Saturday, July 21, 2007

Myths About Breasfeeding

1. Not every woman can produce milk.
Majority of women produce more than enough milk. Most babies do not 'enjoy' breastfeeding, do so not because the mother does not have enough milk, but because the baby does not get the milk that the mother has. The usual reason that the baby does not get the milk that is available is that he is poorly latched onto the breast. This is why it is so important that the mother be shown, on the first day, how to latch a baby on properly, by someone who knows what they are doing.

2. Not enough milk for the very first 3-4 days.
Again, mostly it is because of the baby is poorly latched. By not latching on well, the baby is unable to get the mother's first milk, called colostrum.

3. Mother’s milk becomes less nutritious after the first year.
Mother’s milk continues to provide substantial amounts of nutrients well beyond the first year. At some point your baby will need to take in nutrients from other sources, but mother’s milk remains a valuable contribution to your child’s diet.

4. If babies feed a lot, that means they aren't getting enough milk.
Because breast milk is so easy to digest, babies generally get hungrier sooner than if they are formula-fed.

5.Breastfeeding changes the shape and size of your breast, or reduces sensitivity.
While pregnancy does somewhat alter the look and feel of your breasts, experts say breastfeeding does not cause any changes beyond that.

6. Your milk has no value to the baby after three months or six months, or a year.
Your milk has more antibodies to protect your baby from illness at a year than it did at three months.

7. Modern infant formula milks are very similar or the same as breast milk
Infant formula milk does not contain the antibodies, living cells, enzymes or hormones present in breast milk. Breast milk is designed for each individual baby and changes over time, whereas infant formula milk is designed for every baby.

RECOMMENDED SOLUTION:
1. Learn about breastfeeding as early as you're still pregnant.
2. Share with other moms who are exclusively breastfeed, successfully.
3. Choose to deliver at Baby Friendly Hospital (most government hospitals & several privates are BB Friendly).

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