Myth: Breastfeeding mothers should always use both breasts at each feeding.
Truth:
Your breasts “know” how much milk they need to make, depending on the baby’s demands. If you go too long without nursing from one breast, it might start to feel full – but you don’t have to worry about whether the baby is drinking from both breasts at every single feeding. In fact published research on the range of “normal” when it comes to breast preference shows that 30% of babies always take just one breast, 13% always take both breasts, and 57% mix it up!
Myth: Frequent nursing causes a child to be obese later in life.
Truth:
Obesity results from a variety of complex factors, some genetic, some environmental, social, or psychological. In most situations, it is a result of the body receiving more calories than it needs, for extended periods of time. Because glucose (the fuel our body uses) is actually damaging to our cells if it’s in our blood at too high a concentration, our body stores it as glycogen in fat/adipose tissue. When we eat too much and don’t use that energy, the glycogen accumulates in the adipose tissue, the cells get bigger, and we get fatter. This can, though not always, lead to diabetes. Frequent nursing by babies is normal, with research showing babies will nurse 4-13 times per day.
The trick is to remember that babies are preprogramed to eat when they are hungry or need energy, not always when we want them to feed.
Myth: Nursing a baby after 12 months is of little value because the quality of breast milk begins to decline after six months.
Truth:
Breast milk doesn’t decline in quality over time. It’s true that breast milk composition changes throughout the breastfeeding duration, but this is just another sign of how perfectly breast milk has developed to continue meeting your baby’s developing needs.
The reason we add complimentary foods to breast milk at 6 months isn’t because breast milk is no longer important, it’s simply because your baby nutritional/caloric needs are no longer met by breast milk alone.
Myth: Don’t breastfeed if you’re sick.
Truth:
Breastfeeding is safe and healthy for babies, even if the mother is feeling under the weather. The only exception is if you’re taking a medication always check with your doctor and pharmacist and make sure they know that you’re breastfeeding.
In fact, part of the benefit of breastfeeding is that because your baby is likely exposed to the same cold or flu that you picked up, it’s easier for your mature immune system to develop the antibodies and leukocytes to fight the cold/flu than his. These antibodies and leukocytes are transferred through your breast milk when you breastfeed. Ingenious, isn’t it?
Don’t let breastfeeding myths hold you back. Do your research and be a better-informed mom. Arm yourself with all well documented and credible breastfeeding facts so you know which advice to ignore.
