Breastfeeding, especially for new mothers can be a different journey altogether. Is it painful or not, is latching on difficult, there are several questions. Expert debunks common myths around breastfeeding,
Motherhood is said to be a beautiful experience that cannot be expressed in mere words. Embracing this new chapter in life reads differently for different individuals. Often new mother have these looming questions about breastfeeding their newborns. Is breastfeeding painful?Am I producing enough milk, so on and so forth. Although it might be difficult at times, breastfeeding, also known as chestfeeding, is frequently praised as a unique bonding experience. There is a lot of information about the same but with truckloads of information, one must understand to separate myths and facts.
Here are few common breastfeeding related myths that are bing debunked by expert.
5 Common Breastfeeding Myths
1.Breastfeeding is a severely painful process.
“Breastfeeding shouldn’t hurt, but in the early days when your body gets used to nursing, it’s natural to feel some tenderness and sensitivity in your breasts and nipples,” explains Dr Anagha Madhuraj Kulkarni, International Lactation consultant, Rainbow children’s hospital, Marathahalli, Bengaluru.
Due to pregnancy hormones changes nipples become sensitive.its called transient soreness . See a lactation consultant for help if you experience ongoing pain or discomfort. To guarantee a more comfortable experience, they can assist in identifying any problems and offer advice on appropriate deep latch techniques and nursing positions.
2.Your breast size matters in the breastfeeding process.
Having big or tiny breasts has no bearing on how much milk you can produce. Regardless of the size of their breasts or nipples, babies can nurse successfully. Finding the ideal posture for both you and your infant, however, may need some advice. Finding what works best for you both can be greatly aided by the advice of a lactation consultant or breastfeeding peer counselor.
3.Breastfeeding is an extremely tedious and time taking process
Although there are numerous benefits to nursing, it also takes time and work. Unlike formula feeding, you won’t need to mix the formula, heat the water, clean and disinfect the equipment, or prepare the bottles. When you breastfeed, especially during those late-night feedings, your baby will always have access to milk at the right temperature and time. This could facilitate streamlining and reduce the overall time of the process.
4.Latching on is very difficult
While it may seem instinctual for babies to root, latch, and suck when breastfed, breastfeeding is actually an art and skill with deep latch technique that you and your child must learn. Although babies are born with the ability to locate the breast and begin nursing, it takes coordination and learning to do., so consider nursing like a dance. Your infant will naturally follow the moves, but it will take time and practice to get the hang of it. Breastfeeding might be difficult at first, but if you are patient and persistent, it will get easier and more natural for you both.
5.If your baby cries it probably means that you’re not making enough milk..
Crying is always communication sign between you and baby.
Your infant may cry, but this does not always indicate that you are not nursing your child well enough. Babies use crying as a means of expressing their demands, which might include the need for comfort and attention, overstimulation, a soiled diaper, discomfort from being too hot or cold, or just hunger. See your pediatrician for advice if you observe your baby weeping more than normal or if you’re worried that the reason for the crying could be inadequate eating. In addition, you can get help and answers to any questions you may have regarding feeding and breastfeeding techniques by Lactation consultant and lactation professionals.
Dispelling these widespread misconceptions about breastfeeding enables you to have a more knowledgeable and satisfying experience by highlighting the facts. Nursing has its difficulties, but by knowing the reality behind these myths, you may arm yourself with the information and self-assurance you need to get through it.
Never forget that every mother’s breastfeeding journey and nursing experience is different and that getting help from friends, family, and specialists can really help. Breastfeeding is always best and this is baby’s first right to take nutritious breastmilk .