5 Breastfeeding Diet Myths You Should Stop Believing

Breastfeeding is the most essential part of life for both mother and child. Breast milk is the most nutritious milk for the baby. The experience and process of breastfeeding is always the most discussed topic among new Mom. There have been many myths about breastfeeding and let’s debunk some of them.

• Enough milk is not produced initially – Initially produced breast milk is called colostrum and is packed with nutrients. Though the volume is small, it is enough to keep the baby full due to the nutrients present. Breastfeeding, whenever a baby is hungry, helps in increasing the supply of milk.
• Breastfeeding is hard, time, and energy-consuming –Breastfeeding is difficult initially until the baby and mother find the comfortable positions for breastfeeding. It does take time and energy but in return provides good health to baby and mother both. Breast milk helps to keep the baby healthy, immune strong and grow and develop better. It helps mothers in balancing hormones, reducing pregnancy weight, and avoiding any other health issues in the future.
• Formula and breastfeeding both cant be done together – Well breastfeeding is necessary for the baby for at least 6 months. However, formula milk can also be given to the baby after 6 weeks along with breast milk. When you are giving formula milk ensure to pump out breast milk into a bottle if not breastfeeding.
• While nursing baby shouldn’t fall asleep – Most babies are nursed so that they can fall asleep. There is no harm in nursing babies to sleep as they would wake up at midnight again to breastfeed. Once the pattern is set baby wakes up at the midnight to get its essential nutrients; and then goes back to sleep and continues the same until breastfeeding is stopped or reduced after the baby weaning.
• You can’t fall sick or take medicines when breastfeeding – Your body has antibodies to fight bacteria and viruses. When you are sick with a cold or cough or flu, germs do not pass through breasts or anti-bodies do. These antibodies protect the baby from falling sick. However, when the degree of illness is severe or there is some other serious condition, you should consult a doctor.
• When you are required to take some medications to treat a health condition, inform the doctor about breastfeeding. This will help doctors provide you with altered medications.

Over To You –
There have been many breastfeeding myths that put new mothers in confusion. Well above all myths are the benefits both child and mother receive from breastfeeding and hence should not be avoided.