Breastfeeding Myths
There are many breastfeeding myths.
Some go back a number of generations.
This article will attempt to get to the bottom of some of the myths.
One common breastfeeding myth is that it is normal for breastfeeding to hurt.
This is not true.
Pain that is constant is not normal.
For the first few days of breastfeeding you can expect to experience some tenderness, however, this should go away.
If the pain exists after the first 5 or 6 days you should go and see a healthcare professional.
Your family doctor, nurses or lactation consultants would be a good place to start.
It is possible that you may have a yeast infection that will need to be treated.
Reducing the feeding time, for example feeding for 10 minutes instead of 20 minutes, will not help with the soreness.
If you have had no pain breastfeeding for a while then all of a sudden you start experiencing pain to your nipples, it may be a yeast infection.
Again it is recommended that you see a medical professional to get treatment.
One myth that pops up a lot is that mothers who bleed from their nipples should stop breastfeeding.
This is not exactly the case.
A little bit of blood should not have an affect on your baby.
When your baby spits up there may be some blood.
There may also be some blood in your baby's bowel movement, however, it should not harm your baby.
Typically bleeding nipples are related to pain.
As mentioned earlier if your nipples are painful when feeding you should go see a healthcare professional.
Another myth is that a mother must drink a lot more liquids and eat more food to replenish their breast milk.
Well this is not true either.
You only need to eat and drink to satisfy your hunger and thirst.
Your body will let you know when you need fluids.
When you feel thirsty that is your body telling you it is dehydrated and needs more fluids.
In terms of food it is recommended that you eat a healthy balanced diet.
It has more to do with your health and not with what gets transferred to your baby during feeding.
Your baby will get what they need from you without you having to change your diet.
The final myth may just be one of the biggest breastfeeding myths.
It is that breastfeeding is completely natural.
That mother and child will make it happen right away with no problems.
Unfortunately that is not correct.
When your baby is born their natural instinct will be to want to feed right away.
However, a mother is not always sure exactly what to do.
Most mothers need help breastfeeding.
If you find yourself having problems breastfeeding it could be your baby's latch or your body position.
However, it you cannot work it out do not worry.
There are plenty of resources available.
You can go to a lactation clinic, get help from a lactation consultant, midwife or nurse.
To help relieve improper latching, sore or cracked nipples it is best to get breastfeeding help or support early on.
Not getting help could create a lot of stress and anxiety.
Remember there are plenty of resources available to you to get support.
Some go back a number of generations.
This article will attempt to get to the bottom of some of the myths.
One common breastfeeding myth is that it is normal for breastfeeding to hurt.
This is not true.
Pain that is constant is not normal.
For the first few days of breastfeeding you can expect to experience some tenderness, however, this should go away.
If the pain exists after the first 5 or 6 days you should go and see a healthcare professional.
Your family doctor, nurses or lactation consultants would be a good place to start.
It is possible that you may have a yeast infection that will need to be treated.
Reducing the feeding time, for example feeding for 10 minutes instead of 20 minutes, will not help with the soreness.
If you have had no pain breastfeeding for a while then all of a sudden you start experiencing pain to your nipples, it may be a yeast infection.
Again it is recommended that you see a medical professional to get treatment.
One myth that pops up a lot is that mothers who bleed from their nipples should stop breastfeeding.
This is not exactly the case.
A little bit of blood should not have an affect on your baby.
When your baby spits up there may be some blood.
There may also be some blood in your baby's bowel movement, however, it should not harm your baby.
Typically bleeding nipples are related to pain.
As mentioned earlier if your nipples are painful when feeding you should go see a healthcare professional.
Another myth is that a mother must drink a lot more liquids and eat more food to replenish their breast milk.
Well this is not true either.
You only need to eat and drink to satisfy your hunger and thirst.
Your body will let you know when you need fluids.
When you feel thirsty that is your body telling you it is dehydrated and needs more fluids.
In terms of food it is recommended that you eat a healthy balanced diet.
It has more to do with your health and not with what gets transferred to your baby during feeding.
Your baby will get what they need from you without you having to change your diet.
The final myth may just be one of the biggest breastfeeding myths.
It is that breastfeeding is completely natural.
That mother and child will make it happen right away with no problems.
Unfortunately that is not correct.
When your baby is born their natural instinct will be to want to feed right away.
However, a mother is not always sure exactly what to do.
Most mothers need help breastfeeding.
If you find yourself having problems breastfeeding it could be your baby's latch or your body position.
However, it you cannot work it out do not worry.
There are plenty of resources available.
You can go to a lactation clinic, get help from a lactation consultant, midwife or nurse.
To help relieve improper latching, sore or cracked nipples it is best to get breastfeeding help or support early on.
Not getting help could create a lot of stress and anxiety.
Remember there are plenty of resources available to you to get support.
Source...