Are breastfeeding myths making you doubt your personal functionality as a mom? A gynaecologist shares myths vs details each new mother should know.
The World Breastfeeding Week 2025 theme ‘Prioritize Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Help Techniques’, stresses on not simply on consciousness however on motion. It’s a reminder that breastfeeding success just isn’t merely a results of a mom’s will, but in addition concerning the high quality of accessible assist. This assist additionally interprets into embracing details over breastfeeding myths. In accordance with a senior gynaecologist, social delusion, absence of systemic assist, and misinformation can lead even essentially the most dedicated moms to doubt themselves.
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist Dr Charulata Bansal shares with Well being Pictures, among the commonest myths about breastfeeding that proceed to be handed down one era after one other.
Breastfeeding Fantasy: “If I don’t lactate instantly after beginning, I received’t be capable to breastfeed.”
Reality: Late lactogenesis is regular and never failure. The Indian Council of Medical Analysis (ICMR) and World Well being Group state that colostrum, the preliminary milk sort, is secreted in small quantities and adequate for a new child’s necessities for the preliminary days. Mature milk often begins on day 3–5 after supply, as per research. Rooming-in and early feeding within the preliminary hour of beginning strongly enhances long-term lactation outcomes. ICMR advises onset of breastfeeding inside 1 hour of supply and unique feeding for six months.
Breastfeeding Fantasy: “Small breasts can’t produce sufficient milk.”
Reality: Milk manufacturing is set by useful breast tissue, not by breast measurement. Research carried out and printed within the Indian Journal of Paediatrics confirm that breast measurement has no correlation with lactation skill. Milk is a supply-demand system the extra the infant sucks, the extra milk is generated. As per a examine carried out by the Nationwide Institute of Vitamin, greater than 85% of moms had been able to producing sufficient milk no matter breast or physique sort after they had been taught correct feeding methods.
Breastfeeding Fantasy: “It’s worthwhile to comply with a particular weight-reduction plan to breastfeed.”
Reality: A nutritious, selfmade Indian weight-reduction plan usually offers for lactation necessities. ICMR’s Nutrient Necessities for Indians suggests an additional 500 energy a day for lactating ladies. Fluids, iron, calcium, and protein are important, however there is no such thing as a proof that almost all meals “spoil” milk until an allergy is detected within the toddler. Spices reminiscent of jeera (cumin) and ajwain (carom seeds), generally included in Indian diets throughout the postpartum interval, could also be useful for digestion however aren’t medically mandatory.
Breastfeeding Fantasy: “You shouldn’t breastfeed in case you’re sick.”
Reality: In most diseases, continued breastfeeding will safeguard your toddler. Antibodies within the breast milk assist develop the immunity of the toddler. WHO and ICMR advocate that even throughout delicate infections reminiscent of chilly, flu, or fever, feeding must be continued with easy hygienic precautions. There are some exceptions, as an example, if the mom is on particular drugs or has energetic TB or HIV, search recommendation from a well being care supplier for particular recommendation.
Breastfeeding Fantasy: “If my child cries typically, it means I’m not producing sufficient milk.”
Reality: Crying just isn’t all the time linked to starvation. In accordance with Unicef and ICMR paediatric panels, starvation is only one of many causes infants cry. Test for weight acquire and moist diapers at the very least 6–8 moist nappies per day point out sufficient milk consumption. Progress spurts, occurring at 7–10 days, 2–3 weeks, or 6 weeks, could result in non permanent irritability and cluster feeding. Somewhat than switching to system instantly, increase with feedings and search the help of a lactation marketing consultant.
Breastfeeding Fantasy: “Method is simply nearly as good as breast milk.”
Reality: Though system is appropriate, when mandatory, breast milk continues to be the best selection. ICMR information signifies that unique breastfeeding can decrease toddler deaths by 13% in India and reduces the dangers of diarrhoea, pneumonia, and allergic reactions. Breast milk additionally adjusts in accordance with the dietary necessities of the infant, versus system. Breastfeeding additionally results in increased IQ scores and lowers the chance of weight problems and kind 2 diabetes later in life.
By debunking breastfeeding myths, the hassle is to eradicate stigma and normalize the difficulties ladies could face throughout this journey.
