Breastfeeding – Myths and Facts
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Breastfeeding is feeding breast milk to an infant. The infant is either directly fed from the breasts or is pumped and fed from a bottle. A woman starts lactating as soon as she gives birth. The first milk, known as colostrum, is thick and yellowish and is said to be crucial in a newborn’s development. The frequency of breastfeeding depends on every child, the frequency is usually 2-3 hours.
There are a lot of myths about breastfeeding floating around, check this article to know which ones are myths and which ones are facts!
Myth – Feeding formulas can replace breast milk
Fact – Nothing can replace breast milk. Modern formulas are generically formulated for babies, while a mother’s breast milk caters to the baby’s needs specifically. It changes to meet the baby’s requirements. A mother’s breast milk contains several immuno-nutrients that help the babies acquire immunity. Modern formulas cannot provide these nutrients.
Myth – Breastfeeding can make you gain more weight
Fact – A breastfeeding woman burns around 500 calories extra while she nurses her child. Therefore, it is the other way round, breastfeeding helps in losing the baby weight. It is also important to regulate hormones and bring a woman’s body back to normal postpartum. Breastfeeding is not just important for the baby, it is also equally important for the mother.
Myth – Babies should be given water along with breastmilk to avoid dehydration
Fact – Many medical boards and organizations including the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists strongly recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life. Babies do not need water or any other food for the first 6 months, they receive all they need through the breastmilk – water, energy, nutrients, everything.
Myth – Babies should be fed every 2 hours
Fact – Every baby has a different appetite and different requirements. There cannot be a blanket rule when it comes to the frequency of nursing. The frequency should simply be as and when the baby needs it. Some babies might need it at the interval of 2-3 hours and some might need it sooner. The only rule is, feed as and when the baby needs it.
Myth – Stick to a bland diet while you are breastfeeding
Fact – Your diet indeed affects breastmilk, but the effect of your diet on the taste of the milk is almost negligible. So you need not turn down your favorite food. Some common food allergens like peanuts, shellfish, nuts can make the baby cranky or show some effect if it is allergic to those foods in 12-24 hours. Maintaining a food diary can help you understand and keep better track of such foods.
Myth – Small breasts produce less breastmilk
Fact – This is one of the most common misconceptions, and it is of course a myth. Bread size has got nothing to do with the quantity of breastmilk. As a matter of fact, in some cases, the size of breasts increases as a result of milk storing ducts. The quantity of breastmilk only depends on the right latching of the baby to the breasts.
Myth – Breastmilk should be produced in abundance right after birth
Fact – Soon after the birth, thick and yellowish milk is produced. It is called ‘colostrum’. It is produced in a little less quantity as compared to regular breastmilk owing to its rich composition. It is produced just as much as the baby requires. After the first few days, breastmilk is produced in more quantities as the baby’s requirements and appetite increase.
Having said that, there are cases where breastmilk production is inadequate and falls short to meet the baby’s requirements. This can be a result of factors such as complications during childbirth, hormonal imbalance, obesity, and stress or anxiety. Since no modern formula can replace breastmilk, the best solution is to boost lactation. andMe brings to you the perfect blend of ayurvedic herbs, protein, and essential vitamins and nutrients to boost lactation.
AndMe’s lactation booster drink is packed with nutrients. A spoonful of this lactation booster each day will provide the goodness of B vitamins, selenium, choline, calcium, iron, DHA. It is formulated with age-old ayurvedic herbs like turmeric, Shatavari, Anise seeds, fenugreek, moringa, etc. It helps in managing stress and anxiety; it is not just beneficial for the mother but also aids the infant’s growth and helps in building its immunity. Andre’s lactation booster is 100% vegan, it is free from any preservatives and harmful chemicals because we understand, nothing is more important than your baby’s health.
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