Breastfeeding, especially for first-time mothers, can be a completely different experience. Is it painful or not? Is latching difficult? There are a number of questions. An expert debunks common myths about breastfeeding.
Motherhood is said to be a beautiful experience that cannot be put into words. Embracing this new chapter of life means different things to different people. Often, first-time mothers have these questions about breastfeeding their newborns: is breastfeeding painful? Am I producing enough milk? etc. Although it can be difficult at times, breastfeeding, also known as breastfeeding, is often praised as a unique bonding experience. There is a lot of information out there about it, but with so much information, it is necessary to understand in order to distinguish myths from facts.
Below are some common myths related to breastfeeding that have been debunked by experts.
5 common myths about breastfeeding
1.Breastfeeding is an extremely painful process.
“Breastfeeding should not hurt, but in the initial few days when the body gets used to breastfeeding, it is natural to feel some tenderness in the breasts and nipples,” explains Dr Anagha Madhuraj Kulkarni, International Lactation Consultant, Rainbow Children’s Hospital, Marathahalli, Bengaluru.
Due to the hormonal changes of pregnancy, nipples become tender. This is called transient soreness. If you experience ongoing pain or discomfort, see a lactation specialist for help. To ensure a more comfortable experience, they can help identify any issues and offer advice on proper deep latch techniques and breastfeeding positions.
2. The size of your breasts is important in the breastfeeding process.
Whether you have large or small breasts has no influence on the amount of milk you can produce. Regardless of the size of your breasts or nipples, babies can breastfeed without problems. However, you may need some advice to find the ideal position for both you and your baby. Finding the one that works best for both of you can be greatly helped by getting advice from a lactation consultant or breastfeeding counselor.
3.Breastfeeding is an extremely tedious and time-consuming process.
While breastfeeding has numerous benefits, it also requires time and work. Unlike bottle feeding, you won’t need to mix formula, heat water, clean and sanitize equipment, or prepare bottles. When you breastfeed, especially during nighttime feedings, your baby will always have access to milk at the right temperature and time. This can make it easier to streamline and reduce the overall time of the process.
4. The grip is very difficult
While it may seem instinctive for babies to seek out the breast, latch on, and suck when breastfeeding, breastfeeding is actually an art and a skill with a deep latch technique that you and your child must learn. While babies are born with the ability to locate the breast and begin to suck, it takes coordination and learning to do so, so think of breastfeeding as a dance. Your baby will follow the movements naturally, but it will take time and practice to master. Breastfeeding may be difficult at first, but if you are patient and persistent, it will become easier and more natural for both of you.
5. If your baby cries it probably means you are not producing enough milk.
Crying is always a sign of communication between you and the baby.
Your baby may cry, but this does not always indicate that you are not breastfeeding your child well enough. Babies use crying as a means of expressing their demands, which may include the need for comfort and attention, overstimulation, a dirty diaper, discomfort from being too hot or cold, or simply hunger. Consult your pediatrician for advice if you notice your baby crying more than usual or if you are concerned that the reason for the crying may be inadequate feeding. Additionally, you can get help and answers to any questions you may have about feeding and breastfeeding techniques from lactation consultants and breastfeeding professionals.
Dispelling these common misconceptions about breastfeeding will allow you to have a more informed and fulfilling experience by highlighting the facts. Breastfeeding has its challenges, but by knowing the reality behind these myths, you can arm yourself with the information and self-confidence you need to overcome them.
Never forget that every mother’s breastfeeding experience is different and that getting help from friends, family and specialists can be a great help. Breastfeeding is always best and this is the baby’s first right to nutritious breast milk.
