1. Breastfeeding always comes naturally. FALSE!
Breastfeeding is normal, but something of a lost art in today’s world as many of us have grown up without seeing breastfeeding taking place around us. Mums may need a bit of help, so don’t be afraid to ask.
2. Breastfeeding is supposed to hurt. FALSE!
If it still hurts after a few seconds, gently take baby off and reattach paying careful attention to positioning. If pain persists beyond the first week, don’t grin and bear it – get help!
3. A baby’s feeds should be strictly scheduled.FALSE!
Babies need to feed when they are hungry (their body’s natural signal that they need to eat!). Otherwise they risk not getting enough nutrition, and mum’s milk supply may be affected.
4. Many mothers cannot produce enough milk. FALSE!
If the baby is attached well and is fed on cue, almost all mothers will make enough milk for their babies.
5. Just one bottle can’t hurt. FALSE!
Even one bottle when a baby’s very small or experiencing difficulty learning to breastfeed may interfere with the ability to breastfeed effectively. If formula or donated breastmilk are used, the corresponding drop in demand can also affect mum’s milk supply, and (in the case of formula) can damage baby's gut and increase the risk of allergies. Mums wishing to exclusively breastfeed should be given real support that looks at the underlying issues and helps them to move forward with breastfeeding rather than going straight to the bottle as a first resort. If supplementation is necessary, alternative feeding methods (e.g. cup, syringe or spoon) may be considered until breastfeeding has been established.
6. Breastfeeding mothers need a special diet to make milk. FALSE!
A mother should eat to hunger and drink to thirst. That is all.
7. A breastfed baby needs water in hot weather. FALSE!
Breastmilk is both food and drink, and supplies all a baby’s requirements. In hot weather a baby may need to breastfeed more often, but water should not be given as this will reduce the amount of breastmilk (and hence nutrients) the baby consumes.
8. Breastfeeding should stop when solids are introduced. FALSE!
While the right time to wean is different for every family, World Health Organisation guidelines (based on research in both developing and developed countries) are that breastfeeding should continue for at least two years and beyond if mother wishes.
9. A mother with mastitis should stop breastfeeding. FALSE!
This would probably be the worst thing to do! Continued breastfeeding is important in the treatment of mastitis and does not harm the baby.
10. You can’t breastfeed while pregnant. FALSE!
Many mothers continue to breastfeed throughout their pregnancy and may choose to tandem-nurse both children after the birth of their younger one! However, you may find that after the first few months, your supply takes a dip and if your baby is still young, supplementation with formula or donated breastmilk may be necessary until your supply kicks back in after the birth of your younger child.
Breastfeeding is normal, but something of a lost art in today’s world as many of us have grown up without seeing breastfeeding taking place around us. Mums may need a bit of help, so don’t be afraid to ask.
2. Breastfeeding is supposed to hurt. FALSE!
If it still hurts after a few seconds, gently take baby off and reattach paying careful attention to positioning. If pain persists beyond the first week, don’t grin and bear it – get help!
3. A baby’s feeds should be strictly scheduled.FALSE!
Babies need to feed when they are hungry (their body’s natural signal that they need to eat!). Otherwise they risk not getting enough nutrition, and mum’s milk supply may be affected.
4. Many mothers cannot produce enough milk. FALSE!
If the baby is attached well and is fed on cue, almost all mothers will make enough milk for their babies.
5. Just one bottle can’t hurt. FALSE!
Even one bottle when a baby’s very small or experiencing difficulty learning to breastfeed may interfere with the ability to breastfeed effectively. If formula or donated breastmilk are used, the corresponding drop in demand can also affect mum’s milk supply, and (in the case of formula) can damage baby's gut and increase the risk of allergies. Mums wishing to exclusively breastfeed should be given real support that looks at the underlying issues and helps them to move forward with breastfeeding rather than going straight to the bottle as a first resort. If supplementation is necessary, alternative feeding methods (e.g. cup, syringe or spoon) may be considered until breastfeeding has been established.
6. Breastfeeding mothers need a special diet to make milk. FALSE!
A mother should eat to hunger and drink to thirst. That is all.
7. A breastfed baby needs water in hot weather. FALSE!
Breastmilk is both food and drink, and supplies all a baby’s requirements. In hot weather a baby may need to breastfeed more often, but water should not be given as this will reduce the amount of breastmilk (and hence nutrients) the baby consumes.
8. Breastfeeding should stop when solids are introduced. FALSE!
While the right time to wean is different for every family, World Health Organisation guidelines (based on research in both developing and developed countries) are that breastfeeding should continue for at least two years and beyond if mother wishes.
9. A mother with mastitis should stop breastfeeding. FALSE!
This would probably be the worst thing to do! Continued breastfeeding is important in the treatment of mastitis and does not harm the baby.
10. You can’t breastfeed while pregnant. FALSE!
Many mothers continue to breastfeed throughout their pregnancy and may choose to tandem-nurse both children after the birth of their younger one! However, you may find that after the first few months, your supply takes a dip and if your baby is still young, supplementation with formula or donated breastmilk may be necessary until your supply kicks back in after the birth of your younger child.