10 Myths of breastfeeding mothers that need to be debunked

Just like during pregnancy, when breastfeeding, many people forbid and advise you to do something that has become a habit. Because, there are several things that are believed to be the myths of breastfeeding mothers since time immemorial.

Whether true or not, but this habit has been passed down through generations so that many breastfeeding mothers still follow it. Is this true or is it just a myth of breastfeeding mothers, huh?

The myth of breastfeeding mothers who need to be found out the truth

The process of breastfeeding a baby that should run smoothly can sometimes be hampered by one or two breastfeeding myths.

In fact, the truth of the myth of breastfeeding mothers that has been circulating in the community is unclear. In order not to be mistaken, consider the following myths and truths about breastfeeding for mothers:

Breastfeeding mother myth 1: Small breasts produce less milk

Logically speaking, if small breasts produce less milk, then large breasts produce more milk, right? But unfortunately, this is just a myth for breastfeeding mothers.

The milk produced by the mother does not depend on the size of the mother's breast. Small breasts are also very capable of producing a lot of milk, just like larger breasts.

The reason is, milk production is not determined by the size of the mammary glands in the breast which is generally not determined by breast size.

The mammary glands in the breast will grow and develop since pregnancy. So, then when the baby is born, the mother's breasts can produce milk for the first time or initiate early breastfeeding (IMD).

Launching from Healthy Children, the size and shape of the breasts and nipples of each breastfeeding mother is different. No breast or nipple feature is said to be perfect for breastfeeding.

Breasts of any size and shape can perform their function of breastfeeding well.

Myth 2: The baby is breastfeeding more often means that he is not getting enough milk

Exclusive breastfeeding is the main food for babies until they are approximately six months old. This is because there are many good benefits of breast milk to support the baby's growth and development.

Newborn babies usually breastfeed more often. The frequency of breastfeeding a baby's milk decreases with age.

It is normal to have less frequent baby feeds and should not worry you.

If the baby is breastfeeding more often does not mean that the baby is getting less milk. This is just a myth of breastfeeding mothers which is certainly not true.

Breast milk is more easily absorbed by the baby's digestive system. Babies who are breastfed generally feel hungry and thirsty faster than babies who drink formula milk.

So, there is usually a difference in the frequency of breastfeeding a baby with mixed milk formula (sufor), although it is not too obvious.

Myth 3: Breast milk contains fewer nutrients after the first year

This statement is also just a myth of breastfeeding mothers. Mother's milk continues to provide good nutritional content until the baby is two years old.

However, as the baby continues to grow, the baby's nutritional needs also increase. When the baby is more than six months old, breastfeeding alone is no longer able to meet the baby's needs.

Therefore, you need to provide baby solids or complementary foods. Introducing babies to complementary foods or solid foods can still be accompanied by breastfeeding but in different frequencies and quantities.

If for one reason or another the mother is no longer able to provide breast milk, breastfeeding can be replaced with formula milk.

Breastfeeding myth 4: Breastfeeding makes breasts and nipples sore

When you are learning breastfeeding for the first time, you may feel some discomfort in your breasts and nipples.

In fact, breastfeeding is not painful and the claim is just a myth. However, the nipples can feel more sensitive when breastfeeding due to an increase in hormone levels after childbirth.

Not only that, the contact between the breast and the baby that occurs more frequently during breastfeeding also increases the sensitivity of the nipples.

In order to feel more comfortable during breastfeeding, you can apply the right breastfeeding position. Although nipples tend to be more sensitive when breastfeeding, do not ignore them if you experience unusual nipple pain.

Unusual nipple pain is one of the problems of breastfeeding mothers.

If the nipple hurts abnormally, you should immediately consult a doctor to determine the cause and treatment.

If later you are given medication to deal with complaints of the nipples, the doctor will certainly provide a drug that is safe for breastfeeding mothers.

Myth 5: The longer the breastfeeding, the more difficult it is for the baby to be fed

As mentioned earlier, babies can start to be given solid food around the age of six months.

However, a baby's development and readiness to accept solid food can come at different times.

It's best to introduce your baby to solid foods when he and you are ready. Introducing and giving complementary foods to babies has nothing to do with the length of time the baby is breastfed, so this is just a myth for breastfeeding mothers.

That is why, it is not a problem to continue breastfeeding as long as it is possible while applying the right way of weaning children later.

Myth 6: Don't wake a sleeping baby to feed

Usually, newborns sleep for a longer period of time. If your baby is allowed to sleep for too long, he may miss the time that he should be using breast milk.

Therefore, do not hesitate to wake up a sleeping newborn to want to suckle.

According to the Indonesian Doctors Association (IDAI), it is best to wake up a newborn who is still asleep when it has been four hours since breastfeeding.

Apart from a more regular schedule for breastfeeding the baby, waking the baby up to feed also helps stimulate the mother's production of more milk.

Newborn babies need to breastfeed 8-12 times a day. It is important that you provide breast milk on schedule so that the baby gets enough nutrition.

Breastfeeding myth 7: Breastfeeding will change the shape of your breasts

Changes in breast shape are not only caused by breastfeeding, but also because of your pregnancy.

Age, the effects of gravity, and weight can also affect breast shape.

After all, breast shape can always change after pregnancy. These changes in breast shape are nothing compared to the benefits of breastfeeding for your breasts.

Myth 8: Resting your breasts can produce more milk

Again, this is just a myth of breastfeeding mothers. In fact, the more often you breastfeed your baby, the more milk will be produced in the breast.

Conversely, if you think that your breasts need rest and you end up skipping breastfeeding your baby, this could have an effect on milk production.

However, if the baby is full and is breastfeeding enough while the milk is still filling the breast, you can pump the milk.

Don't forget to pay attention to how to store breast milk so that it lasts until it's time for it to be given to the baby.

Breastfeed your baby or use a breast pump regularly to keep your milk production smooth.

Myth 9: Breastfeeding can prevent pregnancy

Breast milk can indeed prevent pregnancy if you are exclusively breastfeeding or the baby is less than 6 months old.

This is often known as the lactational amenorrhea method. This lactation amenorrhea method also applies if your menstrual period has not returned.

The hormones involved in breastfeeding can prevent ovulation and so can hinder your ability to get pregnant again for several months after giving birth.

However, this myth of nursing mothers only applies as long as you have not had your period at all since giving birth.

If you have another menstrual period after giving birth, you need contraception to prevent pregnancy.

It is better if you consult with your doctor which contraceptives are safe to use while you are breastfeeding, especially if you are not planning to get pregnant again.