Breastfeeding Myths vs Facts

Breastfeeding plays a significant role in the development of a child and is a natural and essential way for mothers to nourish and bond with their newborns. Breastmilk, often referred to as “liquid gold” has numerous health benefits for both babies and mothers (ie: protecting against childhood infections for babies; decreased risk of breast and ovarian cancers for mothers). It is thought to be one of the most effective ways in ensuring a child’s health and survival. 

In Malaysia, the Malaysian Breastfeeding Policy encourages all mothers to exclusively breastfeed (not feeding anything else to the newborn except breastmilk) their children with breast milk from birth until at least 6 months old, continuing until two years of age. This is because breast milk contains all the nutrients and energy needed in the first 6 months of life, about half of an infant’s needs during the second 6 months of life, and up to a third during the 2nd year of life. Complementary foods should however also be accompanied by breastfeeding after 6 months to meet all the needed nutritional requirements. 

In light of world breastfeeding awareness week, let us explore some common myths and the corresponding facts: 

Myth 1: Breastfeeding is easy and will come naturally to every mother and baby.

Fact: While breastfeeding is a natural process, it can be challenging for many mothers and babies since it requires learning and practice for both of them. Though babies are born with the instinctual reflex to look for their mother’s breast, many mothers still need the practical support of correctly positioning their baby to breastfeed and ensuring their baby is correctly attached to the breast. 

Myth 2: Breastfeeding hurts and can lead to sore nipples. Saggy breasts are also inevitable.

Fact: Most mothers would experience discomfort in the first few days when they first start learning how to breastfeed. However, with the right support, correct attachment of the baby onto the mother’s breast, and proper positioning of the baby for breastfeeding, sore nipples can be avoided. 

Besides, the changes in breast appearance after breastfeeding are more likely due to genetics, age, and overall lifestyle factors than breastfeeding itself. This is because the ligaments supporting the breasts may stretch during pregnancy and breastfeeding, but fret not as they will gradually tighten again over time.

Myth 3: Washing the nipples before breastfeeding is important.

Fact: Not necessarily. Newborns are often already familiar with their mother’s natural scents and sounds, washing it with soap prior breastfeeding may disrupt that and cause them to not want to suck on the nipple during feedings. Moreover, the nipples naturally produce a substance with beneficial bacteria that aids in developing the baby’s lifelong healthy immune system for a healthier growth and development.

Myth 4: Breastfeeding mothers should stick with a strict diet and only eat plain foods while breastfeeding to prevent colic or allergies in their babies. 

Fact: Implementing a healthy, balanced diet for post-delivery mothers is beneficial for both mothers and babies. Generally, there is no need to change food habits or avoid specific foods as the babies are already exposed to their mothers’ food preferences since they are in the womb. If however the baby shows clear signs of sensitivity to something in the mother’s diet, then only the mother may need to make adjustments to her diet under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

Myth 5: Breastfeeding should be paused if the mother falls sick to avoid passing on the illness to her baby.

Fact: In most cases, it is safe to breastfeed as usual while the mother is sick. As a matter of fact, breast milk contains antibodies that are capable of protecting the baby from common childhood infections, diarrhea, pneumonia and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). On top of that, it is also noted that most illnesses are not transmissible through breast milk hence should not be of a big concern. 

Myth 6: Milk formulas are just as good and nutritious as breast milk. 

Fact: While formulas can provide adequate nutrition for babies who are not breastfed, breast milk offers unique benefits that milk formulas cannot replicate. Essentially, breast milk contains antibodies, enzymes and other bioactive components that help protect the baby against common infections as well as promote optimal growth and development while their own immune systems are still developing which all are found absent in milk formulas.

Myth 7: Breastfeeding prevents pregnancy.

Fact: While breastfeeding can delay the return of ovulation and menstruation for some women, it doesn’t entirely stop you from being pregnant. This is owing to the fact that the amount of time from childbirth to your menstruation cycle varies widely for every woman, regardless breastfeeding or not. Ovulation can still happen unknowingly before the menstrual cycle resumes, hence making it possible to get pregnant despite breastfeeding.

Myth 8: Small breasts produce less milk than larger breasts.

Fact: Milk production capacity is independent of breast size. The amount of milk a woman produces is based on the hormonal signals triggered by the baby’s demand for milk. It is also determined by how well the baby is latched onto the breast, the frequency of breastfeeding and how well the baby is removing milk with each feeding. Thus, women of all breast sizes can produce sufficient milk to meet their baby’s needs.

All in All

Breast milk is the best first gift a mother can give to her newborn and each breastfeeding journey is unique and personal. It is therefore wise to seek accurate information and support to have a positive and pleasant experience for both the matter and the baby. By debunking these myths, we hope to empower mothers and families to make informed decisions about breastfeeding, ultimately contributing to the health and well-being of both mothers and babies.

This article is written by Janelle Leong, Bpharm(Hons) (DOC2US),
reviewed by Dr. Izzan Nadira binti Ismi, MB Bch BAO (DOC2US)

References

1.  https://www.unicef.org/parenting/food-nutrition/14-myths-about-breastfeeding 
2.  https://healthmatters.nyp.org/seven-breastfeeding-myths-debunked/
3.  https://www.breastmilkcounts.com/getting-prepared/myths-and-facts-about-breastfeeding/ 
4.  https://www.healthline.com/health/breastfeeding/breastfeeding-myths#30-myths 
5.  https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/breastfeeding/Pages/Common-Myths-About-Breastfeeding.aspx 
6.  http://www.myhealth.gov.my/en/benefit-of-breastfeeding/ 
7.  https://nutriweb.org.my/picture/upload/file/Breastfeeding%20your%20little%20one.pdf

Written by

Janelle Leong, Bpharm(Hons) DOC2US