Breastfeeding, also called nursing, is the process of feeding your new-born baby your breast milk, usually directly from your breasts. Obstetricians and gynecologists recommend mothers to breastfeed their baby for, at least, six months from the day they are born. Even when your baby starts eating other food, it is recommended to breastfeed for a year.

With breastfeeding, comes a lot of opinions from family and friends as well as the internet. It can be overwhelming to get so much information which can lead to confusion and create doubts about breastfeeding. That’s why it is important to understand what is the truth and what is not meant to be believed.

Dr Gouri Gupta, fertility specialist with more than 12 years of experience, has busted some of the most common myths associated with breastfeeding. Let’s have a look.

Myth 1: Appearance Of Your Nipples Affect Your Breastfeeding Capabilities.

Fact: Every woman’s nipples are of different shape and size. There is no ideal appearance of breasts required for breastfeeding success. Note that all the babies are also born different. The size of the tongue, mouth, lips etc. is different for different babies. Breastfeeding experience depends on the anatomic compatibility between the mother and the child.

Myth 2: Breastfeeding Causes Pain And Sore Nipples.

Fact: The truth is that such kind of discomfort is caused due improper latch technique. It can be entirely prevented by learning to latch properly. Consult your paediatrician or gynaecologist to learn how to latch properly.

Myth 3: Women Should Drink More Milk To Produce Milk.

Fact: The production of milk is not entirely dependent on the consumption of milk. It depends on various factors such as having a balanced diet. The body draws nutrients from the women’s body to add to her breast milk. Drinking milk has nothing to do with the supply of breast milk. However, it is important to stay hydrated and consume a well-rounded, healthy diet. An undernourished mother will become further undernourished while her body continues to draw nutrients from her body.

Myth 4: Baby Food Formula Is Equal To Breast Milk.

Fact: This is completely false. Formula cannot be compared with breast milk. If due to some genuine reason you are feeding formula to your baby, then it’s ok. But otherwise, breast milk is the ideal food for your baby. Breast milk prepares your baby for food by coating and closing the normal openings in the lining of the baby’s intestines. Breast milk is easily digested by the baby and is super healthy for your baby. It increases baby’s immunity to prevent them from falling sick. Babies who breastfeed experience less spitting issues and gas problems. Breast milk can be considered as a “medicine” rather than food for your baby.

Myth 5: Babies Naturally Know How To Breastfeed.

Fact: Babies are born with natural infant reflexes. Infant reflexes such as suck reflex and rooting reflex can help with breastfeeding. Baby’s reflex of sucking anything that touches their roof of their mouth is called sucking reflex. Baby’s instinct of turning their head towards anything that is stroking those cheeks and mouth is called rooting reflex. Despite of these reflexes, mothers can face problem in breastfeeding their babies. Breastfeeding needs to be learned and practiced by the mother and the child.

The breastfeeding experience is different for every mother. At DZIRE IVF, Dr. Gouri Sultane helps women accomplish their breastfeeding goals and overcome challenges. We hope the above facts help you with your breastfeeding experience and answer any questions you have. For any other queries related to breastfeeding, feel free to call on 9076006060 or fill this form to receive a call back.