Bottling Up Four Common Breastfeeding Myths
Confused about the value of mother's milk? Come along as we look over some common breastfeeding myths
Breastfeeding myths are legion, and many Western women have taken them to heart -- so much so that they've stopped breastfeeding altogether. But there's no reason why the vast majority of women shouldn't breastfeed their babies. After all, it's perfectly natural; women have been doing it for millions of years.
While we realize it's up to the mother in question to make her decision about breastfeeding, we believe the best decisions are made when one is fully informed. So in this article, we'll investigate four of the more common myths about breastfeeding, and tell you why they're wrong.
Myth 1: You should expect breastfeeding to hurt
This is a breastfeeding myth that shouldn't actually be true unless baby's actively teething. There may be some tenderness for the first few days of breastfeeding, but this should pass; if it doesn't, it may be due to the way the baby has latched on to the nipple. Disengage and try again.
If the pain persists for more than a few days, visit your ob-gyn to see if there's something else wrong. It's possible that you may have contracted a yeast infection of the nipple (yep, this can actually happen).
Myth 2: Bottle-feeding is easier than breastfeeding
According to the experts, this is a breastfeeding myth, except for those cases when women aren't taught to breastfeed properly. That said, there may be complications that make breastfeeding difficult for some women. If you think this is the case for you, discuss the issue with your doctor.
Myth 3: If the baby gets diarrhea, you should stop breast feeding
Actually, breast milk is exactly what your baby needs when he or she has a gastrointestinal problem, whether that involves diarrhea or vomiting. In fact, it should be the only form of nourishment baby ingests, as it's uniquely suited for dealing with the problem. Cut back on other foods, but not mother's milk.
This breastfeeding myth gets a lot of play because it's a favorite of the formula companies, who'd just love for you to buy their "hydrating formulas." Don't fall for it; nothing hydrates a baby better than breast milk, or failing that, plain old water.
Myth 4: If you're taking medicine, you shouldn't breastfeed your baby
While there are some drugs that make breastfeeding a categorical no-no, they're actually quite rare. It's true that most medications a mother takes will appear in her breast milk in trace amounts, just as they will in any of her bodily fluids; however, the quantities involved are so small they won't affect baby at all.
Even if a medication is contraindicated for nursing mothers, there's usually something else you can take instead. Taken as a blanket statement, the idea that you can't nurse when taking medications is nothing but a breastfeeding myth, and you shouldn't let it come between you and your baby.
