![\"breastfeeding\"](\"https:\/\/www.1mg.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/4147.webp\" "\\"9")
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Breastfeeding is often called \u201cthe best feeding,\u201d but it can be challenging for new moms. Some women face many difficulties, while others may not.<\/span><\/p>\n The first week of August marks World Breastfeeding Week, a dedicated time to raise awareness about the importance of breastfeeding and to encourage support for nursing mothers around the globe. The WHO and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months, followed by continued breastfeeding with complementary foods for up to 2 years or beyond*.<\/span><\/p>\n If you face any difficulties with breastfeeding, it’s important to ask for help.<\/b><\/p>\n Seek Help<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n This World Breastfeeding Week, let\u2019s debunk some of the common breastfeeding myths and shed light on<\/span> why it is important to breastfeed<\/b><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n Not everything you hear about breastfeeding is true. Let\u2019s separate fact from myths and support your journey with clarity.<\/span><\/p>\n Myth 1: Your breasts will sag if you breastfeed.<\/b><\/p>\n Fact:<\/b> This is a common misconception that discourages many women from breastfeeding. During pregnancy, the breasts naturally enlarge, which can stretch the supporting ligaments. Breast sagging is influenced by factors like age, weight changes, pregnancy, and genetics, not breastfeeding itself. These natural changes your body goes through during and after pregnancy can lead to sagging over time, regardless of whether you choose to breastfeed.<\/span><\/p>\n Myth 2: Breastfeeding acts as a birth control measure.<\/b><\/p>\n Fact:<\/b> According to a few experts, breastfeeding can act as natural contraception. It is known as the lactational amenorrhea method or LAM, which means not being able to menstruate when breastfeeding. It is based on a simple principle that when you breastfeed your baby exclusively, you do not ovulate and thus, the chances of getting pregnant are less, especially during the first 3 months of nursing. However, this option is only 98% effective, so you may need to consult your gynecologist about other methods of contraception.<\/span><\/p>\n Myth 3: Women with smaller breasts produce less breast milk.<\/b><\/p>\n Fact:<\/b> This is completely not true as the size of the breasts doesn\u2019t affect the production of breast milk. In fact, the production of milk is determined by the stimulation of the mammary glands and proper latching of the kid while feeding. Moreover, the size of the breast is determined by the presence of fatty tissue and not the tissue where milk ducts are present. Women with small breasts can produce just as much milk as those with larger breasts.<\/span><\/p>\n Myth 4: Moms need to nurse the baby around the clock.<\/b><\/p>\n Fact:<\/b> Not really. Just like adults, even babies have their own eating patterns, which can vary from 45 minutes to every 3 hours. The point here is not how often you should feed, but feed when your baby is hungry (on demand). Hence, it is not about feeding every 2 hours but how much feed your baby needs.<\/span><\/p>\n Myth 5: It doesn\u2019t matter if you\u2019re on medication, you can still breastfeed.<\/b><\/p>\n Fact:<\/b> This is only partially true. While many medications are safe to take while breastfeeding, some can pass into breast milk and may affect your baby. That\u2019s why certain medicines carry warnings for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. If you’re unsure about a medication, always consult your doctor to understand its safety and any possible risks while nursing.<\/span><\/p>\n Myth 6: You should stop breastfeeding if you have a blocked milk duct.<\/b><\/p>\n Fact:<\/b> Blocked ducts often result from milk buildup, and continuing to breastfeed is actually one of the best ways to relieve them. Frequent nursing helps clear the blockage and can prevent infections like mastitis. Applying a warm compress before feeding may ease discomfort. If symptoms persist or worsen, consult your doctor.<\/span><\/p>\n Myth 7: Breastfeeding causes pain and sore nipples.<\/b><\/p>\n Fact:<\/b> If your baby latches on to the breast properly while breastfeeding, then the possibility of breast pain and sore nipples is very low. Ask your doctor, nurse, or lactation consultant about the right way to hold and position your baby to help your baby latch properly. The pain and discomfort caused by an improper latch while nursing can be easily prevented.<\/span><\/p>\n Curious about the right way to hold your baby while nursing? Check this out: <\/span>5 Ideal Positions For Breastfeeding<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n Myth 8: Mothers must stop breastfeeding if they fall sick.