Breastfeeding is the most natural and healthy way to raise a child, but many new mothers often encounter various questions and confusion when they first try breastfeeding. Here are the 7 most common myths about breastfeeding:
Myth 1: If you have small breasts, you have no milk
Many new mothers are often worried that they don't have enough milk because of their small breasts. In fact, the size of the breasts is not directly proportional to the amount of milk. The size of the breasts is mainly determined by the adipose tissue and connective tissue, while the amount of milk is mainly determined by the development and secretion of the breast tissue. Therefore, even new mothers with small breasts can promote milk secretion by increasing nutrition, maintaining a happy mood, and letting the baby suck more.
Myth 2: You can give birth to a baby and get milk
Many new mothers start breastfeeding immediately after giving birth, but often find that their breasts are milkless. This is because after giving birth, the milk ducts need a certain amount of time to dilate and unblock for milk to be secreted. Therefore, new mothers should let their babies suck as soon as possible after giving birth to stimulate the dilation and unblocking of the milk ducts. On the third day after giving birth, the breasts begin to produce a small amount of colostrum, at which point the baby sucks more forcefully, thus promoting milk production.
Myth 3: You don't need to drink water before starting milk
Many elderly people believe that giving their baby water before starting to milk will confuse the nipple with the bottle, which will affect the baby's sucking. However, this statement is not true. Giving your baby water before starting to feed can help your baby pass meconium from the body and reduce the symptoms of jaundice. In addition, drinking water can also relieve symptoms such as thirst and dry throat in your baby, which is good for your baby's health. Therefore, new mothers can give their babies proper water before starting to breastfeed.
Myth 4: Confinement wine can promote lactation
Rice wine and sweet wine actually do not help with milk production, and too much alcohol may harm the baby's brain through milk. Of course, it's okay to drink a little once in a while, just don't drink it every day.
Myth 5: Breastfeeding can cause the mother's body to be deformed
Breastfeeding helps the mother burn calories and promotes uterine contractions, which helps the mother to recover physically. Breastfeeding also reduces the risk of breast and ovarian cancer in the mother. Therefore, breastfeeding not only does not cause the mother's body to deform, but is beneficial to the mother's physical health.
Myth 6: The baby's sucking position is not important
Your baby's sucking position is essential for breastfeeding. If the baby's sucking position is not correct, it may cause problems such as breast pain and cracked nipples in the mother. Therefore, new mothers should learn the correct breastfeeding posture and perform proper massage and relaxation before breastfeeding to alleviate problems such as breast pain.
Myth 7: Night breastfeeding can affect your baby's sleep
In fact, night breastfeeding is a natural process of breastfeeding. Although night breastfeeding may wake your baby up temporarily, it will not affect your baby's sleep quality. On the contrary, night breastfeeding can help your baby establish regular sleep Xi, which is conducive to your baby's healthy growth. Therefore, new mothers do not need to worry about night breastfeeding affecting their baby's sleep.