If you are planning to breastfeed, chances are you have been given some advice or information from someone that seems, maybe, not quite right.
The fact is, there is a lot of information out there about breastfeeding that simply isn’t true. And it is often passed along as fact from friend to friend or family member to family member.
But that doesn’t mean you need to panic.
Here are three common breastfeeding myths debunked. Read on:
Breastfeeding comes naturally
For some people, breastfeeding is very natural and comes easy. But, for many, this just isn’t the case. The fact is, breastfeeding is a skill you and baby need to learn together and one of the best ways to do that is to hire a lactation consultant or take a class before birth.
Most people need some level of support to successfully breastfeed. Learning how to get baby to latch and more isn’t always something you – or your child – is born knowing.
So, don’t be afraid to ask for help!
You aren’t producing enough milk
This one can really get to you, especially in the first few days after birth. Many people believe they aren’t producing enough milk for their baby and the baby is starving. The fact is, most people produce the perfect amount of milk for baby and do not need to supplement.
The best way to get started with breastfeeding is to keep baby skin-to-skin, nurse frequently and get support from a lactation consultant.
Don’t breastfeed if you are sick
In these uncertain times, it can be worrisome to know if you are supposed to keep feeding baby if you are ill. With the COVID-19 pandemic still raging, it’s a common concern. The fact is, you can and should keep nursing baby if you are ill because you will pass powerful antibodies on to your child. However, check with your doctor first to make sure, because not every illness – and not every medication – is the same.
Everything Birth
At Everything Birth, we love supporting those who breastfeed and their little nurslings!