It is time to burst these seven breastfeeding myths

Here are some common myths that prevent many mothers from breastfeeding. I will discuss some of these myths in my capacity as an Early Childhood Development Fellow witgh the International Centre for Journalists (ICFJ) based on my discussions with lactation experts from the World Alliance For Breastfeeding (WABA) during the 71st World Health Assembly in Geneva. Well, the health benefits of breastfeeding to both the baby and the mother cannot be overemphasized.

There are many benefits of exclusive breastfeeding like providing antibodies which help in boosting immunity which acts as the first vaccine when the baby is born. It goes a long way in helping in brain development and preventing obesity. These are just some few benefits of breastfeeding, although a lot of research has been done on the superiority of breast milk over other alternative baby foods such as formula. So breastfeeding for babies is the best thing to give your baby. So let’s look at some of the myths that mothers often hear about breastfeeding.

1. Small breasts do not produce enough milk

I have often heard from women who were told that those with small breasts would starve their babies, as they can not produce enough milk. The truth is that your breasts can produce milk regardless of size because the breast milk tissue you need to breastfeed your baby will grow in response to the pregnancy regardless of size. So size of your breast should not stop you from nursing your baby.

2. You should not breastfeed if the milk duct is blocked

There are times when a breastfeeding mother may have blocked milk ducts that make the breast painful so they are afraid to breastfeeding. The truth is that the baby should actually breastfeed during this time to cleanse the channels faster. In addition to breast massage with warm water, breastfeeding is the better treatment.

3. Nursing baby can not sleep well if not supplemented with solids

An old woman told me three years ago that my baby would not sleep well at night if I did not complement the diet of the baby. I almost believed her, but my lactation expert Dr Mariam Noorani was just a phone call away, and she told me to continue breastfeeding until the baby is six months. Breast milk is sufficient and babies are satisfied. I’m glad I did not pay attention to the old lady.

4. A bottle of cow’s milk is better than breast milk

Well, the truth is that cow’s milk is for the calf and not for the baby when you can breastfeed. It contains very little iron, vitamin E, C and D, unsaturated fatty acids for human babies. It is indeed harder for a baby to digest and ingest cow’s milk. So the mother’s milk is still the best choice.

5. Breastfeeding makes the baby too clingy/dependent

The truth is that babies who benefit longer from exclusive breastfeeding become very independent later in life. So do not stop breastfeeding just because you think the baby is very dependent on you.

6. The baby should be weaned as soon as the mother returns to work

But who actually came up with this lie? The mother should either express the milk or pump enough and leave it for the consumption of the baby during work. This ensures that the baby consumes the breast milk. All you have to do is maintain a constant supply of nutritious snacks, healthy lunch and plenty of water to ensure adequate milk supply. My workplace has no room for breastfeeding mothers to pump milk, but I managed to pump enough milk under my desk twice a day and put it in my cooler bag when I had my first baby. Sometimes a colleague let me use her car for this purpose. With my second baby, I pushed to be given a place to pump and I was allowed to use the kitchen.

7. Breastfeeding in public is a taboo

If adults can eat anywhere they want, why not babies? Babies should be breastfed when they are hungry. If there are no breastfeeding stations, then sit back wherever you are, relax and let the baby breastfeed. Ignore those strange stares while at it, they all breastfed.

Breastfeeding is the foundation of life that should be promoted and protected to achieve optimal growth, development and health of infants.

 The author is an Early Childhood Development Fellow with the International Center for Journalists (ICFJ)

This article was first published in the Citizen on this link: https://www.thecitizen.co.tz/magazine/Bursting-common-myths-on-breastfeeding/1840564-4700198-iiljoi/index.html