We all know that breast milk is the best source of food for our babies. Most mothers throughout the world understand this to be true. In order for you to be successful in breastfeeding, our midwives have listed the five most common misconceptions we have encountered with our breastfeeding moms.
1. Breastfeeding is easy
When we are presented with images of breastfeeding (which I am happy to say is becoming a normal sight nowadays), we are often bombarded with images of content healthy babies and happy mothers. What we do not see, are the trials and errors that mothers go through to get to that happy content, picture perfect state of satisfied moms and babes. We have to understand that breastfeeding takes time and effort and it is a learning curve for new babies and new mothers. Natural doesn’t always mean easy, dedication to breastfeeding sometimes means hard work.
2. Newborns need formula because there is no milk when the baby is born
In many cultures, there is the belief that new mothers do not have any milk to feed the baby and therefore need to give the baby formula until the milk comes in. The truth is that new moms have EVERYTHING that their babies need in the first few days of life. Women produce a substance from their breasts called colostrum. Colostrum is what we call ‘liquid gold’ because of its digestive benefits to baby. These benefits include the fact that colostrum is a laxative that causes meconium (the baby’s first poo) to come out. Colostrum is also packed with immunoglobulins which are building blocks that help to develop your baby’s immune system to fight off diseases, it contains the proteins, fats and vitamins that your baby’s muscles and essential organs (such as the brain, heart and eyes) need to develop and grow, and it reduces the chances of your baby developing jaundice.
What we often forget is that a newborn’s stomach is the size of a cooked chickpea and only needs drops to fill it up. Therefore, there is a risk of over-feeding your baby if you give them breast milk substitutes in the first few days. Not giving your baby colostrum, this miracle food, is preventing them from accessing important nutrients and other benefits linked to building a foundation of optimal health and well-being for the short and long term.
3. I need to bottle feed because I don’t know how much my baby is getting
A well-fed baby is one who is doing any of the following:
- Feeling satisfied after a feed at the breast (provided that they are getting a full feed).
- Is pooping and peeing well.
- Is gaining weight.
- Is emptying one breast per feed once the milk has ‘come in’ (a sign they are getting a full feed and hind milk—the fatty portion of breast milk).
4. My baby is always wanting to nurse and I don’t have enough milk
As in number 3 above, there are signs to look for to ensure your baby is well fed. Understanding normal newborn behaviour is essential to understanding why your baby may want to nurse ALL of the time. Here are some of the reasons why it seems like you are being milked dry:
- In the first few days of life your newborn breastfeeds what seems to be all of the time because they are trying to stimulate your milk to come in. The more they breastfeed, the quicker your milk comes in, AND the more they are put to the breast, the more they get of that sweet delicious ‘liquid gold’—colostrum.
- When the milk comes in (on average on the 3rd day), babies tend to cluster feed. This is their way of stimulating your breasts to produce the amount of milk your baby demands (which usually means very engorged breasts).
Your baby typically goes through a growth spurt during the first few days of life, then again between 7-10 days, 2-3 weeks, 4-6 weeks, then at 3, 4, 6 and 9 months of age. During growth spurts your baby’s increased demand for food is their way of telling your breasts (which in turn tell your brain), that they need more milk. This is your classic supply and demand relationship. Unfortunately though, most women see this increased demand from baby as a sign that their milk is not enough, and end up feeding breast milk substitutes, which ultimately interferes with the supply and demand cycle and becomes what some would coin a ‘self-fulfilling prophecy’.
This interrupted cycle results in the mother not being able to produce enough milk to meet her baby’s needs and the breastfeeding relationship begins to diminish as the mother and baby will rely more and more on breast milk substitutes which will eventually lead to a decrease in milk supply.
5. Babies need water to drink
Human breast milk has everything your baby needs to grow and thrive. It has the perfect balance of nutrients, proteins, fats, vitamins and water that your baby needs. Breast milk also has the ability to change depending on the climate, environment, illness, and your growing baby’s nutritional demands. So the best way to quench your baby’s thirst is to put them to the breast.
One of the biggest influences of successful breastfeeding is having a supportive family and social network. We often see women who are constantly encouraged to give the bottle because of a cultural misconception of breastfeeding, or lack of knowledge. Women who are determined to breastfeed do so because they are aware of the many benefits it has for both moms and babies. Sometimes it is this determination that women need to help build knowledge and confidence to succeed at breastfeeding.
We know you can do it, and we are here to help!
-The AMMA Midwives team
For more information and support for breastfeeding, please visit these websites:
The Doctors Breastfeeding clinic
Is a local clinic in Brampton that will support you through your breastfeeding concerns with one on one in person assistance.
Offers peer support with breastfeeding in person and online
Will provide you with a wealth of information on breastfeeding. You can watch videos on proper latch and hold as well as give you troubleshooting advice when you need the extra support.
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