<\/b><\/p>\n Fact:<\/b> In most cases, mothers can safely continue breastfeeding while sick. By the time symptoms appear, the baby has likely already been exposed, and breast milk provides valuable antibodies that help protect the baby or reduce the severity of illness. Common illnesses like colds or flu are not reasons to stop nursing. However, mothers with certain infections like HIV, untreated active tuberculosis, or HTLV-1 should not breastfeed. Always consult your doctor if you\u2019re unsure.<\/span><\/p>\n Myth 9: Breastfeeding mothers need to follow a special diet.<\/b><\/p>\n Fact:<\/b> There\u2019s no need for a special \u201cbreastfeeding diet\u201d or a strict list of foods to avoid. Most mothers can continue eating the same foods they enjoyed before. Around the world, women breastfeed while eating a wide variety of traditional and spicy foods. What matters most is a balanced, nutritious diet that keeps the mother healthy. <\/span>The mother will make good milk regardless of what food she eats.<\/span><\/p>\n Breastfeeding is both a deeply personal and beautiful journey. It offers remarkable benefits for both mother and baby. Breast milk is not only the most natural and complete source of nutrition, but it also adapts as your baby grows, meeting their changing needs. Beyond nourishment, it provides powerful protection against various short- and long-term illnesses.<\/span><\/p>\n For mothers, breastfeeding lowers the risk of breast and ovarian cancers, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure. Babies who are breastfed are less likely to develop asthma, obesity, type 1 diabetes, ear infections, severe respiratory illnesses, and even face a lower risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)*.<\/span><\/p>\n Every mom and baby is unique, so embrace your experience and find what works best for you.<\/span><\/p>\n Q: How do I know if my baby is still hungry after breastfeeding?<\/b><\/p>\n A: You need to cue from your baby. The baby might still be hungry and may show certain signs of sucking on hands, fussiness, or not seeming satisfied after a feed. If your baby has steady weight gain, regular wet diapers (6+ diapers in a day), and seems generally content, they\u2019re likely getting enough milk.<\/span><\/p>\n Q:<\/b> What is the right time to stop breastfeeding?<\/b><\/p>\n A: According to the World Health Organization, a mother should breastfeed for the first 6 months exclusively and continue breastfeeding along with solid foods up to 2 years or beyond*. <\/span>Breastfeeding is both a deeply personal and beautiful journey.<\/span> Ultimately, it should be a personal decision based on what works best for the mother and baby.<\/span><\/p>\n Q: Is breastfeeding painful?<\/b><\/p>\n A: When you start initially, breastfeeding may be painful, especially in the first few days. But this discomfort or pain should not be persistent. An ongoing pain could be a sign of issues like poor latch or infection, and you should seek help from a lactation consultant or doctor.<\/span><\/p>\n Q: What are breast milk benefits?<\/b><\/p>\n A: For babies, breast milk provides complete nutrition tailored to your baby\u2019s needs. It lowers the baby\u2019s risk of infections, allergies, asthma, and chronic conditions, and provides enhanced immunity. For mothers. It reduces the risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure.<\/span><\/p>\n Q: <\/b>Is formula better than breast milk?<\/b><\/p>\n A: Breast milk is often seen as the ideal food for babies because it contains natural nutrients and protective antibodies. However, formula is a safe and healthy alternative when breastfeeding isn\u2019t possible or preferred. Both support a baby\u2019s growth, but breast milk offers extra immune protection.<\/span><\/p>\n (The article is written by<\/b> Dr.Subita Alagh, Senior Executive,<\/b><\/a> and reviewed by <\/b>Monalisa Deka, Senior Health Content Editor<\/b><\/a>)<\/b><\/p>\n Recommended Reads:<\/b><\/p>\n 7 Things That You Must Be Aware Of Breastfeeding<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n The 5 Foods to Eat While Breastfeeding<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n References:<\/b><\/p>\n9 Common Breastfeeding Myths And Facts<\/span><\/h2>\n
![\"saggy](\"https:\/\/www.1mg.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/1209.webp\")
<\/p>\n![\"pregnancy\"](\"https:\/\/www.1mg.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/2149430806.webp\")
<\/p>\n![\"low](\"https:\/\/www.1mg.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/32248.webp\")
<\/p>\n![\"around](\"https:\/\/www.1mg.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/6600798.webp\")
<\/p>\n![\"meds\"](\"https:\/\/www.1mg.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/2149561559.webp\")
<\/p>\n![\"blocked](\"https:\/\/www.1mg.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/21929041.webp\")
<\/p>\n![\"sore](\"https:\/\/www.1mg.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/2148094109.webp\")
<\/p>\n![\"sick\"](\"https:\/\/www.1mg.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/2151098542.webp\")
<\/p>\n![\"diet\"](\"https:\/\/www.1mg.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/32360.webp\")
<\/b><\/a><\/p>\nBottom line<\/span><\/h2>\n
FAQs<\/span><\/h2>\n