful
- While some discomfort may occur initially, proper positioning and attachment techniques can prevent sore nipples. Seeking support from lactation consultants or professionals can be immensely helpful in overcoming challenges.
- Myth: Nipples need to be washed before breastfeeding
- Pre-breastfeeding nipple washing is unnecessary. Babies are born familiar with their mother’s scents. The nipples produce substances that not only babies recognize but also contain ‘good bacteria’ that contribute to building the baby’s immune system.
- Myth: You must breastfeed immediately after birth
- Starting breastfeeding within the first hour after birth is beneficial due to a baby’s strong reflexes. Seeking assistance from lactation consultants or skilled professionals can aid in this process. Frequent skin-to-skin contact and early attempts at breastfeeding are helpful.
- Myth: Some mothers can’t produce enough milk
- Most mothers naturally produce sufficient milk for their babies. Proper latch, breastfeeding frequency, and effective milk removal by the baby influence milk production. Ongoing guidance from healthcare providers, support at home, and maintaining a balanced diet are crucial.
- Myth: Breastfeeding while sick is harmful
- Depending on the illness, breastfeeding can typically continue when the mother is unwell. Proper treatment, rest, and nutrition are essential. In many cases, the antibodies developed by the mother to combat the illness are transmitted to the baby, strengthening their immune system.
It is generally recommended to exclusively breastfeed for the first six months of a baby’s life. Beyond that, combining breast milk with solid foods as long as desired supports healthy growth and development.
Remember to tune in for another edition of NCN Health on Thursday.