How many of you wake your baby up and feed them because you think it has been a long time since they last fed? How many of you think that breastfeeding is a choice? How many of you were told that ghee will increase your milk supply? How many of you were forced to discard your colostrum? How many of you think it is necessary to wean your baby off because they will get clingy? How many of you struggle while sitting and feeding your baby at night?

There are several breastfeeding myths, but here I have covered the ones I have come across and researched with the help of gynaecologists, nutritionists and dieticians. So, if you have had any of the above questions or doubts, you’ve reached the right place because I have busted a few myths with what actually works:

10 BREASTFEEDING MYTHS, BUSTED BY WHAT ACTUALLY WORKS

1. WAKE THE BABY FROM THEIR SLEEP: Firstly, except in the first two weeks after birth, where you have to breastfeed them every 2 hours, never wake up a sleeping baby. You will only irritate them by messing up their sleep. It is recommended to feed on demand as babies have their own schedule and will call out to you when they are hungry. You only have to be ready to supply.
2. BREASTFEEDING IS A CHOICE: Breastfeeding is not really a choice per se. I mean, ‘choice’ has become a big deal these days, but breastfeeding is a necessity as it reduces various illnesses in mother and baby. Here are some perks listed for you. Only in some cases, where the mother is unable to produce enough milk, can there be exceptions.
3. SMALL BREASTS PRODUCE LESS MILK: At least here, size does not matter. Production of milk depends completely on the baby, your functional tissues, and stress levels, while your cup size is totally dependent on your fatty tissues. Milk supply works on a supply-and-demand system. So, whether you are an A cup or D cup, your breasts will provide the milk as long as your baby feeds.
4. NEWBORNS NEED WATER: Newborns do not need water because breastmilk contains 88% water already. Furthermore, a newborn’s kidneys are not developed enough to process plain water and their tiny stomach space may fill up with water instead of calorie-rich milk needed for their growth.
5. THROW COLOSTRUM AWAY: No. Never. Please never do that! Colostrum is the first stage of breastmilk (light yellowish liquid) that contains antibodies and proteins; therefore, it is the powerhouse of immunity. It is known as ‘liquid gold’ for your baby’s immune system. It is said to help save your baby from repeated doctor visits throughout their life.
6. EAT DOUBLE DURING BREASTFEEDING: Many believe that eating for two includes eating whatever is on the table. But it is necessary to consume healthy and balanced foods rather than doubling your quantity. Here are general foods to eat or avoid while breastfeeding, though you should consult your gynaecologist if you experience any discomfort or if your baby is fussy or has symptoms of intolerance.
7. GHEE IS GOOD FOR LACTATION: Ghee does not help produce more milk, but it supports postpartum energy and recovery. Ghee contains healthy fats and high calories; therefore, it is given to mothers to strengthen their bones after delivery and while nursing.
8. SIDE LYING POSITION WILL CHOKE BABY: There are several breastfeeding positions, not just the traditional sitting and feeding one. I chose to lie down sideways and feed my baby, especially at night, so we can fall back asleep after burping. While side lying, you just need to be aware and careful NOT TO SLEEP ON YOUR BABY, which is possible when there is enough space for you both to sleep comfortably.
9. YOU SHOULD STOP BREASTFEEDING AT 6 MONTHS: Many people believe that breastfeeding makes the baby clingy and dependent, and therefore they should stop breastfeeding their babies once they are 6 months old. Well, babies are born to receive love and intimacy from their parents in the first few years. Don’t deprive them of it. And some babies do get clingy when they are a little older, but breastfeeding is not the cause. You can stop breastfeeding if you are unable to due to full-time outside work (expressing your milk is an option here) or serious illnesses like HIV, Tuberculosis or Herpes near the nipple area. But, if you are blessed with good milk production, as the WHO says, breastfeed for as long as you can (even if you introduce a few soft foods after 6 months).
10. IF YOU DON’T BREASTFEED, YOU’RE A BAD MOM: Although breastfeeding is vital for your baby’s health, not being able to breastfeed does not make you an unfit mother. Many women cannot breastfeed for various reasons. That does not make them a bad mother. When we bring up our children with love and care, it doesn’t matter whether our babies dined on breast milk, formula milk or a combination of both.

I’m sure there are plenty and more myths around breastfeeding. The secret to breastfeeding smoothly is to listen to your baby, thereby avoiding a great deal of confusion and anger associated with post-partum depression (which is also a real thing). As a first-time mom, I got caught up in the ‘myth web’, though I got smarter the second time around and wiser the third time. Many factors helped me understand the myths and facts around breastfeeding. Therefore, I’m proud to help new moms with my blog today.

Was I able to help you in some way here? Let me know in the comments below! Happy breastfeeding!

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