Myths and Truths About Infant Feeding
Myth: Breastfeeding makes your breasts sag.
Truth #1: Age, gravity and pregnancy change the shape of women’s breasts.
Discussion- Pregnancy prepares your breasts to make milk (whether you use it or not). Your breasts may be temporarily larger while nursing, then return slowly as you wean to their former size. Nursing may help your belly get flat sooner as the uterus shrinks back quicker, helping prevent blood loss also. Wearing a good supportive bra may help?
Myth: Breastfeeding hurts terrifically and many mothers quit because of this.
Truth #2. You will probably have some mild pain whether you breast or bottle- feed.
Discussion- Mothers are blessed with milk whether they breast or bottle-feed. When the baby nurses, you may have some tenderness of the nipples at first, which will go away as you get used to nursing. Bad pain is a signal the baby is not positioned well on the breast, you need to try to reposition the baby so he can suckle well and get the colostrum or milk from the breasts.
Myth: You have to follow a strict diet while nursing.
Truth #3. Most mothers can eat almost anything while nursing.
Discussion- The body is well-designed so that even if a mother is close to starvation, she will still make decent milk. The milk may be flavored according to what the mother eats, but most babies like the mother’s milk and probably this helps them get used to what the family usually eats! Hot peppers, garlic, or Italian spices, breastfed babies get a wide variety. If your baby doesn’t like particular thing (rare) or gets “gas”, he will let you know. Certain formula can also not agree with some babies, causing their mother to have to try many different brands and types, some very expensive. This is common in families with allergies, therefore some of these mothers breastfeed, to be more likely to have a milk (mother’s milk) that does agree with the baby from day one.
Myth: You can’t breastfeed unless you are very healthy, and not taking any medicine.
Truth #4. Almost all common medical conditions are OK with breastfeeding. Very few medicines are not OK.
Discussion- Breastfeeding helps prevent many serious medical problems, such as asthma, diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. Many mothers choose to breastfeed to help their babies overcome the family tendency they may have for these conditions, and because they personally know the suffering caused by these ailments. There are a few things that don’t work with breastfeeding- HIV positive (AIDS), active tuberculosis, and while undergoing certain treatments for cancer, for example. With acute illnesses like the flu or a cold, it is important to keep nursing so the baby will get the immunity from you for that infection. Your body will pass on antibodies in your milk for what you are fighting off. Most medicines are OK too, but always ask as sometimes one is better than another, or the nursing time should be worked around the medication so that the baby gets a smaller dose in the milk. In general, most antibiotics, antidepressants, allergy medicines, many birth control methods and pain pills are safe to use while breastfeeding, to name a few. Be sure to ask whenever you have a question.
Myth: You can’t breastfeed if you smoke cigarettes.
Truth #5. The mother’s milk is still better than formula, even if she smokes.
Discussion- Mothers who smoked in pregnancy cause their baby to have a higher risk of SIDS, or crib death. Breastfeeding and putting the baby to sleep on its back are two ways to help prevent death from SIDS. Some toxins do get in the milk when the mother smokes, but it still has all the other immunological benefits so nursing is still advised.
Myth: You cannot tell how much a baby is getting while nursing, therefore you might starve your baby.
Truth #6. There are many ways to tell a baby is satisfied. Your body automatically adjusts as the baby needs more milk or richer milk.
Discussion- Almost all women are capable of making adequate milk for their baby if they breastfeed according to the way nature intended, without using bottles in the early period. Using bottles “to be sure the baby gets enough” can actually cause her milk supply to shrink up, and she will also lose her confidence if the baby appears more satisfied and “sleeps better” after taking formula. The baby will go longer between feedings with formula, because it is harder to digest. He will also sleep harder, and this may be one reason bottle-fed babies have more crib deaths. There are some conditions that might cause a mother to have less milk flowing, such as previous breast surgery, so discuss your concerns with your provider and be sure you learn how to tell your baby is satisfied, so you can be confident without “measuring” the feedings. Babies self-regulate while breastfeeding, and this helps them be less obese later in life. You can count the dirty/wet diapers and watch baby’s weight to be sure they are getting enough.
Myth: No one else can help you if you breastfeed.
Truth #7. There is plenty of other work in baby care besides feeding.
Discussion- Dads in particular can feel “left out”, but they can get the baby ready, bring it to mom, make sure mother is comfortable, check the baby’s latch and perform other helpful care, like the baby bath or a daily massage. Later, once the milk supply is well established, dads can give the baby a “relief” bottle now and then so mom can have some uninterrupted time for herself. He can use expressed breastmilk, formula, or water. Most babies go back and forth easily between breast and bottle IF you wait four to six weeks or so to try it. Do it too early, and it may disrupt the milk supply and cause nipple confusion. Dad has a very special role in breastfeeding to be the defender of the family, to know what is best for his baby and help his wife to be committed to that even if she is tired and discouraged. He can also protect her from well-meaning family or friends who may try to give “helpful” advice that is wrong. He can read up and learn about breastfeeding and remember ways to be helpful. She will appreciate and admire him for this.
Myth: Breastfeeding mothers have no sex drive.
Truth #8. Most new mothers are fairly exhausted and when they are in bed, may prefer to sleep, regardless of how they feed the baby.
Discussion- Many different variations in sex drive are normal after delivery. Some research by Master’s and Johnson found that nursing mothers were more interested in sex than those not nursing, but every mother is unique. New mothers spend many hours a day cuddling, holding, touching, and nurturing, regardless of how they feed the baby, and may feel “touched out” by the end of the day. Most new parents find they need to make it a point to talk to and be close to each other. If they communicate about their needs for intimacy, they can usually work out something for both of them. New mothers sometimes have a dry vagina and need to use extra lubrication, and have extra “warm up time” (kissing and hugging etc) to be “in the mood” for lovemaking. Sexual stimulation and orgasm can cause the milk to flow, so be ready with a towel, or nurse prior to making love, and don’t be surprised! Some dads enjoy the appearance of the breasts during nursing, and don’t mind “sharing” what they previously thought of as “theirs”. Others may feel somewhat “jealous” of the baby, whether breast or bottle-feeding; this is normal. Some studies indicate that nursing mothers are more sexually active than their non-nursing counterparts.
Myth: You have to show your breasts in public to breastfeed, since you never know when a baby will want to feed.
Truth #9. You can nurse discretely or use a bottle when out if you prefer.
Discussion- Many mothers (or others!) are not comfortable with their breasts showing in public. You can practice in front of a mirror, and by wearing a 2-piece outfit you can put the baby to breast without any breast showing. For extra security, you can cover your entire front with a light blanket. Go to La Leche League meetings or ask someone you know to show you how, or watch the videos we have about this. Be aware that some videos “show everything” so that you can learn by watching, but you don’t have to do that unless you want to show other mothers how to breastfeed! Some mothers do want to breastfeed in public to show support for nursing, especially for other women.